Podolski hints at retirement but leaves door open

Lukas Podolski has once again hinted that his professional football career is coming to an end, but he's still leaving the door open for a future opportunity.

"Basically, this should be my last season. If we manage to pull off a coup in sporting terms, I might want to give it another go," he told the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger in an interview.

After 15 matchdays, his club Gornik Zabrze surprisingly leads the Polish league standings.

Podolski has been playing at his youth club since 2021 and has helped the club from his native Poland advance on many levels during this time – athletically, structurally and through his network.

"I also really enjoy the work off the pitch. I'm 40 now, so my priorities have shifted. The club has given me the opportunity to get a taste of many different areas," he said.

"I still really enjoy playing, and I also take great pleasure in helping the young players in the team with my experience. But I'm not 30 anymore."

Podolski began his professional career at Cologne in 2003. He also played for Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe in Japan.

Off the pitch, Podolski founded the indoor six-a-side football competition Baller League in 2024 alongside former Germany defender Mats Hummels.

He also owns several kebab shops and ice cream parlours in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. His projects also include his own fashion label.