Poland’s all-time leading goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski, has announced he will no longer represent the national team while Michal Probierz remains head coach, following a decision to strip him of the captaincy.
The 36-year-old striker, who has netted 85 goals in 158 appearances for Poland, was not included in the current international squad.
According to a statement released by the Polish Football Association on Sunday, head coach Probierz informed Lewandowski, the squad, and technical staff that Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski would take over as captain.
Reacting to the development, Barcelona forward Lewandowski posted on social media, “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.
“I hope I will still have another chance to play again for the best fans in the world.”
Probierz, who assumed the managerial role in September 2023, will address the media on Monday alongside new captain Zielinski, 31, ahead of Poland’s World Cup qualifier against Finland on Tuesday.
Despite a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where Poland finished bottom of their group and were the first team eliminated, the team currently tops their World Cup 2026 qualifying group with two wins from two matches.
The Netherlands sit third with three points from one game.
