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{{short description|Footballer (born 1985)}}
{{Football player infobox| playername= Lukas Podolski
{{Redirect|Łukasz Podolski|the cyclist|Łukasz Podolski (cyclist)}}
| image = ]
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
| nickname = Prinz Poldi
{{Infobox football biography
| dateofbirth = ], ]
| name = Lukas Podolski
| cityofbirth = ]
| image = Lukas Podolski 2023.jpg
| countryofbirth = ]
| caption = Podolski playing for ] in 2023
| height = 1.80 m
| fullname = Lukas Josef Podolski<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageId=526&kisiId=1821841 |title=Lukas Josef Podolski |publisher=Turkish Football Federation |access-date=1 December 2020}}</ref>
| currentclub = ]
| birth_name = Łukasz Józef Podolski<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.90minut.pl/kariera.php?id=7386 |title=Lukas Podolski |publisher=90minut.pl|language=Polish|access-date=6 March 2022}}</ref>
| position = ]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|6|4|df=y}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-04-20 |title=FIFA.com - Lukas PODOLSKI |url=http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=196789/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420203052/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=196789/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-04-20 |access-date=2024-05-21 }}</ref>
| years = ]-] <br> ]-
| birth_place = ], Poland
| clubs = ] <br> ]
| height = 1.83 m<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gornikzabrze.pl/druzyna/i-druzyna/10-lukas-podolski|title=Lukas Podolski - nr 10 - Napastnik|publisher=]|language=Polish|accessdate=3 January 2022}}</ref>
| caps(goals) = 81 (46)
| position = ], ]<ref name=PodolskiArsenalProfile>{{cite web|title=Lukas Podolski |url=http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/lukas-podolski |work=Arsenal Football Club |access-date=20 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829224053/http://www.arsenal.com/first-team/players/lukas-podolski |archive-date=29 August 2012 }}</ref>
| nationalyears = ]-
| currentclub = ]
| nationalteam = ]
| clubnumber = 10
| nationalcaps(goals) = 32 (15)
| youthyears1 = 1991–1995
| pcupdate = ] ]
| youthclubs1 = FC 07 Bergheim
| ntupdate = ] ]
| youthyears2 = 1995–2003
| youthclubs2 = ]
| years1 = 2003–2004
| clubs1 = ]
| caps1 = 2
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2003–2006
| clubs2 = ]
| caps2 = 81
| goals2 = 46
| years3 = 2006–2009
| clubs3 = ]
| caps3 = 71
| goals3 = 15
| years4 = 2007–2008
| clubs4 = ]
| caps4 = 2
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2009–2012
| clubs5 = ]
| caps5 = 88
| goals5 = 33
| years6 = 2012–2015
| clubs6 = ]
| caps6 = 60
| goals6 = 19
| years7 = 2015
| clubs7 = → ] (loan)
| caps7 = 17
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2015–2017
| clubs8 = ]
| caps8 = 56
| goals8 = 20
| years9 = 2017–2020
| clubs9 = ]
| caps9 = 52
| goals9 = 15
| years10 = 2020–2021
| clubs10 = ]
| caps10 = 40
| goals10 = 6
| years11 = 2021–
| clubs11 = ]
| caps11 = 95
| goals11 = 20
| nationalyears1 = 2001–2002
| nationalteam1 = ]
| nationalcaps1 = 6
| nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 2002–2003
| nationalteam2 = ]
| nationalcaps2 = 7
| nationalgoals2 = 4
| nationalyears3 = 2003
| nationalteam3 = ]
| nationalcaps3 = 3
| nationalgoals3 = 6
| nationalyears4 = 2004
| nationalteam4 = ]
| nationalcaps4 = 5
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2004–2017
| nationalteam5 = ]
| nationalcaps5 = 130
| nationalgoals5 = 49
| pcupdate = 22:14, 6 December 2024 (UTC)
| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's ]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{fb|GER}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|]}}
{{Medal|W|]|}}
{{Medal|3rd|]|}}
{{Medal|3rd|]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|]}}
{{Medal|RU|]|}}
{{Medal|3rd|]|}}<!-- Though there was no third place playoff, UEFA decided in the 2012 edition to award the semi-final losers (Germany and Portugal) bronze medals for the first time: https://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/competitions/euro/91/87/57/918757_download.pdf -->
{{MedalCompetition|]}}
{{Medal|3rd|]|}}
}} }}
'''Lukas Josef Podolski''' ({{IPA|de|ˈluːkas poˈdɔlskiː|lang}}; born '''Łukasz Józef Podolski''', {{IPA|pl|ˈwukaʂ pɔˈdɔlskʲi|lang}}, 4 June 1985) is a professional ] who plays as a ] or ] for ] club ]. He is known for his powerful and accurate left foot, explosive shooting, technique and probing attacks from the left side.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player=196789/profile.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129040154/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/players/player=196789/profile.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 January 2011|title=Player Profile|publisher=FIFA|access-date=30 April 2012}}</ref>


Podolski joined ] in 1995 where he made it into the first team in 2003 resulting in 81 appearances for the club before moving to ]. With Bayern, Podolski won the ] and ] double in 2008. Podolski returned to 1. FC Köln in 2009. He later signed for ] club ] in 2012, with whom he won the ] in ]. He then moved on loan to ] club ] in January 2015, before signing six months later for ] where he also won the ] of ].<ref name="Eurosport">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/lukas-podolski_prs27564/person.shtml|title=Lukas Podolski: Eurosport|publisher=FIFA|access-date=30 April 2012}}</ref>
'''Lukas Podolski''' (]—German: {{IPA|}}) (born as ''Łukasz Podolski'' on ], ] in ], ]), nicknamed ''(Prinz) Poldi'', is a ] ] player. He plays ] for ] and for the ]. He is seen as one of the most promising German players.<ref>Guardian Unlimited Football (2006). . Retrieved June 25, 2006.</ref>


Born in Poland, Podolski was eligible to play for both ] and Germany (due to his ] paternal grandparents having been born in then-]), and he was open to playing for the Polish team but was rejected by the then Polish coach ] in 2003,<ref name="Goal.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2601/features/2011/09/06/2652783/why-germany-owe-a-lot-to-poland-born-miroslav-klose-lukas?noBetaRedirect=1|title=Why Germany owe a lot to Poland-born Miroslav Klose & Lukas Podolski| website = Goal.com | access-date = 8 December 2019 | first = Clark | last = Whitney}}</ref> having already appeared for Germany at youth level. After making his first appearance for the senior team in 2004, Podolski enjoyed great success with the Germany national team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/07/30/the-three-sides-of-lukas-podolski-international-legend-hometown-hero-and-club-level-enigma/|title=The Three Sides of Lukas Podolski: international legend, hometown hero and club enigma|website=These Football Times|date=30 July 2018|access-date=25 February 2019|last=Munday|first=Billy}}</ref> He was part of the squad in seven major tournaments, winning the ]. He is the ] player in German history, with 130 caps, and the ] in German history, having scored 49 times.<ref name="Eurosport" /><ref name="Eurosport2">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurosport.com/football/hero-s-farewell-for-germany-s-lukas-podolski-in-dortmund_sto6102394/story.shtml|title=Hero's farewell for Germany's Lukas Podolski in Dortmund |website=Eurosport.com|date=21 March 2017 }}</ref>
==Early Career==
Podolski was born in the industrial town of ] (German: ''Gleiwitz''), in ], ]. His father Waldemar Podolski was also a professional football player. In ], when Lukas Podolski was two years old, his parents emigrated from ] to ].
The Podolski family had the right to move to Germany because they were ethnically German, as their grandparents had been citizens of the Germany until 1945 when they became Polish citizen. Podolski grew up in ], near ].


On 29 May 2013, Podolski scored the fastest goal in Germany national team history at that time, after just nine seconds of the 4–2 friendly win over ]. It was at that time the second fastest international goal in history, second only to ]'s ]'s 8.3-second strike against ] in 1993.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2013-05-30/lukas-podolski-ignores-oliver-bierhoff-criticism-to-move-higher-in-germanys-scoring-list/ |title=Lukas Podolski ignores Oliver Bierhoff criticism to move higher in Germany's scoring list |publisher=ITV |date=30 May 2013 |access-date=29 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903064618/http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2013-05-30/lukas-podolski-ignores-oliver-bierhoff-criticism-to-move-higher-in-germanys-scoring-list/ |archive-date=3 September 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/283244/report |title=International: Germany scored four goals inside 25 minutes to beat Ecuador 4–2 |publisher=Sky Sports |date=29 May 2013| access-date = 29 August 2014}}</ref> Podolski retired from international football on 22 March 2017 after scoring the winner as captain in a friendly against England.<ref name="Eurosport2" />
It was at ] where Podolski's talents were first noticed. In 2003, at the age of 18, Podolski was still part of the club's youth side. At this time the club found itself in dire straits battling to avoid relegation from the ]. First team boss Marcel Koller, working on a shoestring budget, invited Podolski to train with the senior players and he made his top flight debut shortly afterwards on ], ]. Even though Cologne failed to avoid the drop Podolski had shown what he could do, scoring 10 goals in his first 19 senior appearances. This was the best tally by an 18 year old in the history of the ].


== Club career ==
Podolski continued to stay with the club despite relegation and was instrumental in ensuring a quick return to the top flight, scoring 24 goals in the process.


==Bayern Munich== === 1. FC Köln ===
] in 2006]]
], the former coach of the German national team, holds Podolski in high regard as he is lethal with his head as well as his feet and still very young and energetic. Because of this, clubs such as ], ], ] and even ] manifested their interest in Podolski, though he had a contract with FC Köln through 2007. On 1 June 2006, Podolski announced that a transfer agreement had been reached with ] allowing him to join the Bavarian side for the 2006/07 season. Financial details of the deal were not immediately available, but the transfer fee was speculated to be around €10 million.
Podolski began playing football at the age of six in the youth team of FC 07 Bergheim, where he played until he joined ] at the age of ten. It was there that Podolski's talents were first noticed. In 2003, at the age of 18, Podolski was still part of the club's youth side. At this time the club found itself in dire straits battling to avoid relegation from the ]. First team boss ], working on a shoestring budget, invited Podolski to train with the senior players and he made his top flight debut shortly afterwards on 22 November 2003. Even though Köln failed to avoid a drop to the ], Podolski had shown what he could do, scoring 10 goals in his first 19 senior appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://skladyfutbol.pl/infopage.php?id=1097|publisher = Skladyfutbol.pl|title=FC Köln 2003-04|date=10 February 2020|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref> This was the best tally by an 18-year-old in the history of the Bundesliga until ] overtook the record in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/lukas-podolski-5-key-moments-in-the-career-of-a-germany-legend-17570|title=Lukas Podolski: 5 key moments in the career of a Bundesliga and Germany legend|publisher=]|date=2021|access-date=4 May 2022}}</ref>


Though his call up to the ] ] squad brought along interest from several top clubs, Podolski stayed at Köln to help the club gain promotion in the ]. With 24 goals, Podolski advanced to become the league's best scorer. Somewhat unusually, Podolski remained part of the Germany squad, even though he did not play in the national top-tier league.
==National Career==
Even before the 2004/05 season began Podolski had become the first second-division player since ] to break into the national team, celebrating his debut for ]'s Germany on ], ] in Kaiserslautern against Hungary with a late substitute appearance.


After Köln were promoted, the pressure was on Podolski to keep the club in the Bundesliga practically singlehandedly. Podolski managed to score 12 goals in the ], but eventually, Köln were relegated again. It became clear that Podolski would not stay again to push them through the ]—even more so, as Podolski was becoming an integral part of the national team.
Podolski played for ] at {{Ec2|2004}}, where he was the squad's youngest player. He also attended the ] ] in 2005 and scored 3 goals there.


=== FC Bayern Munich ===
Podolski was selected in the ] for the ], where he partnered ] in attack. He scored his first ever World Cup goal in Germany's 3rd group match against ], and two goals against Sweden in the round of 16. He became the first player since 1962 to score two goals in the first 12 minutes of a World Cup match and only the third man ever to accomplish the feat.


