Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: Gornik Zabrze
Polish Ekstraklasa's club Górnik Zabrze is not just a club where Lukas Podolski has been playing for the past four seasons - it is also the team he has supported since childhood. Born just a few kilometers from the stadium, "Poldi" grew up as a Górnik fan before moving with his family to Germany at a young age. There, he developed his footballing career at FC Köln before going on to play for some of Europe's biggest clubs.
According to reports from Polish journalist Piotr Koźmiński of Goal.pl and local newspaper Nowiny Zabrzańskie, Lukas Podolski has submitted a formal offer to buy the club. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by either Lukas Podolski or Górnik Zabrze.
According to Nowiny Zabrzańskie, Górnik Zabrze was open to receiving purchase offers until January 31. Two bids were reportedly submitted—one from Lukas Podolski himself and another from "Zarys," a consortium of local business figures. The city of Zabrze, which currently owns the club, will now review both proposals before deciding on the club’s future ownership.
Lukas Podolski’s Longstanding Commitment to Górnik Zabrze
In 2024, Football Business Journal had the opportunity to conduct a business interview with Lukas Podolski, where he was asked about his deep connection with Górnik. When asked about his decision to return to the Polish club despite other opportunities, Lukas Podolski explained:
Roger Hampel: What were the details of your transfer to the Polish club Górnik Zabrze? People might wonder why, with such an impressive football CV, you're not playing right now in the MLS or Saudi Arabia.
Lukas Podolski: It's the love for Górnik Zabrze. I was born near the stadium, I lived just five minutes away from it. My family still lives there, and I've always dreamed of returning to Górnik, although you can never be certain how the career will unfold. Various obstacles like injuries can arise, but ultimately, I made it happen. The fans also helped a lot and had a significant influence on my decision to return. I always knew that if possible, I wanted to play at Górnik Zabrze towards the end of my career. Playing in top European clubs, I always kept in touch with people from the club and supported Górnik Zabrze whenever I could. My support for Górnik didn't just start suddenly two years ago – it's a club I've been connected with since childhood. Choosing Górnik was always clear to me, despite other career opportunities. I wanted to return to this club, and now I enjoy every day spent in training and matches.
Implications for Football Business and Club Ownership
If Lukas Podolski’s bid is successful, it could mark a unique shift in football club ownership. While there have been examples of former players investing in clubs—such as David Beckham's involvement with Inter Miami—Lukas Podolski’s situation is different. He would be attempting to purchase the club while still playing for it, an unprecedented move in the football world.
His investment could bring multiple benefits to Górnik Zabrze:
- Financial Stability: Lukas Podolski’s business acumen and global recognition could attract further sponsors and partners.
- Long-Term Vision: His deep understanding of the club’s history and fan culture could drive sustainable growth.
- Player Retention and Development: With Lukas Podolski at the helm, young players might see Górnik as an attractive destination, leading to improved recruitment and talent development.
What’s Next?
The final decision rests with the city of Zabrze, which will evaluate both offers in the coming weeks. While the outcome remains uncertain, one thing is clear—Lukas Podolski’s love for Górnik Zabrze is deeper than just playing on the pitch. His ambition to lead the club into the future signals a new chapter in his footballing journey.
Adding to his expanding business ventures, "Poldi" is also set to launch his first Mangal Döner kebab restaurant in Zabrze soon, further cementing his connection to the city and its people. Whether as a player, owner, or entrepreneur, Lukas Podolski’s influence on Górnik Zabrze and its local community continues to grow.
Sources: Goal.pl , Nowiny Zabrzanskie
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