Robert Lewandowski Open to Poland Return Under New Coach

Poland manager Jan Urban confirmed Robert Lewandowski, 36, wants to rejoin the national team after quitting over a captaincy dispute. Urban replaced Michal Probierz in July and will decide later whether Lewandowski regains the armband from Piotr Zielinski. Poland, third in their World Cup qualifying group, face the Netherlands on September 4.

After the appointment of Jan Urban as Poland’s new national team manager in July 2025, talks have begun over the return of star striker Robert Lewandowski to international football. Lewandowski, 36, had stepped away from the team following a dispute with former coach Michal Probierz, who stripped him of the captaincy and handed it to Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

The Barcelona forward, Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances, has now expressed his willingness to come back after Urban reached out via phone. Urban confirmed that Lewandowski agreed to return, calling it a positive first step, but said the decision on the captaincy remains open. He intends to discuss the matter not only with Lewandowski but also with Zielinski and the team council before making a final call.

Poland currently sits third in their World Cup qualifying group, trailing Finland and the Netherlands, making Lewandowski’s return crucial to their campaign. The team faces the Netherlands away on September 4 before hosting Finland on September 7, matches that could prove decisive in their push for next year’s tournament. Lewandowski’s comeback could provide a timely boost to Poland’s hopes of securing qualification.