Robert Lewandowski ends his 16-year stint in Europe by signing with MLS side Chicago for two seasons. The Pole, voted best in the world in 2020 and 2021, leaves at the age of 37 to live a new experience in the United States. The transfer marks the end of an era in continental football and the beginning of a new chapter in the striker's career.
The Polish's arrival reinforces the global appeal of MLS, which has attracted big names to the North American league. Lewandowski, an icon of Bayern Munich and Barcelona, arrives in the USA after a career full of titles, including the UEFA Champions League and multiple national championships. His signing by Chicago Fire, a club led by owner Joe Mansueto, was made official this week, with coach Gregg Berhalter already planning his integration into the squad.
The announcement of the signing generated immediate repercussions in world football. Lewandowski, who had already made clear his desire to have a new experience before ending his career, stated that the opportunity in MLS represents a personal and professional challenge. "It's an exciting moment.
After so many years in Europe, I'm looking forward to living this new adventure", declared the striker at a press conference. Lewandowski's decision is not only a personal milestone, but also a reflection of MLS' strategy to position itself as a top-level league. By attracting a player with his resume, the American league signals that it is willing to invest in global figures to raise its competitive and media level.
Chicago Fire, the city's traditional club, gains international media and commercial potential, especially in markets such as Europe and Asia, where the Polish club maintains great appeal. Historically, MLS has used star signings to boost its visibility, but Lewandowski's arrival comes at a crucial time. The league faces direct competition with other global leagues for the interest of players and fans, in addition to seeking to consolidate its brand in the USA.
With the Pole on the field, the Chicago Fire not only reinforces its squad, but also positions itself as a club capable of attracting big names, something that could be decisive in an increasingly saturated sports market. What's next: Lewandowski makes his debut for Chicago Fire in the next round of MLS, with the expectation of attracting even more attention to the league in the USA. The Pole's presence could boost the popularity of the club and the competition, as well as serving as a showcase for the North American football market.
The MLS strategy of betting on stars at the end of their careers to boost their image is not new, but Lewandowski's arrival raises the bar. Players like Zlatan Ibrahimović and David Beckham had already followed a similar path, but the Pole arrives with a CV even more full of achievements and individual recognition. MLS not only gains an elite player, but also a global ambassador.
Lewandowski already has an established fan base in key markets such as Germany, Spain and Poland, which should have an immediate impact on ticket sales and television audiences. Furthermore, his presence could attract other European stars looking for one last professional challenge before ending their careers, creating a virtuous cycle for the league. The Chicago Fire, in turn, gains not only technical reinforcement, but also a commercial asset capable of generating sponsorships and international partnerships.
The announcement also reinforces the trend of European players migrating to alternative leagues at the end of their careers. In recent years, names like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Ander Herrera have chosen to follow similar paths, seeking less competitive pressure and greater media exposure. Lewandowski, however, arrives with the credibility of one of the greatest strikers of his generation, which could draw even more attention to MLS as a viable destination for football legends.
Lewandowski's decision to end his MLS career also reflects a shift in the dynamics of global football. With the increasing professionalization of leagues outside of Europe, high-level players now have more options to prolong their careers with quality. MLS, in particular, has stood out for offering attractive contracts and a different lifestyle, especially for those looking for a less intense environment than Europe.
The Pole, who always demonstrated ambition even in the final phase of his career, chose this path as a way of closing a cycle with visibility and impact. The Chicago Fire, in turn, takes a calculated risk. Signing a 37-year-old player with a high salary is a move that requires financial and strategic planning.
However, the club has the opportunity to become a hub of attraction for fans and the media, especially in a city like Chicago, which already has a strong sports culture. Lewandowski's presence could help fill stadiums and increase sponsorship revenue, as well as raising the technical level of the squad, even if for a short period. What's next: Lewandowski makes his debut for Chicago Fire in the next round of MLS, with the expectation of attracting even more attention to the league in the USA.
The Pole's presence could boost the popularity of the club and the competition, as well as serving as a showcase for the North American football market. The opening match, which is due to be broadcast nationally in the US, will be a real test of Lewandowski's impact on viewership and fan engagement. If the Pole maintains his standard of performance, MLS can celebrate not only a marketing signing, but also a technical reinforcement capable of influencing results on the field. Read at RTP Desporto
Why this matters
Lewandowski's arrival in MLS symbolizes the North American league's growing ambition to consolidate itself as an attractive destination for global stars. The Pole, a legend of European football, ends his continental career with icon status, but opens doors to a new audience in the USA. His presence could accelerate the professionalization of the sport in the country and inspire young players to pursue a career in MLS. Furthermore, the signing reinforces the league's strategy of using international stars to increase its market value and attract sponsors, consolidating MLS as a viable alternative for players at the end of their careers who seek to extend their career with global visibility. The decision also signals that MLS is willing to compete on an equal footing with other leagues for the talent of experienced players, which could redefine transfer standards and the appreciation of stars at the end of their careers.
Frequently asked
How many seasons did Lewandowski sign with the Chicago Fire?
The Pole signed a two-season contract with the MLS club.
What titles did Lewandowski win in Europe?
Among his main titles are the UEFA Champions League, multiple national championships (Germany and Spain) and the Ballon d'Or in 2020 and 2021.
Who owns Chicago Fire?
Chicago Fire is owned by Joe Mansueto, also owner of the company Morningstar.
Which coach will lead Lewandowski at Chicago Fire?
Gregg Berhalter, a former US national team player, is the club's current coach and will be responsible for integrating the Pole into the squad.
At 37 years old, is Lewandowski still capable of playing in MLS?
Despite his age, the Pole remains physically fit and will make his debut in the next round of the competition.
How can MLS benefit from Lewandowski's arrival?
The signing reinforces the image of MLS as a league capable of attracting high-level players, increasing its global visibility and attracting sponsors. Furthermore, Lewandowski can help popularize football in the US, especially among international audiences.
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