Lukas Podolski facts for kids

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Lukas Podolski

Podolski playing for Górnik Zabrze in 2023
Personal information
Full name	Lukas Josef Podolski
Date of birth	(1985-06-04) 4 June 1985 (age 40)
Place of birth	Gliwice, Poland
Height	1.83 m
Playing position	Forward, attacking midfielder
Club information
Current club	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)
2015	→ Inter 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)
National team
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)
Honours Men's football Representing  Germany FIFA World Cup Winner 2014 Brazil Third 2006 Germany Third 2010 South Africa UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2008 Austria–Switzerland Third 2012 Poland–Ukraine FIFA Confederations Cup Third 2005 Germany
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 22:14, 6 December 2024 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals).

Lukas Josef Podolski (born 4 June 1985) is a famous footballer who plays as a forward or attacking midfielder. He currently plays for the Ekstraklasa club Górnik Zabrze. Podolski is well-known for his super powerful and accurate left-foot shots. He is also great at explosive shooting and making smart attacks from the left side of the field.

Podolski started his football journey at 1. FC Köln in 1995. He joined their main team in 2003 and played 81 games before moving to Bayern Munich. With Bayern, he won the Bundesliga (German league) and the DFB-Pokal (German cup) in 2008. Podolski went back to 1. FC Köln in 2009. Later, he joined Premier League club Arsenal in 2012 and won the FA Cup in 2014. He then played on loan for Serie A club Inter Milan in 2015. Six months later, he signed with Galatasaray and won the Turkish Cup in 2016.

Even though he was born in Poland, Podolski chose to play for the German national team. He was part of the squad for seven big tournaments and helped Germany win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He is one of Germany's most capped players, with 130 games, and one of their top goal scorers, with 49 goals.

Lukas Podolski's Club Journey

Starting at 1. FC Köln

Podolski playing for Köln in 2006

Lukas Podolski began playing football at age six. He joined 1. FC Köln when he was ten years old. His amazing skills were quickly noticed there. In 2003, at 18, Podolski joined the club's main team. Even though Köln was struggling, Podolski showed his talent. He scored 10 goals in his first 19 games. This was a record for an 18-year-old in the Bundesliga for many years.

Even though many big clubs wanted him, Podolski stayed with Köln. He helped the team get promoted back to the top league in the 2004–05 season. He scored 24 goals, making him the league's top scorer. He even played for the German national team while his club was in the second division.

In the 2005–06 season, Köln was relegated again. Podolski scored 12 goals, but it wasn't enough. It became clear he would move on, especially since he was a key player for the national team.

Time at Bayern Munich

In 2006, many big clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid wanted Podolski. But he decided to join Bayern Munich for the 2006–07 season. He played his first game for Bayern on 11 August 2006. He scored his first goal for Bayern on 14 October 2006, helping them win 4–2.

In 2007, Bayern bought another striker, Luca Toni. This meant Podolski played less often. However, Bayern won both the league and the cup in the 2007–08 season. This gave Podolski his first major trophies. After a less happy time at Bayern, he returned to Köln in 2009.

Return to 1. FC Köln

Podolski returned to Köln on 1 July 2009, signing a four-year contract. Fans even bought "pixels" of his image online to help the club pay for his transfer.

His first season back at Köln was tough, as he only scored three goals. However, one of these was a free kick against his old club, Bayern. In the 2010–11 season, Podolski scored his 50th Bundesliga goal. He finished that season with 13 goals and seven assists.

The 2011–12 season was his last at Köln for his second time. Even though the team was relegated, Podolski scored 18 goals in 29 league games. Out of respect for him, 1. FC Köln decided to retire his famous No. 10 shirt for a while.

Joining Arsenal FC

Podolski playing for Arsenal in 2012

On 30 April 2012, it was announced that Podolski would join Premier League club Arsenal. He scored twice in a pre-season match against his former club, Köln. Podolski made his official debut for Arsenal on 18 August 2012. He scored his first goal for Arsenal on 2 September in a 2–0 win against Liverpool. He also set up another goal in that game.

He scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for Arsenal on 18 September 2012. Podolski played a big part in many Arsenal wins that season. He scored and assisted goals, helping his teammates. He ended his first season at Arsenal with 16 goals and 11 assists.

Arsenal's 2013–14 Season

Podolski warming up for Arsenal in 2014

Podolski scored his first goals of the 2013–14 season on 24 August 2013. He scored twice in a 3–1 win against Fulham. He later got injured and was out for 10 weeks.

He returned in December and scored against West Ham United. Podolski scored two goals in an FA Cup win against Coventry City. He also scored in an FA Cup win against Liverpool, helping Arsenal reach the quarter-finals.

In March, he scored against his old club, FC Bayern Munich, in the Champions League. He also scored an equalizer against Swansea City in the Premier League. Arsenal reached the FA Cup final. Podolski scored two goals against West Ham United and another two against Hull City. He started in the 2014 FA Cup Final against Hull City. Arsenal won the game 3–2 after extra time, ending the club's nine-year wait for a trophy.

Arsenal's 2014–15 Season

After winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany, Podolski had less playing time at Arsenal. In November, he said he was not happy with his situation.

Loan to Inter Milan

On 5 January 2015, Podolski joined Serie A club Inter Milan on loan. He played his first game for Inter against Juventus. He scored his only goal for Inter on 28 April 2015, helping them win 2–1 against Udinese.

Moving to Galatasaray

Podolski signed a three-year contract with Turkish club Galatasaray on 4 July 2015. He quickly won the Turkish Super Cup. In the Turkish Cup final on 26 May 2016, he scored the winning goal for Galatasaray against Fenerbahçe.

Playing in Japan: Vissel Kobe

Podolski playing for Vissel Kobe in 2017

On 2 March 2017, Podolski announced he would move to Japanese club Vissel Kobe. He played his first match for Vissel Kobe on 29 July 2017. He scored two goals in a 3–1 win. On 8 December 2019, he scored his first hat-trick in the J1 League.

On 1 January 2020, Podolski won his first trophy in Japan. Vissel Kobe won the 2019 Emperor's Cup, which was the club's first major trophy ever.

Back to Turkey: Antalyaspor

On 23 January 2020, Podolski joined Antalyaspor in Turkey. He signed a contract for one and a half years.

Home to Poland: Górnik Zabrze

On 6 July 2021, Podolski joined Ekstraklasa club Górnik Zabrze in Poland. He said it was his dream to finish his career playing for Górnik. He made his debut on 30 July. On 21 November 2021, he scored his first goal for Górnik Zabrze.

On 5 November 2022, he scored an amazing goal from inside his own half! On 19 May 2023, he extended his contract with Górnik until 2025.

Lukas Podolski's International Career

Playing for Germany

In late 2003, Polish media suggested Podolski should play for Poland. But the Polish coach said no. By then, Podolski had decided to play for Germany. He made his debut for Germany on 6 June 2004, at age 19. He was the first second-division player to join the national team since 1975.

Early Days and Euro 2004

Podolski played for Germany at UEFA Euro 2004. He was the youngest player on the team. He played one game as a substitute.

World Cup Hero in 2006

Podolski playing for Germany in 2006

Podolski was chosen for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He scored his first World Cup goal against Ecuador. He then scored both goals in Germany's 2–0 win over Sweden. Germany finished third in the tournament. Podolski was named the World Cup's Best Young Player. He was chosen over players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Euro 2008 Highlights

In a qualifying game for UEFA Euro 2008, Podolski scored four goals in Germany's huge 13–0 win. He is one of only four German players to score four goals in an international match. On 8 June 2008, he scored both goals in Germany's 2–0 win against Poland. He did not celebrate his goals out of respect for his birth country. Podolski was named one of the best players of the tournament.

