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 for an additional year, as a Designated Player (DP). An astronomical signing for the club, a massive development for MLS and an exciting new chapter ahead for the Polish-American community in Chicago.
This is one of the most high-profile transfers in Major League Soccer history and a true celebration for Polish soccer fans in America. The best player in the history of Polish football will play for a club in a city that has been one of the Polish diaspora capitals of the United States for generations.
Transfer details
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 and signed a two-year deal valid until the 2027-28 season, with an option for an additional year. He will justifiably take a DP slot and an international roster spot on the team.
Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter admitted that the club had been working on the transfer for a year and a half, dating back to January of 2025. Clubs from Saudi Arabia and Europe had also pursued Lewandowski earlier, including astronomical sums offered for the striker as late as last month, but the striker ultimately chose the United States as a Chicago Fire player. Formally, joining the squad still depends on routine procedures, such as visa issuance and an international transfer certificate (ITC).
The significance of Lewandowski’s arrival for the Chicago community
Robert Lewandowski is an internationally known Polish icon that has graced various prestigious leagues in the football world for decades. As a result, the symbolism of his transfer to MLS is hard to overstate. Chicago has been one of the two capitals of Polish-America for generations, closely competing with NYC for the largest diaspora in the States, and the presence of Robert Lewandowski – with over 700 career goals (at least 630 for club football and nearly 90 for the Polish national team) – is a huge source of pride for our communities (I should mention our editorial team is located in NYC). One can expect a similar phenomenon that Inter Miami FC experienced after signing Lionel Messi in 2023; Polish flags strewn about the stadium stands, consistently sold-out tickets, and a new reason for many Polish-Americans to connect to and feel proud of their roots.
Key Facts
- What: Robert Lewandowski (37 years old) joined Chicago Fire FC in MLS as a Designated Player.
- When: Official club announcement on June 29, 2026; two-year contract (until the 2027-28 season) with an option for a third year.
- Source: Chicago Fire FC (statement “A Defining Moment in Chicago Sports”), ESPN, MLSSoccer.com.
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