In 2006, clubs such as ], ], ], ], and ] manifested their interest in Podolski, even though he had a contract with ] through 2007. On 1 June 2006, Podolski announced that a transfer agreement had been reached with Bayern Munich, allowing him to join the Bavarian side for the ]. Financial details of the deal were not immediately available, but the transfer fee was speculated to be around €{{Format price|10000000}}. He made his Bundesliga debut for Bayern on 11 August 2006, coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute of a 2–0 victory against ]. On 9 September 2006, he came on as a second-half substitute in a ] game versus ]. Only 26 seconds after the second half started, he scored the ], levelling the match at 1–1. On 14 October 2006, with his first Bundesliga goal for Bayern, Podolski helped to secure the club's 4–2 win over ]. On 26 October 2006, Podolski suffered a serious injury to his right ankle joint caused by teammate, ], during a training session. Consequently, Podolski missed more than five match weeks. He returned from this injury and scored against ].
==Honors==
On ], ], Podolski was announced as the first ] award winner.<ref>{{cite news
|title=Prince Poldi crowned Gillette Best Young Player
|url= http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060706/1/8mta.html
|publisher=FIFAworldcup.com
|date= 6 July 2006
|accessdate=2006-07-08
}}</ref>
Runner-up ] had been favored to win the award, but concerns about his fair play counted against him.<ref>{{cite news
|title=Ronaldo pays price
|url=http://worldcup.sportinglife.com/football/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/07/07/WORLDCUP_FIFA_Young_Player.html
|publisher=Sporting Life
|date=]
|accessdate=2006-07-08
}}
</ref> Holger Osieck, head of the FIFA Technical Study Group that selected the winner, praised Podolski as "a key element in Germany's attack."<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5157434.stm
|title=Podolski beats Ronaldo to award
|publisher=BBC Sports
|date=7 July 2006
|accessdate=7 July 2006
}}</ref>


After Bayern bought in Italian striker ] in 2007, Podolski received less playing time due to coach ]'s preference to partner ] and Toni together instead. However, Bayern ended the ] by winning a ] and ] ], giving Podolski the first major silverware of his career.
==Trivia==


Despite former national team coach ] taking charge of Bayern for the ], Podolski again failed to break into the team's regular first choice line-up. After a rather unhappy spell at Bayern, he returned to former club ] on 1 July 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read&idsel=30333|title=GERMANY/ OFFICIAL, Podolski at Koeln next summer|access-date=19 January 2009|date=19 January 2009}}</ref>
] after Germany beat Poland 1-0 in the 93 minute during the 2006 World Cup.]]
*Despite being born in Poland, Podolski has German citizenship only.
*Podolski speaks ] with his parents, besides knowing ] and ], which he learned in high school.
*Podolski has a Polish girlfriend named Monika.
*His family name comes from ].
*Lukas feels a strong bond to his native Poland and does not sing the ] before international football matches. He has been quoted as saying, "It will be special and a bit strange to hear the Polish national anthem and then the German one afterwards. I will not sing either of them because I feel at home in both countries. I have not quite lost my Polish heart." <ref> Retrieved July 5, 2006.</ref>
*Jürgen Milski's song "Lu-Lu-Lu Lukas Podolski" is about him.


=== Return to 1. FC Köln ===
==Club career stats==

{|border=1 align=center cellpadding=4 cellspacing=2 style="background: ivory; font-size: 95%; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; clear:center"
After Podolski was assured by ] coach ] that a return to ] would not harm his chances of international football, an agreement to sign him was agreed between ] and Köln in January 2009, although he would not return to Köln until the start of the summer transfer window. On 1 July, Podolski returned to Köln on a four-year contract, at a reported fee of around €10&nbsp;million, equivalent to the fee Bayern paid to sign him in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football.co.uk/koln/low_assurance_for_podolski_276634.shtml |title=Low assurance for Podolski|publisher=football.co.uk |date=14 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709041142/http://www.football.co.uk/koln/low_assurance_for_podolski_276634.shtml |archive-date=9 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11881/4817070/podolski-seals-cologne-return |title=Podolski seals Cologne return |first=Chris |last=Burton |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=29 August 2014 |date=19 January 2009}}</ref> Köln created a website where people were able to buy pixels of an image of Podolski for €25 per 8x8 pixel square, in order to gather €1 million to reduce the cost of the transfer;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/02/04/fc-koln-find-unique-way-of-funding-podolski-transfer|title=FC Köln find unique way of funding Podolski transfer|publisher=thespoiler.co.uk|access-date=2 November 2009|date=4 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pixel.fc-koeln.de/|title=1. FC Köln – Poldi-Pixel|work=pixel.fc-koeln.de|access-date=2 November 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021041536/http://pixel.fc-koeln.de/|archive-date=21 October 2009}}</ref> Formula One driver and Köln supporter ] bought several pixels for €875.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/schumacher-helps-fund-podolski-signing |title=Schumacher helps fund Podolski signing |work=FourFourTwo |date=24 February 2009 |access-date=26 August 2014}}</ref>
|+ '''<big>All-Time Club Performance</big>'''

|- style="background:beige"
Having just moved from Bayern Munich, Podolski had a poor first season at Köln, scoring just three times the entire season. One of his goals however, came from a free kick against his former club to salvage a draw.

In the ] season, Podolski scored his 50th Bundesliga goal in the match against ] in March 2011. Throughout the entire season, Podolski scored 13 goals and made seven assists.

The ] season was the final season in his second spell for Köln. Despite the team's relegation to the ], Podolski scored 18 goals in 29 league ] appearances.

Out of respect for his loyalty and achievements for the club, ] chose to retire his famous No. 10 shirt as long as he is an active football player.<ref>{{cite web|title=Köln vergibt Podolskis Nummer 10 nicht mehr|trans-title=Cologne doesn't give out Podolskis Number 10 any more|language=de|date=5 May 2012|access-date=11 June 2014|publisher=]|url=http://www.focus.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga1/bundesliga-koeln-vergibt-podolskis-nummer-10-nicht-mehr_aid_747897.html}}</ref> However, Köln began assigning the number 10 shirt again at the start of the ] season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cologne break Lukas Podolski vow|date=7 July 2014|access-date=25 January 2015|publisher=]|url=http://www.espnfc.com/german-bundesliga/story/1936704/cologne-give-lukas-podolskis-shirt-number-to-patrick-helmes}}</ref>

=== Arsenal ===
==== 2012–13 season ====
] in 2012]]
Podolski was linked with ] club ] throughout the 2012 winter transfer window but no deal materialised. However, on 30 April 2012, it was officially announced that Podolski had signed for Arsenal on a long-term deal, for an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/arsenal-agree-deal-for-podolski|title=Arsenal agree long-term Podolski deal|date = 30 April 2012|access-date=1 May 2012|publisher=Arsenal F.C}}</ref> On 12 August 2012, Podolski started for Arsenal in a pre-season match against his former club, Köln, scoring twice, once from a penalty in a 4–0 victory.<ref name="David C. Cutler" >{{cite web|last=Cutler|first=David C.|title=Podolski Shines in 4–0 Win Over Cologne in Friendly: Fan's Reaction|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/podolski-shines-4-0-win-over-cologne-friendly-002200521--mls.html|publisher=Yahoo Contributor Network|access-date=17 August 2012}}</ref> Podolski took the number 9 from ], who had been loaned out to ], after the number 10 shirt vacated by ] was given to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/squad-numbers-updated-for-start-of-season|title=Squad numbers updated for start of season|work=Arsenal Football Club|access-date=22 August 2012|date=17 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820042120/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/squad-numbers-updated-for-start-of-season|archive-date=20 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McManus|first=James|title=Wilshere takes Van Persie's No.10 shirt at Arsenal|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/17/3313408/wilshere-takes-van-persies-number-10-shirt?source=breakingnews|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=22 August 2012|date=17 August 2012}}</ref> Podolski then started in his first official match for Arsenal against ] on the opening day of the Premier League on 18 August 2012. He played 63 minutes before being subbed off for another 2012 summer signing, ], in the match which finished 0–0.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clarke|first=Richard|title=Arsenal 0–0 Sunderland|url=http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3517660/first-team/arsenal-v-sunderland?tab=report|work=Arsenal Football Club|access-date=19 August 2012}}</ref> He scored his first goal for Arsenal on 2 September in a 2–0 win against ] at ] whilst also providing the assist for ] to score his first for the Gunners.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19384131 | title = Liverpool 0–2 Arsenal |publisher=BBC Sport | date = 2 September 2012 | access-date =2 September 2012 | first = Guy | last = Mowbray}}</ref> Podolski scored his second goal for Arsenal in the following game, scoring a free-kick from 25 yards in a 6–1 victory against ].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19528203 | title = Arsenal 6–1 Southampton |publisher=BBC Sport | date = 15 September 2012 | access-date = 15 September 2012}}</ref>

On 18 September 2012, he scored his first ] goal for the Gunners in a 2–1 away win against ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Montpellier 1–2 Arsenal – Match Report|url=http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3553311/first-team/montpellier-v-arsenal?tab=report|date=18 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920161639/http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/3553311/first-team/montpellier-v-arsenal?tab=report|archive-date=20 September 2012}}</ref> In Arsenal's second game in the Champions League, Podolski scored again as Arsenal defeated Greek champions ] 3–1 on 3 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1179953/podolski,-gervinho-help-arsenal-rip-olympiacos?cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008000823/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1179953/podolski,-gervinho-help-arsenal-rip-olympiacos?cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 October 2012 |title=Podolski, Gervinho score as Gunners roll |publisher=ESPNFC |date=3 October 2012}}</ref> Podolski then scored his first goal in more than a month against ] in a thrilling 3–3 draw.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arsenal 3–3 Fulham| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20190108| publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 November 2012 | access-date =17 November 2012 | first=John | last=Stanton}}</ref> On 17 November, Podolski scored his fourth League goal as Arsenal defeated ] 5–2 in the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Arsenal 5–2 Tottenham| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20278355| publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 November 2012 | access-date =17 November 2012 | last=Ornstein |first=David}}</ref> He then helped Arsenal qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League by scoring the second goal as Arsenal beat Montpellier 2–0.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20321623 | title = Arsenal 2–0 Montpellier | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 21 November 2012 | access-date = 21 November 2012}}</ref> Podolski then played a pivotal part in an impressive 5–2 win away from home against ] at the ], scoring the first goal and assisting 2 more, which had helped teammate ] to score his first ever hat-trick. On 30 December 2012, Podolski played an integral part of the team that beat Newcastle 7–3. His first contribution was an incisive pass to ] for Arsenal's first goal. In addition, due to Newcastle's failure to clear the ball off their line, Podolski pounced on a header for his last goal of 2012. He was substituted for ] to a standing ovation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arsenal breeze past Newcastle in a 7–3 win| url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-7-3-newcastle-theo-walcott-1511501| publisher=Mirror.co.uk|date=30 December 2012 | access-date =31 December 2012}}</ref> On 23 January 2013, Podolski produced an impressive performance as Arsenal beat West Ham 5–1, scoring one goal and setting up three others. On 2 February 2013, Podolski scored the only goal via a deflected free-kick to earn the Gunners a 1–0 victory over ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21209193|title=Arsenal 1–0 Stoke|publisher=]|date=2 February 2013|access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref> On 13 April, Podolski sealed a 3–1 win over ] by scoring his first goal since February.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22049748|title=Arsenal 3–1 Norwich|publisher=]|date=13 April 2013|access-date=15 May 2013|last=Chase|first=Graham}}</ref> After Giroud's three-game ban appeal was rejected,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/news/story/_/id/1422914/fa-turns-down-arsenal's-olivier-giroud's-red-card-appeal|title=FA turns down Giroud appeal|publisher=]|date=23 April 2013|access-date=15 May 2013}}</ref> Podolski began playing as a centre forward, starting with the 1–1 draw against ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/04/28/3937770/team-news-van-persie-starts-for-manchester-united-against?ICID=OP|title=TEAM NEWS: Van Persie starts for Manchester United against Arsenal|publisher=Goal.com|date=28 April 2013|access-date=15 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22237319|title=Arsenal 1–1 Manchester United|publisher=]|date=28 April 2013|access-date=15 May 2013|last=McNulty|first=Phil}}</ref> Podolski then scored twice in a 4–1 victory over ], resulting in Wigan's relegation from the Premier League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22430454|title=Arsenal 4–1 Wigan|publisher=]|date=14 May 2013|access-date=15 May 2013|last=McKenna|first=Chris}}</ref> Podolski ended his first season in Arsenal with a total of 16 goals and 11 assists.

