Poland’s record goal-scorer Robert Lewandowski has announced his resignation from international duty following a breakdown in trust with national team coach Michał Probierz. The 36-year-old striker, who has scored 85 goals in 158 appearances, is absent from the current international squad and will not feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Finland.
The Polish Football Association revealed that Probierz had personally informed Lewandowski and the team of his decision to appoint Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski, 31, as the new captain. In response, the Barcelona forward took to social media to express his discontent, stating: “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.” He added hope that he may one day return to represent “the best fans in the world.”
Probierz, 52, who took charge in September 2023, has had a mixed tenure. Poland exited Euro 2024 at the group stage as the first nation to be eliminated, but they currently sit top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group with two wins from two matches. The Netherlands trail with three points from one game. The Polish FA confirmed that Probierz and Zielinski will address the media on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier, where questions about team dynamics and Lewandowski’s absence are expected to dominate.
