It’s the 73rd minute of the game between Pogon Stettin and Górnik Zabrze. The guests are already leading 3:1 on Saturday, when Szczecin lost the ball in the half of Zabrze in a build-up game. Or more precisely: Zabrze’s Robert Wojtuszek conquers the ball, his pass lands on Lukas Podolski, about 15 meters from the center line, so still well in his own half.
The 37-year-old former Germany international puts the ball in front of him as soon as he accepts it – and simply pulls it away from about 60 meters with his strong left foot. And with success. The ball flies into the net over the opposing keeper who has moved far up – without first touching the ground.
Coach Bartosch Gaul shakes his head in disbelief, goalkeeper Daniel Bielica throws his hands over his head and Podolski, who has been playing for Zabrze since summer 2021, is celebrating. The game ends 4:1.
Podolski is also celebrated for his goal on social media, and several users have already congratulated him on winning the Puskás Award. The prize is awarded by Fifa for the most beautiful goal of the year. In 2017, Podolski had already won the goal of the year chosen by ARD in Germany. Back then, he scored from long-range in his last international match against England.
The goal to make it 4-1 was the second goal of the season for the winger, who was born in Gliwice, ten kilometers from Zabrze. With six assists, he is also the best preparer in his team. At 37, he is the oldest player in the table tenth, but he is still a regular.