==== 2013–14 season ====
]
On 24 August 2013, Podolski netted his first goals of the ], scoring twice for Arsenal away at ] in a 3–1 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23744679|title=Fulham 1–3 Arsenal|publisher=]|date=24 August 2013|access-date=28 September 2013|last=Philips|first=Owen}}</ref> However, he was injured in his next match in the ] qualifier against ] and was ruled out for 10 weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23859274|title=Lukas Podolski out for up to 10 weeks with hamstring injury|publisher=]|date=29 August 2013 | access-date = 17 October 2013}}</ref>
Podolski returned for Arsenal against ] in a 3–1 win on Boxing Day, scoring the team's third goal in the 79th minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25442146|title=West Ham 1–3 Arsenal|publisher=]|date=26 December 2013 | access-date = 27 December 2013}}</ref> Podolski netted his first two goals in 2014 with a brace in a 4–0 FA Cup fourth round win over ].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25771717 | title = Arsenal 4–0 Coventry | publisher = BBC Sport | date = 24 January 2014 | access-date = 20 April 2014}}</ref> He later scored in a 2–1 ] win over ] in February to send Arsenal through to the quarter-finals of the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26106019|title=Arsenal 2–1 Liverpool|publisher=]|date=16 February 2014 | access-date = 25 February 2014}}</ref>

Podolski scored two goals in March as he began to feature more regularly in the Gunners starting line-up. His first was a goal against his former club, ], in the return leg of the ] last 16 tie. Podolski's goal proved nothing more than a consolation, as Arsenal crashed out of Europe, losing 3–1 on aggregate to the defending champions.

His second goal in March was an equaliser against ] in the ] clash. A minute after scoring, Podolski provided an assist for teammate Olivier Giroud, who gave Arsenal a 2–1 lead. However, a last minute own goal by ] meant the game finished 2–2 and effectively ended Arsenal's hopes of lifting the Premier League title for another season.

Arsenal qualified for the FA Cup final on 12 April following a win against Wigan, in which Podolski was substituted after 68 minutes. He scored twice in Arsenal's next game, a 3–1 win against West Ham United at the ] and followed that display up with another brace in Arsenal's next game, a 3–0 win away to ]. He started in the ] against ] and left the pitch for ] after 61 minutes as Hull led Arsenal 1–2. Arsenal went on to win the game 3–2 after extra time, thereby ending the club's nine-year trophy drought.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27354148| title=Arsenal 3–2 Hull|publisher=BBC Sport| access-date = 18 May 2014 | date = 17 May 2014 | first = Phil | last = McNulty}}</ref>

==== 2014–15 season ====

After winning the ] for Germany, Podolski and compatriots ] and ] were excused by Arsenal from the ], which they won 3–0 against ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sanghera|first1=Mandeep|title=Arsenal 3–0 Man City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28647186|access-date=6 January 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2014}}</ref>

In November, Podolski spoke about his unrest with his current role with Arsenal and his lack of game time, saying: "Of course I am not happy with my situation right now. I can't be satisfied with that. It is hard when you can't do what you love."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yourdailyarsenal.com/all-posts/podolski-unhappy-with-arsenal-situation| title=Podolski unhappy with Arsenal situation|publisher=Your Daily Arsenal | date = 11 November 2014 | access-date = 5 December 2014}}</ref>

==== Inter Milan (loan) ====

On 5 January 2015, Arsenal announced that Podolski had completed a move to ] club ] on loan for the remainder of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150105/podolski-completes-inter-milan-loan-move |title=Podolski completes Inter Milan loan move |date=5 January 2015 |publisher=] |access-date=5 January 2015}}</ref> He joined the side for training after the deal was finalised ahead of their league match away to ] on 6 January.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inter.it/en/news/47255 |title=Podolski joins squad for training ahead of Juve clash |date=5 January 2015 |publisher=] |access-date=5 January 2015}}</ref> In the 1–1 draw at the ], he came on as a substitute for ] after 54 minutes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Juventus 1–1 Inter Milan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30687617|access-date=7 January 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=6 January 2014}}</ref> Podolski was not named in Inter's squad list for the knockout stages of the ] with coach Roberto Mancini preferring ] over the German international.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lukas Podolski not in Inter's Europa squad, Xherdan Shaqiri included|url=http://www.espnfc.com/internazionale/story/2281151/lukas-podolski-left-out-of-inter-milans-europa-league-squadxherdan-shaqiri-included|access-date=5 February 2015|work=espnfc|date=5 February 2015}}</ref> On 28 April 2015, Podolski scored his only goal with Inter to win the match 2–1 in the 65th minute against ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2446488-inter-milan-flop-lukas-podolski-scores-a-belter-to-get-off-the-mark-for-the-club | title = Inter Milan Flop Lukas Podolski Scores a Belter to Get off the Mark for the Club | publisher = bleacherreport.com | date = 28 April 2015 | access-date = 28 April 2015 | first = Sean | last = Swaby}}</ref>

=== Galatasaray ===
Podolski signed a three-year contract with Turkish club ] on 4 July 2015 for an initial fee of £1.8 million, after which the ] champions will pay Arsenal £2.1 million for three consecutive seasons thereafter.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9903255/lukas-podolski-completes-galatasaray-move-from-arsenal|title=Lukas Podolski completes Galatasaray move from Arsenal|publisher=]|date=4 July 2015|access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.galatasaray.org/haber/futbol/lukas-podolski-galatasarayda/27306 | title = Lukas Podolski Galatasaray'da | language = tr | website = Galatasaray | date = 4 July 2015 | access-date = 4 July 2015}}</ref> He instantly won the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/sports/football-galatasaray-win-2015-turkish-super-cup/18369|title=Football: Galatasaray win 2015 Turkish Super Cup|publisher=Anadolu Post|date=8 August 2015|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref> In the final of the ] on 26 May 2016, he scored the decisive goal for Galatasaray in the 1–0 win over ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tff.org/Default.aspx?pageID=29&macId=156859|title=Football: Match report|publisher=]|date=26 May 2015|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref>

=== Vissel Kobe ===
] in 2017]]
On 2 March 2017, Podolski announced his transfer to Japanese club ] after the completion of the Turkish season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/intligen/startseite/668872/artikel_perfekt_podolski-wechselt-im-sommer-nach-japan.html |title=Perfekt: Podolski wechselt im Sommer nach Japan |publisher=kicker.de |language=de |date=2 March 2017 |access-date=2 March 2017}}</ref> On 29 July 2017, he played his first match for Vissel Kobe and scored two goals in a 3–1 win over ] in the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-in/news/lukas-podolski-vissel-kobe-jleague/wnw8roteic7b1ab39f23bpevh|title=Podolski's debut double earns Vissel Kobe victory | website = Goal.com | date = 30 July 2017 | access-date = 7 December 2019}}</ref> On 11 August 2018, he assisted ]'s first goal in the J1 League in a 2–1 win over ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20180811/801648.html |title=イニエスタ、磐田戦でJリーグ初ゴール! 主将ポドルスキが得点を演出 |publisher=SOCCERKING |date=11 August 2018 |access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref>

On 8 December 2019, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over ].<ref name="Daily"/> It was his first hat-trick in the J1 League.<ref name="Daily">{{cite web |url= https://www.daily.co.jp/soccer/2019/12/08/0012941473.shtml |title= J1神戸 ポドルスキが来日初ハット 逆転残留へアピール「話があれば前向きに」 |website= Daily Sports online |publisher=Daily Sports |date=8 December 2019 |access-date=8 December 2019 }}</ref>

On 1 January 2020, Podolski won his first trophy in Japan, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over ] in the final of the ];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jfa.jp/match/emperorscup_2019/schedule_result/pdf/m87.pdf|title=2019 Emperor's Cup Final Report|website=JFA|date=1 January 2020|access-date=2 January 2020|language=ja}}</ref> it was also the club's first ever major trophy.<ref name="EmperorsCup">{{cite web|url=https://en.as.com/en/2020/01/01/football/1577885627_719505.html|title=Andrés Iniesta skippers Vissel Kobe to first trophy in David Villa's final match|website=AS|date=1 January 2020|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref>

=== Antalyaspor ===
On 23 January 2020, Podolski joined ] on a one-and-a-half-year contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Antalyaspor/status/1220353528037826561|title=Willkommen - Welcome - Hoş Geldin @Podolski10 #BizAntalyasporuz|website=Twitter|date=23 January 2020|access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>

=== Górnik Zabrze ===
On 6 July 2021, Podolski was announced by the ] club ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/GornikZabrzeSSA/status/1412320414714548226? |title=Górnik Zabrze Twitter status |website=Twitter |date=6 July 2021 |access-date=6 July 2021 |language=pl |publisher=]}}</ref> having signed a one-year contract that comes with the option of another year,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dailycannon.com/2021/07/lukas-podolski-gornik-zabrze/ |title=Lukas Podolski signs for Górnik Zabrze |website=dailycannon.com |date=6 July 2021 |access-date=6 July 2021 |language=en }}</ref> and with the club being probably his last club before retiring, after stating it's his dream to finish his footballing career playing for Górnik.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lukas-podolski.com/i-like-detail-en/alias/gornik-zabrze.html |title=Górnik Zabrze - Lukas Podolski |website=www.lukas-podolski.com |date=6 July 2021 |access-date=6 July 2021 |language=en |publisher=Lukas Podolski }}</ref> He made his debut on 30 July, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 league home defeat against ] at the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polsatsport.pl/wiadomosc/2021-07-30/pko-bp-ekstraklasa-nieudany-debiut-lukasa-podolskiego-gornik-zabrze-przegral-z-lechem-poznan/ |title=PKO BP Ekstraklasa: Nieudany debiut Lukasa Podolskiego. Górnik Zabrze przegrał z Lechem Poznań |website=www.polsatsport.pl |date=30 July 2021 |access-date=30 September 2021 |language=pl}}</ref> On 21 November 2021, he scored his first goal for Górnik Zabrze, in the ] home fixture against ] 3–2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polsatsport.pl/wiadomosc/2021-11-21/gol-lukasa-podolskiego-w-meczu-gornik-zabrze-legia-warszawa/|title=Gol Lukasa Podolskiego w meczu Górnik Zabrze - Legia Warszawa|trans-title=Lukas Podolski's goal in the game Górnik Zabrze - Legia Warsaw|website=www.polsatsport.pl |date=21 November 2021 |access-date=23 November 2021 |language=pl}}</ref>

On 19 May 2022, Podolski agreed to a one-year contract extension.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kicker.de/auch-mit-37-noch-nicht-fertig-podolski-verlaengert-in-zabrze-902805/artikel |title=Auch mit 37 noch nicht fertig: Podolski verlängert in Zabrze |publisher=Kicker |language=de |date=19 May 2022 }}</ref> On 5 November 2022, he scored a goal from inside his own half in a 4–1 away win against ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportschau.de/tor-des-monats/archiv/chronik20er/tdm-november-2022-102.html |title=Podolski gewinnt zum 13. Mal |publisher=Sportschau |language=de |date=17 December 2022 }}</ref> On 19 May 2023, he extended his Górnik contract until 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportschau.de/newsticker/dpa-podolski-macht-weiter-zabrze-vertrag-bis-2025-verlaengert-100.html |title=Podolski macht weiter: Zabrze-Vertrag bis 2025 verlängert |publisher=Sportschau |language=de |date=19 May 2023 }}</ref>

== International career ==
=== International debut and breakthrough ===
In late 2003, after several impressive performances in his first few ] games, Polish media suggested then-Poland national team coach ] should check Podolski out, as he was still eligible to play for Poland. Janas ignored the request stating in one of the press interviews that "as for today we have much better strikers in Poland and I don't see a reason to call up a player just because he played one or two good matches in the Bundesliga. He's not even a regular starter at his club." By that time Podolski was still interested in representing ], but as the season progressed German media increasingly highlighted his performances to suggest he should be called up to the ]. When his full potential was finally unveiled, he had already decided to represent Germany. At the end of the season Köln were relegated, but Podolski impressed so much, that he held his debut for ]'s Germany on 6 June 2004, at age 19, in ] against ] with a late substitute appearance. He had become the first second-division player since 1975 to break into the national team.

=== Euro 2004 ===
Podolski played for ] at ], where he was the squad's youngest player. He made one substitute appearance in the game against the ], when he came on for ] at half-time.

=== 2006 World Cup ===
] in 2006]]
Podolski was selected in the ] for the ], where he partnered ] as the attack duo in the starting lineup. He scored his first World Cup goal in Germany's third group match against ], and both goals in the 2–0 win over ] in the round of 16. He became the first player since 1962 to score two goals in the first 12 minutes of a World Cup match and only the third player ever to accomplish the feat.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}} Germany finished third in the tournament, and while his teammate Miroslav Klose won the ], Podolski's three goals tied him for second place with ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. Podolski was named the World Cup's ] ahead of players like ] and ].

