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Robert Lewandowski has declared he will not represent Poland at international level again as long as Michal Probierz remains head coach, citing a breakdown in trust between the pair.
The Barcelona striker, who is Poland's all-time top scorer with 85 goals and their most capped player with 158 appearances, was left out of the squad for June fixtures against Moldova and Finland. His absence was initially explained by "physical and mental tiredness" following a demanding club campaign.
Probierz responded by naming Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski as captain for the upcoming matches. That decision appears to have solidified Lewandowski’s stance.
"Taking into account the circumstances and a loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Poland national team for as long as he remains in charge," Lewandowski announced on X (formerly Twitter).
"I hope that I will be able to play for the best fans in the world again."
Lewandowski had missed several key games for Barcelona in the closing stages of the 2024–25 season, including the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and the Champions League semi-final first leg versus Inter Milan, due to a hamstring issue. However, he returned to play in the final three La Liga matches, helping secure the club’s 28th Spanish title and finishing the season with 42 goals in 52 appearances.
Despite returning to fitness, the 36-year-old informed Polish media that he did not feel prepared—mentally or physically—for national duty this month.
"Returning from injury, I told Coach Probierz that I did not feel good physically, but especially mentally," he explained earlier this week.
Probierz, who was appointed Poland boss in September 2023 after previously leading the U21 side, helped the team qualify for Euro 2024. However, Poland exited at the group stage without winning a match, becoming the first side eliminated from the tournament.
In Lewandowski’s absence, Zielinski captained Poland to a 2-0 win over Moldova in a friendly, with a key World Cup qualifying match against Finland scheduled next.
The Polish Football Association confirmed Probierz had personally informed Lewandowski and the rest of the squad of his decision to change captaincy.
The association also stated that Probierz will address the media on Monday ahead of the Finland qualifier, with Zielinski set to join him.
Poland are currently leading their 2026 World Cup qualifying group after two wins from two matches, ahead of the Netherlands and other rivals.
Lewandowski’s decision to step away from international football could mark the end of an era for Poland, though his statement leaves the door open to a return—provided there is a change at the helm.
"I hope I will still have the chance to play again for the best fans in the world," he reiterated.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @_rl9
