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Lukas Podolski

Lukas Podolski: A Polish-German Football Legend

Early Life and Career

Lukas Podolski was born on June 4, 1985, in Gliwice, Poland, to Polish parents. His family moved to Germany when he was two years old, and he grew up in Bergheim, a small town near Cologne. Podolski began playing football at a young age and joined the local club, Fortuna Bergheim, at the age of six.

In 1995, Podolski moved to the youth academy of 1. FC Köln, one of the most successful clubs in Germany. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his debut for the first team in 2003, at the age of 18.

International Career

Podolski made his debut for the German national team in 2004, and he quickly became a regular starter. He played in three FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, and 2014), winning the tournament in 2014. He also played in three UEFA European Championships (2004, 2008, and 2012), winning the tournament in 2008.

With 130 caps and 49 goals, Podolski is one of the most capped players in German history. He is also the third-highest goalscorer for the national team, behind Miroslav Klose and Gerd Müller.

Club Career

After leaving 1. FC Köln in 2006, Podolski played for several clubs in Germany, England, Italy, and Turkey. He won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in 2008 and the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2014.

In 2019, Podolski returned to his hometown club, 1. FC Köln, where he played for two more seasons before retiring in 2021.

Legacy

Lukas Podolski is one of the most successful German footballers of all time. He won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, and numerous domestic titles with his clubs.

Podolski is also known for his charitable work. He is the founder of the Lukas Podolski Foundation, which supports children in need.