=== UEFA Euro 2008 ===
In a ] qualifying game against ] in ] Podolski netted four goals in Germany's record 13–0 thrashing. He is one of only four German players to score four goals in an international match. He was the third after ] and ], and since this, ] has accomplished this feat. In Germany's 4–1 win against ] in ] on 11 October 2006, he scored the first and the last German goal, both on assists by Miroslav Klose. He has continued to score goals at an astonishing rate. On 17 November 2007, in a ] match against ], Podolski was involved in every goal in Germany's 4–0 victory. This was one of Podolski's best performances for the national team. Even though he played out of his natural position, playing at left midfield, he netted one goal himself and was voted Man of the Match.

On 8 June 2008, Podolski made his Euro 2008 entrance against debutants ] in a ] match in ], Austria. He scored both goals in a 2–0 victory. He ], however, to show respect for his country of birth. After the game he gave an emotional interview on Polish television. The goals put him in the lead in the Euro 2008 goal-scoring list for two days until ] scored a hat-trick for ] against ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300685/report=rp.html|title=Podolski double gets Germany going|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher=UEFA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108021935/http://en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300685/report=rp.html|archive-date=8 January 2009}}</ref>

On 12 June, Germany played ] in their second Group B match, again in Klagenfurt. Podolski scored the German team's only goal of the game in the 79th minute, by which time the Croatians were already leading 2–0. He did not celebrate this goal either despite it putting him joint first on the Euro 2008 goal-scoring list with ]. Podolski's goal was not enough to snatch a draw, with Croatia holding out for a 2–1 victory over Germany.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300693/report=rp.html|title=Olić kick-starts Croatian celebrations|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher=UEFA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108043524/http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300693/report=rp.html|archive-date=8 January 2009}}</ref> On 19 June, Germany played Portugal in the quarterfinal in ], Podolski was instrumental in the first goal, whipping a cross into the penalty box that was slotted home by ] in the 22nd minute to give Germany a 1–0 lead.

On the international scene, Podolski seemed to be gravitating towards an attacking left midfield role from his traditional place as a striker. Initially, Löw had moved him to the wing in order to accommodate the partnership of Klose and ] up front. When this backfired, he resumed his forward position in the ], but was unable to prevent Germany losing 1–0 to ]. In a controversial incident, Podolski was headbutted by Spanish midfielder ], although this went unnoticed by the referee and his assistants, and went unpenalised.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 June 2008|title=Euro 2008: Lehmann lays into 'biased' referee following Germany defeat|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jun/30/euro2008final.lehmannrefbias|access-date=24 August 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Podolski was named in the 23-man squad as one of the players of the tournament along with countrymen ] and ].

=== 2010 World Cup ===
] after Germany's win against ] at the ]]]
On 6 September 2008, Podolski scored the opening two goals in Germany's first ] qualifier against ] in ]; a match that ended in a 6–0 victory for the Germans. He scored the opener in the 2–1 home win over ] on 11 October, when he turned ] on the edge of the penalty area, before unleashing a powerful shot past Russia's goalkeeper ]. He finished the qualification campaign second highest scorer of ] with six goals, behind teammate Miroslav Klose's 7. During one of the qualifying matches, he was involved in a bust-up with team captain Michael Ballack.

On 13 June 2010, Podolski, who had become accustomed to his position as a winger scored the first goal in Germany's World Cup opening game in a 4–0 win against Australia, before assisting teammate ] for the third goal. On 18 June, Podolski missed a second-half penalty after a handling infraction committed by ] in the 1–0 loss to Serbia. The German team had gone down to 10-men after a second yellow was shown to Miroslav Klose in the 36th minute. Even though the Germans played with 10-men throughout the rest of the game, Podolski had numerous chances on goal. However, he was unable to capitalize, and the game ended in a surprise defeat for the Germans. However, he managed to score against ] in the last 16, giving Germany a 2–0 advantage in the first half. They went on to beat England 4–1.<ref>{{cite news|first=Phil|last=McNulty|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_51/default.stm|title=Germany 4–1 England|date=27 June 2010|access-date=28 June 2010|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> In the quarter-final against ], Podolski provided the assist for the first of Klose's two goals, bringing the score to 2–0. The Germans won the match 4–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=Argentina 0–4 Germany|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_59/default.stm|first=Chris|last=Bevan|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 July 2010|access-date=3 July 2010}}</ref>

=== Euro 2012 ===
During ], Podolski provided assists for three goals and scored three times, helping Germany to win all ten matches of their qualification campaign. During ], Podolski started all three of Germany's Group B games, the third being his 100th appearance for Germany; a game in which he also scored. Podolski's last game at Euro 2012 was the successful ] in the semi-finals against Germany, 2–1.

=== 2014 World Cup ===
]]]
Podolski was part of Germany's ] campaign. Prior to the tournament, he played in five qualification matches. In the World Cup finals in Brazil, he appeared in the victories over USA and Portugal in the group stages, but did not play the full 90 minutes.<ref name="UEFA profile">{{cite web | url = http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/teams/player=62594/ | title = Lukas Podolski | publisher = UEFA.com | access-date = 16 April 2016}}</ref> Germany went on to become World Champions.

=== Euro 2016 and retirement ===
Podolski was included in the squad for ]. He made a substitute appearance against ] during the tournament. After the tournament, on 15 August, he announced his retirement from international football (effective 23 March 2017) saying he wants to shift his focus and spend more time with his family.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37084336|title=Lukas Podolski: Germany striker retires from international football|publisher=]|date=15 August 2016 | access-date = 15 August 2016}}</ref> He was given his last ever international appearance for Germany against ] on 22 March 2017 where he scored the winning goal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lukas Podolski nets Germany winner vs. England in final game|url=http://www.espnfc.us/report?gameId=467837|date=22 March 2017|access-date=22 March 2017|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/39275693|title=Gareth Southgate suffered his first defeat in charge of England as Lukas Podolski's spectacular second-half winner provided a fitting farewell to his Germany career in Dortmund|date=22 March 2017|access-date=22 March 2017|first=Phil|last=McNulty|publisher=]}}</ref>

== Style of play ==

Podolski possesses an explosive and accurate shot, reaching speeds of nearly {{convert|100|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-lukas-podolskis-finishing-praised-1331304|title=Bould worships Pod: Arsenal new boy's finishing hailed after Euro win|date=18 September 2012|publisher=Mirror|access-date=24 May 2018}}</ref> Arsene Wenger described Podolski saying "He's certainly one of the best finishers I've ever seen...If there's one you want to see in front of the goal in a shooting position, it's him".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-podolski-is-a-great-finisher|title=Wenger – Podolski is a great finisher|website=www.arsenal.com|access-date=28 September 2017}}</ref> In his early years, Podolski possessed explosive speed with great acceleration which was later affected by some lengthy injuries. He usually cuts inside either to shoot or pass the ball. Podolski is a physically strong player able to hold up the ball and produce key passes. Podolski has good dribbling and technical skills and is also a good crosser of the ball having set up many goals for his teammates from the left side. He is a penalty specialist, having missed only two penalties in his career.

== Career statistics ==

=== Club ===
<!-- Please update the date when you update the stats. -->
{{updated|match played 6 December 2024}}<ref name="Lukas Podolski » Club matches">{{cite web|title=Lukas Podolski » Club matches|url=http://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/lukas-podolski/2/|website=WorldFootball.net|access-date=20 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="Soccerway">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/lukas-podolski/2053/|title=L. Podolski|website=Soccerway|access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
!rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="2"|] !colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes ], ], ], ], ] and ]}}
!colspan="2"|]
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes ], ] and ]}}
!colspan="2"|European Competition
!colspan="2"|Continental{{efn|Includes ] and ]}}
!colspan="2"|Other{{efn|Includes ]}}
!colspan="2"|Total !colspan="2"|Total
|- style="background:beige"
!App
!Goals
!App
!Goals
!App
!Goals
!App
!Goals
|- |-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|rowspan="1" align=center valign=center|''']'''
|2006-07
||
|
|
|
|
|
!
!
|- |-
|rowspan="3"|]
|- style="background:lemonchiffon"
|]
! Total !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !!
|]
|1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|- |-
|]
|rowspan="3" align=center valign=center|''']'''
|Regionalliga Nord
|2005-06
|1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0
|| 32
| 12
|
|
| -
| -
!
!
|- |-
!colspan="2"|Total
|2004-05
!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0
|| 30
| 24
|
|
| -
| -
!
!
|- |-
|rowspan="4"|]
|2003-04
|]
|| 19
|]
| 10
|19||10||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||10
|
|
| -
| -
!
!
|- style="background:lemonchiffon"
! Total !! !! 81 !! 48 !! !! !! - !! - !! !!
|- |-
|]
! style="background:beige"|Career Totals
|]
! style="background:beige" colspan="1" |
|30||24||2||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||32||29
! style="background:beige"| 81
! style="background:beige"| 48
! style="background:beige"|
! style="background:beige"|
! style="background:beige"|
! style="background:beige"|
! style="background:beige"|
! style="background:beige"|
|- |-
|]
|Bundesliga
|32||12||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||12
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!81!!46!!4!!5!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!85!!51
|-
|rowspan="4"|]
|]
|Bundesliga
|22||4||3||2||2||0||7||1||colspan="2"|—||34||7
|-
|]
|Bundesliga
|25||5||4||0||0||0||12||5||colspan="2"|—||41||10
|-
|]
|Bundesliga
|24||6||3||1||colspan="2"|—||4||2||colspan="2"|—||31||9
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!71!!15!!10!!3!!2!!0!!23!!8!!0!!0!!106!!26
|-
|]
|]
|]
|2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
|rowspan="4"|1. FC Köln
|]
|Bundesliga
|27||2||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||3
|-
|]
|Bundesliga
|32||13||2||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||34||14
|-
|]
|Bundesliga
|29||18||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||18
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!88!!33!!8!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!96!!35
|-
|rowspan="4"|]
|]
|]
|33||11||2||1||1||0||6||4||colspan="2"|—||42||16
|-
|]
|Premier League
|20||8||4||3||0||0||3||1||colspan="2"|—||27||12
|-
|]
|Premier League
|7||0||0||0||1||0||5||3||colspan="2"|—||13||3
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!60!!19!!6!!4!!2!!0!!14!!8!!0!!0!!82!!31
|-
|] (loan)
|]
|]
|17||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||18||1
|-
|rowspan="3"|]
|]
|]
|30||13||4||2||colspan="2"|—||8||2||1||0||43||17
|-
|]
|Süper Lig
|26||7||5||10||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0||32||17
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!56!!20!!9!!12!!0!!0!!8!!2!!2!!0!!75!!34
|-
|rowspan="4"|]
|]
|]
|15||5||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||18||5
|-
|]
|J1 League
|24||5||1||0||1||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||7
|-
||]
|J1 League
|13||5||3||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!52!!15!!5!!0!!3!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!60!!17
|-
|rowspan="3"|]
|]
|Süper Lig
|9||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||2
|-
|]
|Süper Lig
|31||4||5||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||36||5
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!40!!6!!7!!1!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!47!!7
|-
|rowspan="5"|]
|]
|]
|27||9||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||30||9
|-
|]
|Ekstraklasa
|29||6||2||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||8
|-
|]
|Ekstraklasa
|25||3||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||27||3
|-
|]
|Ekstraklasa
|14||2||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||15||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!95!!20!!8!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!103!!22
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!564!!175!!58!!29!!7!!2!!45!!18!!2!!0!!676!!224
|} |}


{{notelist}}
==See also==
*]


=== International ===
==References==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
<references />
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{NFT player|7818|accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/podolski-intlg.html | title = Lukas Podolski – Goals in International Matches | website = ] | access-date = 8 May 2011}}</ref>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="14"|]
| 2004 || 8 || 2
|-
| 2005 || 12 || 8
|-
| 2006 || 17 || 12
|-
| 2007 || 7 || 2
|-
| 2008 || 16 || 7
|-
| 2009 || 9 || 6
|-
| 2010 || 14 || 5
|-
| 2011 || 12 || 1
|-
| 2012 || 11 || 1
|-
| 2013 || 5 || 2
|-
| 2014 || 10 || 1
|-
| 2015 || 5 || 1
|-
| 2016 || 3 || 0
|-
| 2017 || 1 || 1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total !! 130 !! 49
|}


:''Scores and results list Germany's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Podolski goal.''
==External links==
*
* {{de icon}}
* {{imdb name|id=1889144|name=Lukas Podolski}}


