German football icon Lukas Podolski has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the current season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that spanned nearly 20 years.
The 40-year-old confirmed the decision through his official Instagram account, revealing that Górnik Zabrze’s match against Radomiak Radom in the Polish league will be the final appearance of his playing career.
Jeden rozdział się kończy. Rozpoczyna się nowa era... 🥺
Mistrz Świata @Podolski10 w najbliższy weekend zakończy karierę pełną sukcesów. Został właścicielem Klubu swojego dzieciństwa – Górnika Zabrze.
Dziękujemy za wszystko, Poldi! pic.twitter.com/jMpOUYtGFH
— Górnik Zabrze (@GornikZabrzeSSA) May 22, 2026
“One chapter ends, and a new era begins,” Podolski wrote in his farewell message.
The announcement comes only days after the veteran forward helped Górnik Zabrze lift the Polish Cup, allowing him to close out his career with silverware.
Podolski began his professional journey with 1. FC Köln before going on to represent several major European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Inter Milan.
Among the standout achievements of his career was winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double with Bayern Munich in 2008, while internationally he was part of Germany’s squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Known for his powerful left foot, charismatic personality, and loyalty to the German national team, Podolski leaves the game as one of the most recognizable forwards of his generation.
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