Robert Lewandowski wins! Poland manager Michal Probierz resigns after captaincy row saw superstar Barcelona striker quit national team

After being informed that the captain’s armband would be passed to Inter midfielder Piotr Zielinski, superstar Barcelona striker Lewandowski revealed he would no longer be making himself available for selection.

The 36-year-old frontman said: “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.”

Lewandowski has been granted that wish, with Probierz - who took charge of the Poland national team in September 2023 - announcing he will be stepping down, clearing the path for a man with 158 caps and 85 goals for his country to return.

Probierz said in a statement released by the Polish FA: “I have come to the conclusion that in the current situation, the best decision for the good of the national team will be my resignation from the position of coach. Performing this function was the fulfilment of my professional dreams and the greatest honour of my life.

“I would like to thank all my co-workers, employees of the Polish Football Association. I could always count on you. Thank you for trusting the president and board of the Polish Football Association.

“Of course, I would like to thank all the footballers whom I had the pleasure of meeting on this path. I will keep my fingers crossed for all of you, because the national team is our common national asset. I would also like to thank our wonderful fans. You are with us through thick and thin. Wherever the national team played, your support was heard.”

The Polish FA added that they would “like to thank coach Michal Probierz for his cooperation and commitment in managing the national team, wishing him success in his future professional career”.

Probierz saw Poland flop in spectacular fashion at Euro 2024 as they became the first team to be eliminated from that tournament, but has seen them pick up six points from three games in 2026 World Cup qualification - with it possible that Lewandowski will get the chance to grace that tournament next summer.