The Polish national football team is in turmoil following the resignation of coach Michal Probierz, triggered by a public falling out with star striker Robert Lewandowski. The announcement, made on Thursday, June 12, 2025, comes on the heels of Poland's recent defeat to Finland in a World Cup qualifier and a series of escalating tensions between the coach and the team's iconic player.
The conflict reached a boiling point when Probierz stripped Lewandowski of the captaincy, a decision that reportedly had the backing of the team and staff who felt Lewandowski's presence was negatively impacting the team's atmosphere. The captain's armband was then handed over to midfielder Piotr Zielinski. This move was met with strong opposition from Lewandowski, who declared that he would no longer represent Poland as long as Probierz remained in charge.
The Polish Football Association (PZPN) attempted to mediate the situation, with the president expressing a willingness to reconcile the two figures. However, Lewandowski's stance remained firm, stating that some of Probierz's actions would be "difficult to forget."
Adding to the drama, Lewandowski has also been dealing with off-field issues. He recently appeared in a Warsaw court in connection with a dispute with his former business partner and agent, Cezary Kucharski, over the sale of shares in the company "RL Management". The legal battle involves accusations of blackmail and financial fraud, with Lewandowski's wife, Anna Lewandowska, expected to testify as well.
Probierz's resignation statement expressed his belief that it was "the best decision for the good of the national team in the current situation." He acknowledged that serving as coach was a "fulfillment of my professional dreams and the greatest honor of my life." He also thanked the players, staff, the Polish Football Federation, and the fans for their support. The PZPN, in turn, expressed gratitude for Probierz's contribution and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Probierz took charge of the Polish national team on September 20, 2023, succeeding Fernando Santos. Under his leadership, Poland managed to qualify for Euro 2024 but struggled to maintain consistent progress. His tenure concluded with a record of 9 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses in 21 matches. Poland is currently in a qualifying position for the 2026 World Cup, sitting second in Group G with 6 points from 3 matches.
The resignation opens the door for Lewandowski's potential return to the national team. The 36-year-old striker is Poland's all-time leading scorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances. The team's next match is scheduled for September against the Netherlands, leaving the PZPN with the task of finding a suitable replacement for Probierz in the coming months. The new coach will need to navigate the delicate situation with Lewandowski and unite the team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