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{{Germany Squad 2006 World Cup}}
|+ List of international goals scored by Lukas Podolski
{{Bayern Munich Squad}}
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|style="text-align:center"|1
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|21 December 2004}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], Thailand
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Thailand}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–1
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|5–1
|rowspan="2"|]
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thailand vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/17774/Thailand_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|2
|style="text-align:center"|5–1
|-
|style="text-align:center"|3
|{{dts|26 March 2005}}
|], ], Slovenia
|{{fb|Slovenia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Slovenia vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/17284/Slovenia_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|4
|{{dts|4 June 2005}}
|], ], Northern Ireland
|{{fb|Northern Ireland}}
|style="text-align:center"|4–1
|style="text-align:center"|4–1
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Northern Ireland vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/17283/Northern_Ireland_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|5
|{{dts|15 June 2005}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Australia}}
|style="text-align:center"|4–2
|style="text-align:center"|4–3
|]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Australia|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/17280/Germany_Australia.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|6
|{{dts|25 June 2005}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Brazil}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|style="text-align:center"|2–3
|2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Brazil|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/17243/Germany_Brazil.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|7
|{{dts|29 June 2005}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Mexico}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–3
|2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Mexico|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/17279/Germany_Mexico.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|8
|rowspan="3"|{{dts|7 September 2005}}
|rowspan="3"|], ], Germany
|rowspan="3"|{{fb|South Africa}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"|4–2
|rowspan="3"|Friendly
|rowspan="3"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. South Africa|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/13871/Germany_South_Africa.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|9
|style="text-align:center"|3–1
|-
|style="text-align:center"|10
|style="text-align:center"|4–2
|-
|style="text-align:center"|11
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|27 May 2006}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], Germany
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Luxembourg}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|7–0
|rowspan="2"|Friendly
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Luxembourg|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/13897/Germany_Luxembourg.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|12
|style="text-align:center"|5–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|13
|{{dts|20 June 2006}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Ecuador}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ecuador vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/5/Ecuador_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|14
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|24 June 2006}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], Germany
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Sweden}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–0
|rowspan="2"|2006 FIFA World Cup
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Sweden|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/49/Germany_Sweden.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|15
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|16
|{{dts|2 September 2006}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Republic of Ireland}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Ireland|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/1781/Germany_Ireland.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|17
|rowspan="4"|{{dts|6 September 2006}}
|rowspan="4"|], ], San Marino
|rowspan="4"|{{fb|San Marino}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="4" style="text-align:center"|13–0
|rowspan="4"|UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
|rowspan="4"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=San Marino vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/1783/San_Marino_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|18
|style="text-align:center"|5–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|19
|style="text-align:center"|8–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|20
|style="text-align:center"|10–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|21
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|11 October 2006}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], Slovakia
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Slovakia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–1
|rowspan="2"|UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Slovakia vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/1789/Slovakia_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|22
|style="text-align:center"|4–1
|-
|style="text-align:center"|23
|{{dts|12 September 2007}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Romania}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–1
|style="text-align:center"|3–1
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Romania|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/12962/Germany_Romania.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|24
|{{dts|17 November 2007}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Cyprus}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Cyprus|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/1817/Germany_Cyprus.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|25
|{{dts|26 March 2008}}
|], ], Switzerland
|{{fb|Switzerland}}
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Switzerland vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/12347/Switzerland_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|26
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|8 June 2008}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], Austria
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Poland}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–0
|rowspan="2"|]
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Poland|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/1616/Germany_Poland.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|27
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|28
|{{dts|12 June 2008}}
|Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria
|{{fb|Croatia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–2
|style="text-align:center"|1–2
|UEFA Euro 2008
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Croatia vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/1617/Croatia_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|29
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|6 September 2008}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], Liechtenstein
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Liechtenstein}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|6–0
|rowspan="2"|]
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Liechtenstein vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/2795/Liechtenstein_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|30
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|31
|{{dts|11 October 2008}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Russia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–1
|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Russia|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/2802/Germany_Russia.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|32
|{{dts|28 March 2009}}
|Zentralstadion, Leipzig, Germany
|{{fb|Liechtenstein}}
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Liechtenstein|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/2807/Germany_Liechtenstein.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|33
|{{dts|29 May 2009}}
|], ], China
|{{fb|China}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=China vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/11573/China_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|34
|{{dts|9 September 2009}}
|AWD-Arena, Hanover, Germany
|{{fb|Azerbaijan}}
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Azerbaijan|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/2818/Germany_Azerbaijan.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|35
|{{dts|14 October 2009}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Finland}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|style="text-align:center"|1–1
|2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Finland|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/2822/Germany_Finland.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|36
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|18 November 2009}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], Germany
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Ivory Coast}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|2–2
|rowspan="2"|Friendly
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Ivory Coast|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/11571/Germany_Ivory_Coast.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|37
|style="text-align:center"|2–2
|-
|style="text-align:center"|38
|{{dts|29 May 2010}}
|], ], Hungary
|{{fb|Hungary}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hungary vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/10712/Hungary_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|39
|{{dts|13 June 2010}}
|], ], South Africa
|{{fb|Australia}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–0
|]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Australia|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/2207/Germany_Australia.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|40
|{{dts|27 June 2010}}
|], ], South Africa
|{{fb|England}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|4–1
|2010 FIFA World Cup
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. England|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/2239/Germany_England.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|41
|{{dts|7 September 2010}}
|], ], Austria
|{{fb|Azerbaijan}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–0
|style="text-align:center"|6–1
|]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Azerbaijan|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/3468/Germany_Azerbaijan.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|42
|{{dts|12 October 2010}}
|], ], Kazakhstan
|{{fb|Kazakhstan}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kazakhstan vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/3474/Kazakhstan_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|43
|{{dts|2 September 2011}}
|Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
|{{fb|Austria}}
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|style="text-align:center"|6–2
|UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Austria|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/3485/Germany_Austria.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|44
|{{dts|17 June 2012}}
|], ], Ukraine
|{{fb|Denmark}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|2–1
|]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Denmark vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/3722/Denmark_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|45
|rowspan="2"|{{dts|29 May 2013}}
|rowspan="2"|], ], United States
|rowspan="2"|{{fb|Ecuador}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–2
|rowspan="2"|Friendly
|rowspan="2"|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ecuador vs. Germany|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/7991/Ecuador_Germany.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|46
|style="text-align:center"|3–0
|-
|style="text-align:center"|47
|{{dts|6 June 2014}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Armenia}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–1
|style="text-align:center"|6–1
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Armenia|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/10675/Germany_Armenia.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|48
|{{dts|25 March 2013}}
|], ], Germany
|{{fb|Australia}}
|style="text-align:center"|2–2
|style="text-align:center"|2–2
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. Australia|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/12753/Germany_Australia.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:center"|49
|{{dts|22 March 2017}}
|Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
|{{fb|England}}
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|style="text-align:center"|1–0
|Friendly
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany vs. England|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/matches/report/17019/Germany_England.html|website=National Football Teams|access-date=29 November 2024}}</ref>
|}


== Honours ==
]

]
'''1. FC Köln'''
]
* ]: ]<ref name="Soccerway" />
]

]
] '''Bayern Munich'''<ref name="Soccerway" />
* ]: ]
]
* ]: ]
]
* ]: ]
]

]
'''Arsenal'''<ref name="Soccerway" />
* ]: ]
* ]: ]

'''Galatasaray'''<ref name="Soccerway" />
* ]: ]
* ]: ], ]

'''Vissel Kobe'''
* ]: ]<ref name="EmperorsCup" />

'''Germany'''<ref name="Soccerway" />
* ]: ]; third place: ], ]
* ]: runner-up ]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Scott |date=2008-06-29 |title=Euro 2008: Germany 0-1 Spain |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jun/29/euro2008.germanyfootballteam2 |access-date=2022-08-11 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* ]: ] (third place)

'''Individual'''
* ]: ]
* ]: ]<ref name=podolski>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/news/newsid=20093/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119171938/http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/worldcup/germany2006/news/newsid=20093/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2015|title=Lukas Podolski crowned Gillette Best Young Player|website=FIFA.com}}</ref>
* ]: 2006, 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rp-online.de/sport/fussball/nationalelf/wm/dfb/DFB-Elf-erhaelt-Silbernes-Lorbeerblatt_bid_59101.html|title=DFB-Elf erhält Silbernes Lorbeerblatt|access-date=19 December 2010|language=de|work=]}}</ref> 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.dfb-team-bei-gauck-silbernes-lorbeerblatt-fuer-schweinsteiger-und-co.64b324ea-aba9-46a8-a25d-b9d7bff28bac.html|title=Silbernes Lorbeerblatt für Schweinsteiger und Co.|language=de|publisher=stuttgarter-nachrichten.de|date=10 November 2014|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref>
* Silver Shoe: Euro 2008<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gettyimages.no/detail/news-photo/lukas-podolski-of-germany-is-awarded-with-a-silver-shoe-the-news-photo/82460658 | title = Germany - Training & Press Conference | website = gettyimages | date = 19 August 2008 | access-date = 8 December 2019}}</ref>
* ]: ]<ref name="uefaeuro2008">{{cite web|url=http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind=1/newsid=729372.html |title=Spain dominate Team of the Tournament |date=30 June 2008 |access-date=30 June 2008 |publisher=UEFA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080902032257/http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/news/kind%3D1/newsid%3D729372.html |archive-date=2 September 2008 }}</ref>
* '']'' ] Team of the Season: ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/bl50/201011/startseite.html|title=Bundesliga Historie 2010/11|language=de|publisher=kicker}}</ref>
* ]: 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportschau.de/sendung/tdm/archiv/chronik10er/maerz2017tdm100.html|title=Podolski ist Torschütze des Jahres 2017|date=27 January 2018 |language=de|publisher=Sportschau|access-date=11 December 2018}}</ref>
* ] Top assists provider: ]<ref name="Asysty">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ekstraklasa.org/statystyki/indywidualne/asystenci |title=Asystenci |website=ekstraklasa.org |access-date=28 May 2023 |language=pl }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== Charity and philanthropy ==
], June 2015]]

Podolski is the founder of the Lukas Podolski Foundation for Sport and Education (''Lukas Podolski Stiftung für Sport und Bildung''), whose objectives are to provide opportunities for socially disadvantaged children and youth, combat child poverty, and advance social inclusion, integration, and international understanding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lukas-podolski-stiftung.de/en/foundation#Ziele|title=Goals|publisher=Lukas Podolski Foundation|access-date=16 February 2017}}</ref>

He is also an ambassador of the Christian Children's Fund the Ark (''Die Arche'').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lukas-podolski-stiftung.de/en/projects|publisher=Lukas Polski Foundation|title=Sponsorship|access-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> One of his projects is a community day care centre for children located in a distressed part of ] district in ], Poland, opened in 2014. The facility is run by ''Arka Fundacja Dzieci'' sponsored by Podolski's foundation.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Łukasz Podolski otworzył świetlicę na Szmulkach|journal=Gazeta Stołeczna|date=20 May 2014|pages=3}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

Podolski was born to ] and Krystyna Podolska in the ]n industrial city of ] near ] in Poland. Waldemar is a former footballer who played in Poland and Germany. Krystyna is a former member of the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/internationals/germany-2-poland-0-polishborn-podolski-strikes-twice-to-double-german-delight-842873.html|title=Germany 2 Poland 0: Polish-born Podolski strikes twice to double German delight|work=The Independent|first=Jason|last=Burt|date=9 June 2008|access-date=9 June 2008}}</ref>

In 1987, when Podolski was two years old, his family emigrated from Poland to ] and were given '']'' status as a result of his paternal grandparents having German citizenship prior to World War II (Gliwice was a ] until 1945 as ''Gleiwitz'').<ref>{{cite web|title=Podolski und Klose – Zwei Polen im Einsatz für Deutschland|work=Kleine Zeitung|access-date=6 June 2008|language=de|url=http://www.kleinezeitung.at/sport/fussball/euro2008/gruppeb/1318624/index.do}}</ref> Podolski grew up in ], and later in ], both near ].<ref>{{cite web|title=M 02.11 Lukas Podolski|access-date=17 October 2007|language=de|publisher=bpb.de|url=http://www.bpb.de/methodik/3ILKPA,0,0,M_02_11_Lukas_Podolski.html}}</ref>

