The club officially announced the acquisition of the 37-year-old striker, who joined MLS as a free agent after his contract with FC Barcelona expired. He signed a two-year deal, with an option to extend for another year, as a Designated Player. This is a huge event for the Polish community in Chicago.
This is one of the most high-profile transfers in Major League Soccer history and a true celebration for Polish fans in America. The best player in the history of Polish football will play for a club from a city that has been one of the Polish diaspora capitals of the United States for generations. For the local Polish community, this is a chance to watch their hero daily at the local stadium.
When and how did Lewandowski join Chicago Fire?
Chicago Fire FC announced the acquisition of the striker on June 29, 2026, in a statement titled “A Defining Moment in Chicago Sports.” Lewandowski joined as a free agent after his contract with FC Barcelona expired. He signed a two-year deal valid until the 2027-28 season, with an option to extend for another year. He holds a Designated Player spot and an international roster spot on the team.
This move was not a coincidence. Chicago Fire coach, Gregg Berhalter, admitted that the club had been working on the transfer for a year and a half – since January 2025. Clubs from Saudi Arabia and Europe had also pursued Lewandowski earlier, but the striker chose the United States. Formally, joining the squad still depends on routine procedures, such as visa issuance and an International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
What does Lewandowski’s arrival mean for the Polish community?
It is hard to overestimate the symbolism of this transfer. Chicago has been one of America’s Polish diaspora capitals for generations, and the presence of Robert Lewandowski – with over 700 career goals (approximately 630 for clubs and nearly 90 for the Polish national team) – is a huge source of pride for this community. One can expect Polish flags in the stands, sold-out tickets, and a new reason for entire families to attend matches.
This is not the first time a European football star has chosen the American league at the peak of their recognition. MLS has been attracting famous names for years, and the arrival of a player of this caliber increases interest in the league, ticket sales, and broadcast viewership. For Chicago Fire – a club with ambitions, albeit after a few lean seasons – this is a clear signal of a return to major football.
Key Facts
- What: Robert Lewandowski (37 years old) became a Chicago Fire FC player in MLS as a Designated Player.
- When: official club announcement June 29, 2026; two-year contract (until 2027-28 season) with an option for a third year.
- Source: Chicago Fire FC (statement “A Defining Moment in Chicago Sports”), ESPN, MLSSoccer.com.
For the Polish community in Chicago and throughout the United States, a unique chapter begins. The best Polish footballer in history will be playing right nearby – an opportunity that hasn’t been seen in a long time.
Based on the official statement from Chicago Fire FC and reports from ESPN and MLSSoccer.com. As of July 4, 2026.
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Author: Arthur Skok · Poland.us / Głos Polonii · July 4, 2026
