While Europe focused its attention on the duel between Spain and Portugal in the Nations League, an announcement shook social media and generated tension in Warsaw: Robert Lewandowski, historic captain and top scorer of the Polish national team, resigned from representing his country while Michal Probierz remains as coach.

“Considering "Due to the circumstances and the loss of confidence in the Polish national team coach, I decided to resign from playing for the national team while he is the coach. I hope to be able to play again for the best fans in the world," the 36-year-old forward wrote on social media. The conflict reportedly escalated when Probierz stripped the striker of the captain's armband and awarded it to Piotr Zieli?ski. According to the Polish Football Association, Lewandowski was informed of the decision, although those close to the player maintain that there was not enough dialogue and that the measure was surprising.

Lewandowski was not called up for the recent friendly against Moldova nor will he be available for Tuesday's match against Finland, a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The situation comes at a key moment for Poland, who lead their group in the qualifiers after defeats Malta and Lithuania.

A resignation that hits at the heart of the team

Since his debut with the senior team in 2008, Lewandowski has scored 85 goals in 158 matches. He was captain since 2014 and participated in four European Championships and two World Cups. His absence, even if temporary, represents a blow to both the team's morale and its performance for a team that lacks another player of his caliber. The Polish FA issued a brief statement, saying, "Coach Probierz will answer questions from journalists at tomorrow's press conference before the match against Finland. The national team captain, Zieli?ski, will also participate in the press conference."