Podolski possesses ], both German and Polish, but has stated that he does not have a ].<ref name=keinpass>{{cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/em2008/article2091163/Lukas_Podolski_hat_gar_keinen_polnischen_Pass.html|title=Lukas Podolski hat gar keinen polnischen Pass aber zwei Herzen|work=]|language=de|date=11 June 2008|access-date=5 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sport.interia.pl/pilka-nozna/news/nie-mam-polskiego-paszportu,1126543?source=rss|title=Nie mam polskiego paszportu|publisher=Interia.pl|access-date=10 June 2008|language=pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netzeitung.de/sport/em2008/1049957.html|title=Podolski und der polnische Pass|work=Netzeitung|access-date=12 June 2008|language=de}}</ref><!-- The following citations do not support the cited statement and are hidden<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/top-10s/2008/09/09/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-manchester-city-target-lukas-podolski-115875-20730217/|title=10 Things you need to know about Manchester City target Lukas Podolski|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=9 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polen-digital.de/news/die-polnische-staatsangehorigkeit-soll-podolski-und-klose-entzogen-werden/|title=Die polnische Staatsangehörigkeit soll Podolski und Klose entzogen werden|work=Polen-digital.de|access-date=9 June 2008|language=de}}</ref> --> In an interview Podolski said that the ] never cared about him until he started playing for the ] and received coverage in the media. At that point, Podolski had already decided to play for Germany, but nevertheless "there are two hearts beating" in his chest.<ref name=keinpass/> Podolski speaks Polish and sometimes communicated with ] and ] strike partner ], also a Polish-born ''Aussiedler'', in Polish to hinder their opposition's understanding of their conversation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/players/player=62594/index.html|title=20 – Lukas Podolski|publisher=UEFA|access-date=1 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012104716/http://www.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/players/player=62594/index.html|archive-date=12 October 2008}}</ref> Podolski is a fan of ], a football team based {{convert|3|km}} from his place of birth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/news/2010/September/10/polish-hometown-club-dreams-of-signing-podolski/|title=Polish hometown club dreams of signing Podolski|date=10 September 2010|publisher=Soccerway|access-date=8 May 2011}}</ref>

In April 2011, Podolski married his longtime girlfriend Monika Puchalski in ], Germany.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/panorama/leute/0,1518,757836,00.html |title=Lukas Podolski heiratet langjährige Freundin |trans-title=Lukas Podolski marries longtime girlfriend |work=Der Spiegel |date=18 April 2011 |access-date=19 April 2011 |language=de}}</ref> They had a church wedding in ], Poland in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wspolczesna.pl/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20110612/pogodzinach/671227643 |title=Lukas Podolski ślub: Wesele odbyło się w Polsce |work=] |date=12 June 2011 |access-date=12 June 2011 |language=pl}}</ref> They have a son born 14 April 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tz-online.de/sport/fussball/fc-bayern/poldi-im-glueck---mein-kleiner-louis-soll-noch-geschwister-bekommen-96190.html|title=Poldi im Glück – "Mein kleiner Louis soll noch Geschwister bekommen"|work=tz-online.de|access-date=2 November 2009|date=22 June 2008|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jetzt.sueddeutsche.de/texte/anzeigen/453341|title=Der kleine Prinz: Lukas Podolski spricht übers Vatersein|work=]|date=4 November 2008|access-date=2 November 2009|language=de}}</ref> a daughter, born 6 June 2016,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://sportowefakty.wp.pl/sportowybar/606718/wzruszajace-zdjecie-podolski-wita-na-swiecie-swoja-mala-ksiezniczke | title = Euro 2016: wzruszające zdjęcie. Podolski wita na świecie swoją "małą księżniczkę" | language = pl | website = sportowefakty.wp.pl | date = 6 June 2016 | access-date = 6 June 2016}}</ref> and a third child. They currently reside in Katowice, Poland, where Podolski owns an apartment in the Pierwsza Dzielnica neighborhood.<ref>{{Citation |title=Lukas Podolskis neues Zuhause in Polen {{!}} So modern wohnt der Fußballer mit seiner Familie {{!}} Roomtour | date=10 December 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja9krGN-r5s |access-date=2024-01-25 |language=en}}</ref>

Podolski owns an ice cream parlour and a ] shop in Cologne.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/news/Bundesliga/lukas-podolski-opens-kebab-shop-opens-in-cologne-arsenal-bayern-467859.jsp|title=Lukas Podolski opens kebab shop in Cologne |website=bundesliga.com |access-date=12 March 2018}}</ref>

On 30 June 2021, Podolski was announced as a judge for the 15th season of '']'', the German version of '']''. He will become the first ] player to judge any version of the franchise owned by ].<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://extra.ie/2021/06/29/sport/soccernews/lukas-podolski-talent-show-judge | title = Ex Arsenal star Lukas Podolski surprises everyone with new career move | website = extra.ie | date = 29 June 2021 | access-date = 20 July 2021 | first = Barry | last = Arnold}}</ref>

== See also ==

* ]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}

{{Commons category|Lukas Podolski}}
* {{90minut|7386|Lukas Podolski}}
* {{FIFA player|196789}}
* {{Official website|http://www.lukas-podolski.com/}}
* {{Fussballdaten|id=podolskilukas}}
* {{J.League player}}

{{Górnik Zabrze squad}}
{{Navboxes
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| fg = black
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| title = Germany squads
| list1 =
{{Germany squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{Germany squad 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Germany squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Germany squad UEFA Euro 2008}}
{{Germany squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Germany squad UEFA Euro 2012}}
{{Germany squad 2014 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Germany squad UEFA Euro 2016}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| bg= gold
| title= Awards
| list1=
{{UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament}}
{{FIFA World Cup Best Young Player}}
{{2010–11 kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season}}
{{2. Bundesliga top scorers}}
}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Podolski, Lukas}}
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Latest revision as of 17:56, 21 December 2024

Footballer (born 1985) "Łukasz Podolski" redirects here. For the cyclist, see Łukasz Podolski (cyclist).

Lukas Podolski
Podolski playing for Górnik Zabrze in 2023
Personal information
Full name Lukas Josef Podolski
Birth name Łukasz Józef Podolski
Date of birth (1985-06-04) 4 June 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth Gliwice, Poland
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Forward, attacking midfielder
Team information
Current team Górnik Zabrze
Number 10
Youth career
1991–1995 FC 07 Bergheim
1995–2003 1. FC Köln
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2004 1. FC Köln II 2 (0)
2003–2006 1. FC Köln 81 (46)
2006–2009 Bayern Munich 71 (15)
2007–2008 Bayern Munich II 2 (0)
2009–2012 1. FC Köln 88 (33)
2012–2015 Arsenal 60 (19)
2015Inter Milan (loan) 17 (1)
2015–2017 Galatasaray 56 (20)
2017–2020 Vissel Kobe 52 (15)
2020–2021 Antalyaspor 40 (6)
2021– Górnik Zabrze 95 (20)
International career
2001–2002 Germany U17 6 (2)
2002–2003 Germany U18 7 (4)
2003 Germany U19 3 (6)
2004 Germany U21 5 (0)
2004–2017 Germany 130 (49)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Germany
FIFA World Cup
Winner 2014 Brazil
Third place 2006 Germany
Third place 2010 South Africa
UEFA European Championship
Runner-up 2008 Austria–Switzerland
Third place 2012 Poland–Ukraine
FIFA Confederations Cup
Third place 2005 Germany
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:14, 6 December 2024 (UTC)

Lukas Josef Podolski (German: [ˈluːkas poˈdɔlskiː]; born Łukasz Józef Podolski, Polish: [ˈwukaʂ pɔˈdɔlskʲi], 4 June 1985) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Ekstraklasa club Górnik Zabrze. He is known for his powerful and accurate left foot, explosive shooting, technique and probing attacks from the left side.

Podolski joined 1. FC Köln in 1995 where he made it into the first team in 2003 resulting in 81 appearances for the club before moving to Bayern Munich. With Bayern, Podolski won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2008. Podolski returned to 1. FC Köln in 2009. He later signed for Premier League club Arsenal in 2012, with whom he won the FA Cup in 2014. He then moved on loan to Serie A club Inter Milan in January 2015, before signing six months later for Galatasaray where he also won the Turkish Cup of 2016.

Born in Poland, Podolski was eligible to play for both Poland and Germany (due to his Silesian paternal grandparents having been born in then-Imperial Germany), and he was open to playing for the Polish team but was rejected by the then Polish coach Paweł Janas in 2003, having already appeared for Germany at youth level. After making his first appearance for the senior team in 2004, Podolski enjoyed great success with the Germany national team. He was part of the squad in seven major tournaments, winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He is the fourth most-capped player in German history, with 130 caps, and the third-highest goalscorer in German history, having scored 49 times.

On 29 May 2013, Podolski scored the fastest goal in Germany national team history at that time, after just nine seconds of the 4–2 friendly win over Ecuador. It was at that time the second fastest international goal in history, second only to San Marino's Davide Gualtieri's 8.3-second strike against England in 1993. Podolski retired from international football on 22 March 2017 after scoring the winner as captain in a friendly against England.

Club career

1. FC Köln

Podolski playing for Köln in 2006

Podolski began playing football at the age of six in the youth team of FC 07 Bergheim, where he played until he joined 1. FC Köln at the age of ten. It was there that Podolski's talents were first noticed. In 2003, at the age of 18, Podolski was still part of the club's youth side. At this time the club found itself in dire straits battling to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga. First team boss Marcel Koller, working on a shoestring budget, invited Podolski to train with the senior players and he made his top flight debut shortly afterwards on 22 November 2003. Even though Köln failed to avoid a drop to the 2nd division, Podolski had shown what he could do, scoring 10 goals in his first 19 senior appearances. This was the best tally by an 18-year-old in the history of the Bundesliga until Florian Wirtz overtook the record in 2021.

Though his call up to the German Euro 2004 squad brought along interest from several top clubs, Podolski stayed at Köln to help the club gain promotion in the 2004–05 season. With 24 goals, Podolski advanced to become the league's best scorer. Somewhat unusually, Podolski remained part of the Germany squad, even though he did not play in the national top-tier league.

After Köln were promoted, the pressure was on Podolski to keep the club in the Bundesliga practically singlehandedly. Podolski managed to score 12 goals in the 2005–06 season, but eventually, Köln were relegated again. It became clear that Podolski would not stay again to push them through the 2006–07 season—even more so, as Podolski was becoming an integral part of the national team.

FC Bayern Munich

In 2006, clubs such as Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Hamburger SV, Werder Bremen, and Real Madrid manifested their interest in Podolski, even though he had a contract with 1. FC Köln through 2007. On 1 June 2006, Podolski announced that a transfer agreement had been reached with Bayern Munich, allowing him to join the Bavarian side for the 2006–07 season. Financial details of the deal were not immediately available, but the transfer fee was speculated to be around €10 million. He made his Bundesliga debut for Bayern on 11 August 2006, coming on as a substitute in the 88th minute of a 2–0 victory against Borussia Dortmund. On 9 September 2006, he came on as a second-half substitute in a DFB-Pokal game versus FC St. Pauli. Only 26 seconds after the second half started, he scored the equaliser, levelling the match at 1–1. On 14 October 2006, with his first Bundesliga goal for Bayern, Podolski helped to secure the club's 4–2 win over Hertha BSC. On 26 October 2006, Podolski suffered a serious injury to his right ankle joint caused by teammate, Mark van Bommel, during a training session. Consequently, Podolski missed more than five match weeks. He returned from this injury and scored against Alemannia Aachen.

After Bayern bought in Italian striker Luca Toni in 2007, Podolski received less playing time due to coach Ottmar Hitzfeld's preference to partner Miroslav Klose and Toni together instead. However, Bayern ended the 2007–08 season by winning a league and cup double, giving Podolski the first major silverware of his career.

Despite former national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann taking charge of Bayern for the 2008–09 season, Podolski again failed to break into the team's regular first choice line-up. After a rather unhappy spell at Bayern, he returned to former club Köln on 1 July 2009.

Return to 1. FC Köln

After Podolski was assured by national team coach Joachim Löw that a return to FC Köln would not harm his chances of international football, an agreement to sign him was agreed between Bayern Munich and Köln in January 2009, although he would not return to Köln until the start of the summer transfer window. On 1 July, Podolski returned to Köln on a four-year contract, at a reported fee of around €10 million, equivalent to the fee Bayern paid to sign him in 2006. Köln created a website where people were able to buy pixels of an image of Podolski for €25 per 8x8 pixel square, in order to gather €1 million to reduce the cost of the transfer; Formula One driver and Köln supporter Michael Schumacher bought several pixels for €875.

