Lewandowski to Chicago? Not Yet, but It’s On!
A surprising visit by Robert Lewandowski to Chicago has reignited speculation about a possible move to Chicago Fire. While no official announcement was made, reports suggest the MLS club is making a serious push to bring the Polish superstar to the United States.
Last Friday, billboards featuring Robert Lewandowski, the Chicago Fire crest, and the message “Enjoy Your Visit, Robert Lewandowski” appeared along the route from Chicago’s airport to downtown. It was another surprise visit from the Polish superstar, much like his brief and unexpected trip to New York in October 2025, when he flew in for just a few hours to light the Empire State Building.
The billboards, combined with an email sent to Fire supporters inviting them to meet head coach Gregg Berhalter and a mysterious “special guest,” immediately fueled speculation. For weeks, Chicago Fire have openly talked about their ambition to bring the former Barcelona striker to MLS.
According to reports from the MenInRed97 podcast, a fan event was planned for Sunday evening at one of the city’s World Cup fan-zone venues. At the same time, other sources claimed Lewandowski was in Chicago on a scouting trip: touring the training facility and stadium, meeting club executives, visiting a school his daughters could potentially attend, and even looking at rental properties in the Forest Park area.
What made the story even more intriguing was the secrecy. Aside from two photos taken at the airport, no images surfaced from any of those locations.
Many supporters quietly hoped Sunday would end with a blockbuster announcement. Maybe Berhalter would unveil the signing. Maybe Lewandowski would walk out and greet his future fans.
But on Sunday morning, those hopes took a hit. First, reports suggested the cold, rainy Chicago weather had altered the plans. Later, it emerged there simply wasn’t enough time. Shortly after midnight, Lewandowski was already on a flight back to Barcelona.
So, what are the chances that a player with 33 club trophies, Golden Boot titles in Poland, Germany, and Spain, and the 2021 Striker of the Year award ends up in MLS?
Right now, it feels more likely than not.
Reports suggest Chicago Fire’s ownership is prepared to offer a two- or three-year deal worth between $15 and $20 million per season. Clubs from Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the Premier League are also said to be monitoring the situation. But according to Fabrizio Romano, Chicago are going all in. They are even attempting to reunite Lewandowski with his former Bayern Munich teammate Leon Goretzka.
Could Lewandowski become the latest Pole to wear a Chicago Fire shirt, following players such as Piotr Nowak, Roman Kosecki, Jerzy Podbrożny, Tomasz Frankowski, Krzysztof Król, Przemysław Frankowski, and Kacper Przybyłko?
Chicago fans certainly hope so. This is a club that hasn’t lifted a trophy since 2006 and hasn’t won an MLS Cup since its inaugural championship season in 1998, when Jerzy Podbrożny scored in the final and Piotr Nowak was named MVP.
And maybe, just maybe, Robert Lewandowski is the superstar they believe can bring those glory days back.