2010 World Cup Adventures

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

On 13 June 2010, Podolski scored the first goal in Germany's opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Germany won 4–0 against Australia. He later scored against England in the last 16, helping Germany win 4–1. In the quarter-final against Argentina, Podolski assisted a goal. Germany won that match 4–0.

Euro 2012 and 2014 World Cup

Podolski helped Germany win all ten of their games in the Euro 2012 qualification. During Euro 2012, he played his 100th game for Germany and scored a goal.

Podolski was part of Germany's team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He played in group stage wins against USA and Portugal. Germany went on to become World Champions!

Saying Goodbye to International Football

Podolski after winning the 2014 World Cup

Podolski was in the squad for UEFA Euro 2016. After the tournament, on 15 August, he announced he would retire from international football. He wanted to spend more time with his family. He played his last game for Germany on 22 March 2017 against England. He scored the winning goal in that match.

How Podolski Plays

Podolski has an incredibly powerful and accurate shot. It can reach speeds of almost 160 kilometers per hour! His former coach, Arsene Wenger, said Podolski is "one of the best finishers I've ever seen." Podolski is also physically strong and can hold the ball well. He is good at dribbling and crossing the ball, setting up many goals for his teammates. He is also very good at taking penalties.

Career Numbers

Club

International

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 2015	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

Trophies and Awards

1. FC Köln

• 2. Bundesliga: 2004–05 (won the second division league)

Bayern Munich

• Bundesliga: 2007–08 (won the German league)
• DFB-Pokal: 2007–08 (won the German cup)
• DFL-Ligapokal: 2007 (won the German League Cup)

Arsenal

• FA Cup: 2013–14 (won the English FA Cup)
• FA Community Shield: 2014 (won the English Community Shield)

Galatasaray

• Turkish Cup: 2015–16 (won the Turkish Cup)
• Turkish Super Cup: 2015, 2016 (won the Turkish Super Cup)

Vissel Kobe

• Emperor's Cup: 2019 (won the Japanese Emperor's Cup)

Germany National Team

• FIFA World Cup: 2014 (World Champion!); also third place in 2006 and 2010
• UEFA European Championship: runner-up in 2008
• FIFA Confederations Cup: third place in 2005

Individual Awards

• 2.Bundesliga Top scorer: 2004–05
• FIFA World Cup Best Young Player: 2006
• Silver Shoe: Euro 2008 (awarded for being one of the top scorers)
• UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament: 2008 (named one of the best players in the tournament)
• kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2010–11
• Goal of the Year (Germany): 2017
• Ekstraklasa Top assists provider: 2022–23

Giving Back: Charity Work

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

Lukas Podolski started the Lukas Podolski Foundation for Sport and Education. This foundation helps children and young people who are not as lucky. It works to fight child poverty and help everyone feel included.

He is also an ambassador for a Christian children's fund called Die Arche. One of his projects is a daycare center for children in Warsaw, Poland. It opened in 2014 and is supported by his foundation.

Personal Life Facts

Lukas Podolski was born in Gliwice, Poland. His father was also a footballer. His mother played for the Polish national handball team.

When Lukas was two, his family moved from Poland to Germany. They were allowed to move because his grandparents had German citizenship. Podolski grew up near Cologne, Germany.

Lukas has dual citizenship, meaning he is a citizen of both Germany and Poland. He speaks Polish and sometimes used it to talk with his teammate Miroslav Klose on the field. This helped them keep their plans secret from opponents! Podolski is a big fan of the football team Górnik Zabrze, which is close to where he was born.

In 2011, Podolski married Monika Puchalski. They have a son and two daughters. They live in Katowice, Poland.

Podolski also owns an ice cream shop and a kebab shop in Cologne. In 2021, he became a judge on Das Supertalent, which is the German version of Got Talent. He was the first football player to be a judge on this show!

See also

In Spanish: Lukas Podolski para niños

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps