Robert Lewandowski’s possible final World Cup

Time eventually catches up with every legend. At 37 years old, Robert Lewandowski could be facing his final opportunity to play in a World Cup with Poland. The FC Barcelona striker, widely considered one of the most lethal goal scorers of his generation, arrives at the decisive stage of the European qualifiers with a dramatic scenario: two matches that could define the final chapter of his international career.

Poland must navigate the European playoffs to secure a place at the next World Cup. The first obstacle will be Albania, in a semifinal clash that represents a true win-or-go-home moment. If Poland advances, they will face Sweden or Ukraine in the final for a spot at the tournament.

For Lewandowski, qualification would mean playing his third consecutive World Cup and possibly the last of his career, considering his age and the uncertainty surrounding his future both at club and international level.

The Polish striker is not currently in his most prolific run of form, but when it comes to the national team, his influence remains undeniable. He is Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 88 goals in 163 appearances, a statistic that reflects just how much the team relies on its captain.

Poland once again depends on its biggest star

Recent history shows that when Poland finds itself under pressure, Lewandowski usually delivers. On the road to the 2022 World Cup, the striker played a decisive role in helping the national team overcome the playoffs and secure their ticket to Qatar.

Now the script appears to be repeating itself.

The team coached by Jan Urban arrives at the playoffs after an inconsistent qualifying campaign. Poland even managed to draw twice against the Netherlands, but a controversial defeat against Finland ultimately cost them direct qualification.

According to several European media reports, that loss dramatically reshaped the standings and forced Poland into the playoff route.

In the middle of this scenario, the responsibility once again falls on Lewandowski, who is also close to reaching another historical milestone: he is just two goals away from tying Lionel Messi among the top scorers in World Cup qualifiers.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, with a higher total, has scored more goals in this competition.

From internal controversy to captain again

The road to this moment has not been easy for Lewandowski within the national team.

The striker was involved in one of the most tense internal crises in recent Polish football history when former coach Michał Probierz decided to strip him of the captaincy after 11 years.

According to Polish media reports, the decision was communicated through a brief late-night phone call, which angered the Barcelona striker. Frustrated with how the situation was handled, Lewandowski temporarily stepped away from the national team.

The situation escalated following the defeat to Finland, a result that ultimately led to Probierz resigning from his position. With Jan Urban taking over as head coach, the situation changed quickly.

. Lewandowski immediately returned to the squad and regained the captain’s armband, once again becoming the team’s leader both on and off the pitch.

A legacy on the line for a football legend

Beyond qualification itself, this moment carries a powerful symbolic weight. Lewandowski is entering a decisive stage of his career, and uncertainty still surrounds what comes next.

His contract with FC Barcelona is approaching its final phase, and the striker has publicly admitted that he is still taking time to decide what the best step for his future will be.

Regarding the national team, he has also avoided confirming whether he will continue playing after the next World Cup.

“We have two finals ahead of us and I’m convinced we can qualify,” Lewandowski said during a press conference, reflecting the mindset with which he approaches this crucial moment.

If Poland manages to survive the playoffs, the striker will have the chance to play another World Cup and close his career on football’s biggest stage. If they fail, one of the greatest goal scorers of the 21st century could be denied his final World Cup dance.

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