Having just moved from Bayern Munich, Podolski had a poor first season at Köln, scoring just three times the entire season. One of his goals however, came from a free kick against his former club to salvage a draw.

In the 2010–11 season, Podolski scored his 50th Bundesliga goal in the match against Hannover 96 in March 2011. Throughout the entire season, Podolski scored 13 goals and made seven assists.

The 2011–12 season was the final season in his second spell for Köln. Despite the team's relegation to the 2. Bundesliga, Podolski scored 18 goals in 29 league Bundesliga appearances.

Out of respect for his loyalty and achievements for the club, 1. FC Köln chose to retire his famous No. 10 shirt as long as he is an active football player. However, Köln began assigning the number 10 shirt again at the start of the 2014–15 Bundesliga season.

Arsenal

2012–13 season

Podolski playing for Arsenal in 2012

Podolski was linked with Premier League club Arsenal throughout the 2012 winter transfer window but no deal materialised. However, on 30 April 2012, it was officially announced that Podolski had signed for Arsenal on a long-term deal, for an undisclosed fee. On 12 August 2012, Podolski started for Arsenal in a pre-season match against his former club, Köln, scoring twice, once from a penalty in a 4–0 victory. Podolski took the number 9 from Park Chu-Young, who had been loaned out to Celta Vigo, after the number 10 shirt vacated by Robin van Persie was given to Jack Wilshere. Podolski then started in his first official match for Arsenal against Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League on 18 August 2012. He played 63 minutes before being subbed off for another 2012 summer signing, Olivier Giroud, in the match which finished 0–0. He scored his first goal for Arsenal on 2 September in a 2–0 win against Liverpool at Anfield whilst also providing the assist for Santi Cazorla to score his first for the Gunners. Podolski scored his second goal for Arsenal in the following game, scoring a free-kick from 25 yards in a 6–1 victory against Southampton.

On 18 September 2012, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for the Gunners in a 2–1 away win against Montpellier. In Arsenal's second game in the Champions League, Podolski scored again as Arsenal defeated Greek champions Olympiacos 3–1 on 3 October. Podolski then scored his first goal in more than a month against Fulham in a thrilling 3–3 draw. On 17 November, Podolski scored his fourth League goal as Arsenal defeated Tottenham 5–2 in the North London derby. He then helped Arsenal qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League by scoring the second goal as Arsenal beat Montpellier 2–0. Podolski then played a pivotal part in an impressive 5–2 win away from home against Reading at the Madejski Stadium, scoring the first goal and assisting 2 more, which had helped teammate Santi Cazorla to score his first ever hat-trick. On 30 December 2012, Podolski played an integral part of the team that beat Newcastle 7–3. His first contribution was an incisive pass to Theo Walcott for Arsenal's first goal. In addition, due to Newcastle's failure to clear the ball off their line, Podolski pounced on a header for his last goal of 2012. He was substituted for Aaron Ramsey to a standing ovation. On 23 January 2013, Podolski produced an impressive performance as Arsenal beat West Ham 5–1, scoring one goal and setting up three others. On 2 February 2013, Podolski scored the only goal via a deflected free-kick to earn the Gunners a 1–0 victory over Stoke City. On 13 April, Podolski sealed a 3–1 win over Norwich City by scoring his first goal since February. After Giroud's three-game ban appeal was rejected, Podolski began playing as a centre forward, starting with the 1–1 draw against Manchester United. Podolski then scored twice in a 4–1 victory over Wigan Athletic, resulting in Wigan's relegation from the Premier League. Podolski ended his first season in Arsenal with a total of 16 goals and 11 assists.

2013–14 season

Podolski warming up for Arsenal in 2014

On 24 August 2013, Podolski netted his first goals of the 2013–14 season, scoring twice for Arsenal away at Fulham in a 3–1 win. However, he was injured in his next match in the Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahçe and was ruled out for 10 weeks. Podolski returned for Arsenal against West Ham United in a 3–1 win on Boxing Day, scoring the team's third goal in the 79th minute. Podolski netted his first two goals in 2014 with a brace in a 4–0 FA Cup fourth round win over Coventry City. He later scored in a 2–1 FA Cup win over Liverpool in February to send Arsenal through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Podolski scored two goals in March as he began to feature more regularly in the Gunners starting line-up. His first was a goal against his former club, FC Bayern Munich, in the return leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 tie. Podolski's goal proved nothing more than a consolation, as Arsenal crashed out of Europe, losing 3–1 on aggregate to the defending champions.

His second goal in March was an equaliser against Swansea City in the Premier League clash. A minute after scoring, Podolski provided an assist for teammate Olivier Giroud, who gave Arsenal a 2–1 lead. However, a last minute own goal by Mathieu Flamini meant the game finished 2–2 and effectively ended Arsenal's hopes of lifting the Premier League title for another season.

Arsenal qualified for the FA Cup final on 12 April following a win against Wigan, in which Podolski was substituted after 68 minutes. He scored twice in Arsenal's next game, a 3–1 win against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium and followed that display up with another brace in Arsenal's next game, a 3–0 win away to Hull City. He started in the 2014 FA Cup Final against Hull City and left the pitch for Yaya Sanogo after 61 minutes as Hull led Arsenal 1–2. Arsenal went on to win the game 3–2 after extra time, thereby ending the club's nine-year trophy drought.

2014–15 season

After winning the World Cup for Germany, Podolski and compatriots Per Mertesacker and Mesut Özil were excused by Arsenal from the 2014 Community Shield, which they won 3–0 against Manchester City.

In November, Podolski spoke about his unrest with his current role with Arsenal and his lack of game time, saying: "Of course I am not happy with my situation right now. I can't be satisfied with that. It is hard when you can't do what you love."

Inter Milan (loan)

On 5 January 2015, Arsenal announced that Podolski had completed a move to Serie A club Inter Milan on loan for the remainder of the 2014–15 season. He joined the side for training after the deal was finalised ahead of their league match away to Juventus on 6 January. In the 1–1 draw at the Juventus Stadium, he came on as a substitute for Zdravko Kuzmanović after 54 minutes. Podolski was not named in Inter's squad list for the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League with coach Roberto Mancini preferring Xherdan Shaqiri over the German international. On 28 April 2015, Podolski scored his only goal with Inter to win the match 2–1 in the 65th minute against Udinese.

Galatasaray

Podolski signed a three-year contract with Turkish club Galatasaray on 4 July 2015 for an initial fee of £1.8 million, after which the Süper Lig champions will pay Arsenal £2.1 million for three consecutive seasons thereafter. He instantly won the Turkish Super Cup. In the final of the Turkish Cup on 26 May 2016, he scored the decisive goal for Galatasaray in the 1–0 win over Fenerbahçe.

Vissel Kobe

Podolski playing for Vissel Kobe in 2017

On 2 March 2017, Podolski announced his transfer to Japanese club Vissel Kobe after the completion of the Turkish season. On 29 July 2017, he played his first match for Vissel Kobe and scored two goals in a 3–1 win over Omiya Ardija in the J1 League. On 11 August 2018, he assisted Andrés Iniesta's first goal in the J1 League in a 2–1 win over Jubilo Iwata.

On 8 December 2019, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over Júbilo Iwata. It was his first hat-trick in the J1 League.

On 1 January 2020, Podolski won his first trophy in Japan, starting in Vissel Kobe's 2–0 victory over Kashima Antlers in the final of the 2019 Emperor's Cup; it was also the club's first ever major trophy.

Antalyaspor

On 23 January 2020, Podolski joined Antalyaspor on a one-and-a-half-year contract.

Górnik Zabrze

On 6 July 2021, Podolski was announced by the Ekstraklasa club Górnik Zabrze, having signed a one-year contract that comes with the option of another year, and with the club being probably his last club before retiring, after stating it's his dream to finish his footballing career playing for Górnik. He made his debut on 30 July, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 league home defeat against Lech Poznań at the Arena Zabrze. On 21 November 2021, he scored his first goal for Górnik Zabrze, in the Ekstraklasa home fixture against Legia Warsaw 3–2.

On 19 May 2022, Podolski agreed to a one-year contract extension. On 5 November 2022, he scored a goal from inside his own half in a 4–1 away win against Pogoń Szczecin. On 19 May 2023, he extended his Górnik contract until 2025.

International career

International debut and breakthrough

In late 2003, after several impressive performances in his first few Bundesliga games, Polish media suggested then-Poland national team coach Paweł Janas should check Podolski out, as he was still eligible to play for Poland. Janas ignored the request stating in one of the press interviews that "as for today we have much better strikers in Poland and I don't see a reason to call up a player just because he played one or two good matches in the Bundesliga. He's not even a regular starter at his club." By that time Podolski was still interested in representing Poland, but as the season progressed German media increasingly highlighted his performances to suggest he should be called up to the Germany national team. When his full potential was finally unveiled, he had already decided to represent Germany. At the end of the season Köln were relegated, but Podolski impressed so much, that he held his debut for Rudi Völler's Germany on 6 June 2004, at age 19, in Kaiserslautern against Hungary with a late substitute appearance. He had become the first second-division player since 1975 to break into the national team.

Euro 2004

Podolski played for Germany at Euro 2004, where he was the squad's youngest player. He made one substitute appearance in the game against the Czech Republic, when he came on for Torsten Frings at half-time.

2006 World Cup

Podolski playing for Germany in 2006

Podolski was selected in the Germany squad for the 2006 World Cup, where he partnered Miroslav Klose as the attack duo in the starting lineup. He scored his first World Cup goal in Germany's third group match against Ecuador, and both goals in the 2–0 win over Sweden in the round of 16. He became the first player since 1962 to score two goals in the first 12 minutes of a World Cup match and only the third player ever to accomplish the feat. Germany finished third in the tournament, and while his teammate Miroslav Klose won the Golden Boot competition, Podolski's three goals tied him for second place with Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Fernando Torres, David Villa, Maxi Rodríguez, Hernán Crespo and Zinedine Zidane. Podolski was named the World Cup's Best Young Player ahead of players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

UEFA Euro 2008

In a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying game against San Marino in Serravalle Podolski netted four goals in Germany's record 13–0 thrashing. He is one of only four German players to score four goals in an international match. He was the third after Gerd Müller and Michael Ballack, and since this, Mario Gómez has accomplished this feat. In Germany's 4–1 win against Slovakia in Bratislava on 11 October 2006, he scored the first and the last German goal, both on assists by Miroslav Klose. He has continued to score goals at an astonishing rate. On 17 November 2007, in a Euro qualifier match against Cyprus, Podolski was involved in every goal in Germany's 4–0 victory. This was one of Podolski's best performances for the national team. Even though he played out of his natural position, playing at left midfield, he netted one goal himself and was voted Man of the Match.

On 8 June 2008, Podolski made his Euro 2008 entrance against debutants Poland in a Group B match in Klagenfurt, Austria. He scored both goals in a 2–0 victory. He avoided celebrating his goals, however, to show respect for his country of birth. After the game he gave an emotional interview on Polish television. The goals put him in the lead in the Euro 2008 goal-scoring list for two days until David Villa scored a hat-trick for Spain against Russia.

On 12 June, Germany played Croatia in their second Group B match, again in Klagenfurt. Podolski scored the German team's only goal of the game in the 79th minute, by which time the Croatians were already leading 2–0. He did not celebrate this goal either despite it putting him joint first on the Euro 2008 goal-scoring list with David Villa. Podolski's goal was not enough to snatch a draw, with Croatia holding out for a 2–1 victory over Germany. On 19 June, Germany played Portugal in the quarterfinal in Basel, Podolski was instrumental in the first goal, whipping a cross into the penalty box that was slotted home by Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 22nd minute to give Germany a 1–0 lead.

On the international scene, Podolski seemed to be gravitating towards an attacking left midfield role from his traditional place as a striker. Initially, Löw had moved him to the wing in order to accommodate the partnership of Klose and Mario Gómez up front. When this backfired, he resumed his forward position in the UEFA Euro 2008 Final, but was unable to prevent Germany losing 1–0 to Spain. In a controversial incident, Podolski was headbutted by Spanish midfielder David Silva, although this went unnoticed by the referee and his assistants, and went unpenalised. Podolski was named in the 23-man squad as one of the players of the tournament along with countrymen Michael Ballack and Philipp Lahm.

