Lukas Podolski ended his 40-year playing career on May 23, 2026, making a final appearance off the bench as Gornik Zabrze defeated Radomiak Radom 6-2 at home in the last league game of the season [1, 2, 3]. Fans honored him with a large tifo displaying the word "boss" during the match [1, 2, 3].
Just two days earlier, Podolski became the majority owner of Gornik Zabrze after completing a deal with the Zabrze city council, which previously managed the club [1, 2, 3]. The announcement was made on May 21, 2026 [3]. The club finished the 2025-2026 season as runners-up in Poland's top flight, behind Lech Poznan [1, 2, 3].
Earlier in May, Gornik Zabrze won the Polish Cup for the first time since 1972, adding a major trophy to their trophy cabinet after decades [1, 2, 3]. The club, historically successful, has won 14 Polish league titles, the last in 1988 [1, 2, 3].
Podolski was born in Poland but moved to Germany as a boy. He earned 130 caps and scored 49 goals for Germany, winning the 2014 World Cup with the national team [1, 2, 3]. His club career included spells at Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Galatasaray before returning to Poland in 2021 to join Gornik Zabrze [1, 2, 3].
In addition to football, Podolski owns a popular kebab chain in Germany called Mangal Doner and has invested in other businesses [1, 2, 3].
Podolski's ownership marks a new chapter for Gornik Zabrze following the club's recent on-field success. The focus will now turn to how he guides the club in the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
