Lukas Podolski ends his playing career on Saturday with Górnik Zabrze

Former German national team striker Lukas Podolski will play his last game as a professional player on Saturday. Aos 39 years old, the current owner of Górnik Zabrze will hang up his boots after the match against Radomiak Radom, valid for Ekstraklasa. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 pm (local time) and ends a career spanning more than a decade at the Polish club.

Podolski gained controlling interest in Górnik in May this year, when his company LP Holding GmbH acquired more than 86% of the club’s shares. The investment exceeded four million zlotys. The club’s decision to retire as an athlete was officially announced on Friday night, through a video in which the German packed his playing belongings into boxes, with the message “Thank you, football” written in six languages.

Legado and titles won

Podolski has had a career full of trophies since his arrival in European football. Conquistou to Copa from Mundo with Alemanha in 2014 in the selection, in addition to national titles with Bayern from Munique and Arsenal. Pelo English club, beat Copa from Inglaterra and Supercopa from Inglaterra. No Galatasaray, won Copa from Turquia and two Supercopas from Turkish championship. Recentemente, lifted Copa from Polônia with Górnik, beating Raków Częstochowa 2-0 in the final.

Números on Ekstraklasa

Desde who joined Górnik in July 2021, Podolski has played 134 games for the Polish club. Nesse period, scored 25 goals and provided 22 assists. In the current season, the striker made just 17 appearances, accumulating just over 250 minutes on the field. Limited performance reflects the athlete’s progressive transition to his administrative responsibilities as owner.

Trajetória international

• Bayern from Munique: Campeonato Alemão, Copa from Alemanha
• Arsenal: Copa from Inglaterra, Supercopa from Inglaterra
• Galatasaray: Copa from Turquia, Supercopas from Turquia
• Górnik Zabrze: Copa from Polônia
• Seleção Alemã: Copa from Mundo 2014

Além of these clubs, Podolski also played for Colônia, Inter of Milão, Vissel Kobe and Antalyaspor during his professional career. Seu last contract before reaching Górnik was with Antalyaspor, which ended in June 2021.

Futuro in football

Após the end of his career as a player, Podolski will dedicate all his attention to Górnik Zabrze as the majority shareholder. The Polish club, which escaped municipal control into private ownership in May, is now entirely under the responsibility of the former striker. Podolski has already made clear its intention to maintain the structure of Górnik, stating that it does not plan a “revolution” at the club at this time.

The commotion of fans on social media reflects their affection for the athlete’s trajectory. Internautas highlight the importance of Copa’s Polônia title won under their leadership and recognize Podolski’s contribution to football. On Saturday, the striker’s last official match marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new administrative chapter at Górnik Zabrze.