2010 World Cup

Podolski (right) celebrating with Mesut Özil after Germany's win against Argentina at the 2010 World Cup

On 6 September 2008, Podolski scored the opening two goals in Germany's first 2010 World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein in Vaduz; a match that ended in a 6–0 victory for the Germans. He scored the opener in the 2–1 home win over Russia on 11 October, when he turned Vasili Berezutski on the edge of the penalty area, before unleashing a powerful shot past Russia's goalkeeper Akinfeev. He finished the qualification campaign second highest scorer of Group 4 with six goals, behind teammate Miroslav Klose's 7. During one of the qualifying matches, he was involved in a bust-up with team captain Michael Ballack.

On 13 June 2010, Podolski, who had become accustomed to his position as a winger scored the first goal in Germany's World Cup opening game in a 4–0 win against Australia, before assisting teammate Thomas Müller for the third goal. On 18 June, Podolski missed a second-half penalty after a handling infraction committed by Nemanja Vidić in the 1–0 loss to Serbia. The German team had gone down to 10-men after a second yellow was shown to Miroslav Klose in the 36th minute. Even though the Germans played with 10-men throughout the rest of the game, Podolski had numerous chances on goal. However, he was unable to capitalize, and the game ended in a surprise defeat for the Germans. However, he managed to score against England in the last 16, giving Germany a 2–0 advantage in the first half. They went on to beat England 4–1. In the quarter-final against Argentina, Podolski provided the assist for the first of Klose's two goals, bringing the score to 2–0. The Germans won the match 4–0.

Euro 2012

During qualification, Podolski provided assists for three goals and scored three times, helping Germany to win all ten matches of their qualification campaign. During Euro 2012, Podolski started all three of Germany's Group B games, the third being his 100th appearance for Germany; a game in which he also scored. Podolski's last game at Euro 2012 was the successful Italy national team in the semi-finals against Germany, 2–1.

2014 World Cup

Podolski after winning the 2014 World Cup

Podolski was part of Germany's 2014 World Cup campaign. Prior to the tournament, he played in five qualification matches. In the World Cup finals in Brazil, he appeared in the victories over USA and Portugal in the group stages, but did not play the full 90 minutes. Germany went on to become World Champions.

Euro 2016 and retirement

Podolski was included in the squad for UEFA Euro 2016. He made a substitute appearance against Slovakia during the tournament. After the tournament, on 15 August, he announced his retirement from international football (effective 23 March 2017) saying he wants to shift his focus and spend more time with his family. He was given his last ever international appearance for Germany against England on 22 March 2017 where he scored the winning goal.

Style of play

Podolski possesses an explosive and accurate shot, reaching speeds of nearly 100 mph (160 km/h). Arsene Wenger described Podolski saying "He's certainly one of the best finishers I've ever seen...If there's one you want to see in front of the goal in a shooting position, it's him". In his early years, Podolski possessed explosive speed with great acceleration which was later affected by some lengthy injuries. He usually cuts inside either to shoot or pass the ball. Podolski is a physically strong player able to hold up the ball and produce key passes. Podolski has good dribbling and technical skills and is also a good crosser of the ball having set up many goals for his teammates from the left side. He is a penalty specialist, having missed only two penalties in his career.

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 6 December 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1. FC Köln II 2002–03 Regionalliga Nord 1 0 1 0
2003–04 Regionalliga Nord 1 0 1 0
Total 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
1. FC Köln 2003–04 Bundesliga 19 10 1 0 20 10
2004–05 2. Bundesliga 30 24 2 5 32 29
2005–06 Bundesliga 32 12 1 0 33 12
Total 81 46 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 85 51
Bayern Munich 2006–07 Bundesliga 22 4 3 2 2 0 7 1 34 7
2007–08 Bundesliga 25 5 4 0 0 0 12 5 41 10
2008–09 Bundesliga 24 6 3 1 4 2 31 9
Total 71 15 10 3 2 0 23 8 0 0 106 26
Bayern Munich II 2007–08 Regionalliga Süd 2 0 2 0
1. FC Köln 2009–10 Bundesliga 27 2 4 1 31 3
2010–11 Bundesliga 32 13 2 1 34 14
2011–12 Bundesliga 29 18 2 0 31 18
Total 88 33 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 96 35
Arsenal 2012–13 Premier League 33 11 2 1 1 0 6 4 42 16
2013–14 Premier League 20 8 4 3 0 0 3 1 27 12
2014–15 Premier League 7 0 0 0 1 0 5 3 13 3
Total 60 19 6 4 2 0 14 8 0 0 82 31
Inter Milan (loan) 2014–15 Serie A 17 1 1 0 18 1
Galatasaray 2015–16 Süper Lig 30 13 4 2 8 2 1 0 43 17
2016–17 Süper Lig 26 7 5 10 1 0 32 17
Total 56 20 9 12 0 0 8 2 2 0 75 34
Vissel Kobe 2017 J1 League 15 5 1 0 2 0 18 5
2018 J1 League 24 5 1 0 1 2 26 7
2019 J1 League 13 5 3 0 0 0 16 5
Total 52 15 5 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 60 17
Antalyaspor 2019–20 Süper Lig 9 2 2 0 11 2
2020–21 Süper Lig 31 4 5 1 36 5
Total 40 6 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 7
Górnik Zabrze 2021–22 Ekstraklasa 27 9 3 0 30 9
2022–23 Ekstraklasa 29 6 2 2 31 8
2023–24 Ekstraklasa 25 3 2 0 27 3
2024–25 Ekstraklasa 14 2 1 0 15 2
Total 95 20 8 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 103 22
Career total 564 175 58 29 7 2 45 18 2 0 676 224
  1. Includes FA Cup, DFB-Pokal, Coppa Italia, Turkish Cup, Emperor's Cup and Polish Cup
  2. Includes EFL Cup, DFL-Ligapokal and J.League Cup
  3. Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup and Europa League
  4. Includes Turkish Super Cup

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Germany 2004 8 2
2005 12 8
2006 17 12
2007 7 2
2008 16 7
2009 9 6
2010 14 5
2011 12 1
2012 11 1
2013 5 2
2014 10 1
2015 5 1
2016 3 0
2017 1 1
Total 130 49
Scores and results list Germany's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Podolski goal.
List of international goals scored by Lukas Podolski
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 21 December 2004 Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand  Thailand 3–1 5–1 Friendly
2 5–1
3 26 March 2005 Stadion Z'dežele, Celje, Slovenia  Slovenia 1–0 1–0 Friendly
4 4 June 2005 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland  Northern Ireland 4–1 4–1 Friendly
5 15 June 2005 Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany  Australia 4–2 4–3 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
6 25 June 2005 Frankenstadion, Nuremberg, Germany  Brazil 1–1 2–3 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
7 29 June 2005 Zentralstadion, Leipzig, Germany  Mexico 1–0 4–3 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
8 7 September 2005 Weserstadion, Bremen, Germany  South Africa 1–0 4–2 Friendly
9 3–1
10 4–2
11 27 May 2006 Badenova-Stadion, Freiburg, Germany  Luxembourg 3–0 7–0 Friendly
12 5–0
13 20 June 2006 Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany  Ecuador 3–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup
14 24 June 2006 Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany  Sweden 1–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup
15 2–0
16 2 September 2006 Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart, Germany  Republic of Ireland 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
17 6 September 2006 San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino  San Marino 1–0 13–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
18 5–0
19 8–0
20 10–0
21 11 October 2006 Tehelné pole, Bratislava, Slovakia  Slovakia 1–0 4–1 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
22 4–1
23 12 September 2007 RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany  Romania 3–1 3–1 Friendly
24 17 November 2007 AWD-Arena, Hanover, Germany  Cyprus 3–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
25 26 March 2008 St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland   Switzerland 4–0 4–0 Friendly
26 8 June 2008 Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria  Poland 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2008
27 2–0
28 12 June 2008 Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Austria  Croatia 1–2 1–2 UEFA Euro 2008
29 6 September 2008 Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein  Liechtenstein 1–0 6–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
30 2–0
31 11 October 2008 Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany  Russia 1–0 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
32 28 March 2009 Zentralstadion, Leipzig, Germany  Liechtenstein 4–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
33 29 May 2009 Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai, China  China 1–1 1–1 Friendly
34 9 September 2009 AWD-Arena, Hanover, Germany  Azerbaijan 4–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
35 14 October 2009 HSH Nordbank Arena, Hamburg, Germany  Finland 1–1 1–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
36 18 November 2009 Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany  Ivory Coast 1–0 2–2 Friendly
37 2–2
38 29 May 2010 Ferenc Puskás Stadium, Budapest, Hungary  Hungary 1–0 3–0 Friendly
39 13 June 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa  Australia 1–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup
40 27 June 2010 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa  England 2–0 4–1 2010 FIFA World Cup
41 7 September 2010 Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria  Azerbaijan 2–0 6–1 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
42 12 October 2010 Astana Arena, Astana, Kazakhstan  Kazakhstan 3–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
43 2 September 2011 Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany  Austria 3–0 6–2 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification
44 17 June 2012 Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine  Denmark 1–0 2–1 UEFA Euro 2012
45 29 May 2013 FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, United States  Ecuador 1–0 4–2 Friendly
46 3–0
47 6 June 2014 Mewa Arena, Mainz, Germany  Armenia 2–1 6–1 Friendly
48 25 March 2013 Fritz-Walter-Stadion, Kaiserslautern, Germany  Australia 2–2 2–2 Friendly
49 22 March 2017 Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany  England 1–0 1–0 Friendly

Honours

1. FC Köln

Bayern Munich

Arsenal

Galatasaray

Vissel Kobe

Germany

Individual

Charity and philanthropy

Podolski with children from Arka Fundacja Dzieci in Warsaw, June 2015

Podolski is the founder of the Lukas Podolski Foundation for Sport and Education (Lukas Podolski Stiftung für Sport und Bildung), whose objectives are to provide opportunities for socially disadvantaged children and youth, combat child poverty, and advance social inclusion, integration, and international understanding.

He is also an ambassador of the Christian Children's Fund the Ark (Die Arche). One of his projects is a community day care centre for children located in a distressed part of Praga-Północ district in Warsaw, Poland, opened in 2014. The facility is run by Arka Fundacja Dzieci sponsored by Podolski's foundation.

Personal life

Podolski was born to Waldemar Podolski and Krystyna Podolska in the Silesian industrial city of Gliwice near Katowice in Poland. Waldemar is a former footballer who played in Poland and Germany. Krystyna is a former member of the Poland national handball team.

In 1987, when Podolski was two years old, his family emigrated from Poland to West Germany and were given Aussiedler status as a result of his paternal grandparents having German citizenship prior to World War II (Gliwice was a part of Germany until 1945 as Gleiwitz). Podolski grew up in Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, and later in Pulheim, both near Cologne.

Podolski possesses dual citizenship, both German and Polish, but has stated that he does not have a Polish passport. In an interview Podolski said that the Polish Football Association never cared about him until he started playing for the German under-21 team and received coverage in the media. At that point, Podolski had already decided to play for Germany, but nevertheless "there are two hearts beating" in his chest. Podolski speaks Polish and sometimes communicated with Bayern Munich and Germany strike partner Miroslav Klose, also a Polish-born Aussiedler, in Polish to hinder their opposition's understanding of their conversation. Podolski is a fan of KS Górnik Zabrze, a football team based 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from his place of birth.

In April 2011, Podolski married his longtime girlfriend Monika Puchalski in Cologne, Germany. They had a church wedding in Kamionna, Węgrów County, Poland in June 2011. They have a son born 14 April 2008, a daughter, born 6 June 2016, and a third child. They currently reside in Katowice, Poland, where Podolski owns an apartment in the Pierwsza Dzielnica neighborhood.

Podolski owns an ice cream parlour and a kebab shop in Cologne.

On 30 June 2021, Podolski was announced as a judge for the 15th season of Das Supertalent, the German version of Got Talent. He will become the first association football player to judge any version of the franchise owned by Simon Cowell.

See also

References

  1. "Lukas Josef Podolski". Turkish Football Federation. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  2. "Lukas Podolski" (in Polish). 90minut.pl. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  3. "FIFA.com - Lukas PODOLSKI". 20 April 2008. Archived from the original on 20 April 2008. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  4. "Lukas Podolski - nr 10 - Napastnik" (in Polish). Górnik Zabrze. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  5. "Lukas Podolski". Arsenal Football Club. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  6. "Player Profile". FIFA. Archived from the original on 29 January 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  7. ^ "Lukas Podolski: Eurosport". FIFA. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  8. Whitney, Clark. "Why Germany owe a lot to Poland-born Miroslav Klose & Lukas Podolski". Goal.com. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
  9. Munday, Billy (30 July 2018). "The Three Sides of Lukas Podolski: international legend, hometown hero and club enigma". These Football Times. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
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External links

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