Lewandowski Quits Poland Captaincy Citing Betrayal Amid Team Leadership Shift

Poland's star striker Robert Lewandowski has publicly expressed feelings of betrayal and disappointment after being abruptly stripped of the national team captaincy by coach Michal Probierz, who appointed Piotr Zielinski as the new captain. Lewandowski received the news via a brief phone call while putting his children to sleep, followed shortly by an official statement from the Polish football federation, a communication method he deemed disrespectful after leading the team for 11 years. In response, Lewandowski announced on social media that he would no longer play for Poland as long as Probierz remains coach, citing a loss of trust and mental exhaustion. Probierz defended his decision and the manner of communication, while Zielinski expressed honor at becoming captain but declined to comment further. Lewandowski's absence comes amid a challenging period for the Polish team following their early exit from Euro 2024 and after a physically and mentally demanding season with Barcelona. The controversy has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some supporting Lewandowski's stance and others criticizing him for prioritizing personal considerations over national duty.