From player to owner: Lukas Podolski acquires 8.3% of his home club

At 40 years old, former world champion with Germany Lukas Podolski has taken a new step off the pitch: through his company, he has bought into his long-time home club Górnik Zabrze, becoming its second-largest shareholder. With ownership now in his hands, the Köln and Germany legend aims to help shape the club’s future - on and off the field.

“Prinz Poldi”, beloved by the fans and veteran presence in the squad, has officially acquired roughly 8.3 percent of the club’s shares.

The share acquisition came as part of a broader privatisation process initiated by the city of Zabrze, formerly the club’s main owner. According to the club’s announcement, Podolski’s bid was the only one submitted in time - a signal of confidence in his genuine commitment to Górnik’s future.

Speaking after the takeover, Podolski did not hide his pride and ambition: “Górnik Zabrze is my club, my place, my football family,” he said, adding that he believes in the club’s project - both sporting and structural. He stressed that his aim is to help build a stable foundation: on the pitch, in the organization, and beyond.