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Podolski looks at Cologne's future: staying in the league is the goal!
Lukas Podolski, former FC Köln star, turns 40 on June 4th. He reflects on his career and the club.
Podolski looks at Cologne's future: staying in the league is the goal!
June 4, 2025 is just around the corner, and Lukas Podolski is looking forward to a big anniversary: he is celebrating his 40th birthday. However, the former player of 1. FC Köln and the German national team is more relaxed about this day. Instead of a big celebration, he prefers to celebrate quietly and modestly, because age has no particular meaning for him. In a conversation, Podolski said that he lives his life to the fullest, is healthy and has a loving family that is important to him and that is cautiously preparing him for this special day.
Poker for the future: What does Podolski think about 1. FC Köln?
The professional footballer has recently visited the city with a film crew, including the Rhein-Energie Stadium and the headquarters of Mangal Döner, as part of his Netflix documentary. Podolski carefully observes how things are going with the club he loves. In his opinion, 1. FC Cologne is in transition. After the Bundesliga season, he took time to understand the processes and challenges that concern the club. Remaining in the league is Podolski's top priority and he highlights the unrest in the club caused by numerous changes of coach and sporting director. “There is something there,” he says, emphasizing that real collaboration with those responsible is necessary to bring about improvements.
A heart for the fans and a look forward
Podolski has concerns about the constant personnel changes in the club and criticizes the transfer ban, which is severely affecting the team's development. Despite these obstacles, he has great respect for the loyal fans and sees a lot of potential for positive change. "I gained valuable experience in marketing and management in Zabrze. If FC is really interested, I could help," he explains. Even if he has confidence in the current board election, he does not believe that the upcoming presidential vote will have a major impact on the team.
The last few weeks have not been without challenges for Podolski: He has extended his contract with Polish first division club Gornik Zabrze for another year and considers the benefits of his involvement there to be important. “I’m open to offers, but I’m not yet planning specifically for the time after my active career,” he smiles. The start of his new season in Zabrze is scheduled for mid-June, and until then the question of his own future remains open for the football star.
Before the last game of the previous Bundesliga season, Podolski could already sense the impending luck for 1. FC Köln. He was optimistic and described the promotion as “awesome”. In the stadium he eagerly watched the game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern, which the FC won. “Cologne is back where you belong,” says the footballer and manager of Street United, happy about the success of his former club.
The celebrations after promotion were a real highlight for Podolski in his connection to Cologne. With a deep emotional commitment, he will continue to be an important part of the football scene, regardless of his role. While he offers his support to FC, he is also thinking about his own next steps. After the Champions League final in Munich and his return to Cologne, one thing remains clear: Lukas Podolski's love of football and his roots remains as strong as ever.
June 4th is near, but the decisions Podolski must make are still open. Until then, he will remain an important mouthpiece and a loyal supporter of 1. FC Köln, whose history and future are close to his heart.