From Club Legend to Cologne Confidential: Lukas Podolski Refuses to Sweat the Big Four-Oh
Lukas Podolski remains unfazed by his milestone birthday. - Lukas Podolski isn't bothered by the fact that his birthday is a round number.
Lukas Podolski, the legendary footballer from Poland, proves age is just a number as he approaches his 40th birthday with the casualness of grabbing a currywurst at his favorite local joint. With an unmatched zest for life and his beloved city, Cologne, Podolski shares his feelings about turning the big 4-0.
"Ain't no big deal, mate," says Podolski, as he casually said this while strolling past the camera crew filming a Netflix documentary in his hometown. "I live for the moments - enjoying the game, spending time with the family, and indulging in a decent sausage or two. To me, whether it says '4' or '5' on the calendar one day, it's all the same."
Boasting an illustrious career that spans over two decades, Podolski made his professional debut for 1. FC Köln at the tender age of 18, quickly gaining local adoration before capturing the hearts of German football fans as "Poldi." His brilliant performance has since earned him the respect and admiration of fans worldwide - from the streets of Cologne to the arenas of Tokyo.
A Part of the City Itself
As Joachim Löw, former German national coach, once observed, Podolski embodies the spirit of Cologne - always entertaining and radiating positive vibes. Due to his deep connection to his hometown roots, it's no surprise that Podolski announced he would continue his journey with his current club, Górnik Zabrze, for another year.
Reflecting on his outstanding career, which includes the 2014 World Cup title, Podolski is proud of the moments he's created - from humble beginnings on the streets of Poland to the many unforgettable occurs on the pitch. Despite experiencing a few setbacks and challenging phases, he remains grateful for his incredible journey.
A Glimpse into the Future
As June 2025 approaches and Podolski turns 40, he is embracing the next phase of his life with a balance of continuing his football career and embarking on successful business ventures. He's not just about the money, though - the exhilaration and stimulation of his projects bring him more excitement than pure financial gain.
With various investments, such as real estate and the "Mangal Döner" food franchise expansion, Podolski shows an innate passion for building, creating, and inspiring. There is even talk of a potential return to 1. FC Köln in the future - a move that fans have eagerly anticipated.
For Lukas Podolski, the future remains as dynamic and impactful as his playing days, as he continues to live for the moments, connecting with his city, and inspiring those around him. The dream, after all, lives on.
"Despite his successful football career, Lukas Podolski's interests extend beyond the pitch, as he shows a keen interest in business ventures such as real estate and food franchises, like 'Mangal Döner,'"
"Inspired by his passion for Cologne, Podolski's decisions in his post-football life, such as a potential return to 1. FC Köln and his diverse business investments, continue to reflect his deep connection to his hometown and his zest for life."