Robert Lewandowski joins MLS side Chicago Fire after leaving Barcelona as free agent following contract expiration
Updated 30/06/2026 at 08:12 GMT+1
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Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire have confirmed the signing of Poland international Robert Lewandowski following the legendary striker's departure from Spanish giants Barcelona at the end of the season.
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Lewandowski became a free agent in the summer when his four-year stint at Barcelona drew to a close with a third Liga title.
Despite his advancing years - Lewandowski will turn 38 in August - there was widespread interest in one of world football’s finest goalscorers.
Reports earlier in the summer suggested his head had been turned by a crack at life in Major League Soccer (MLS), and Chicago Fire confirmed on Monday that a deal had been struck to take Lewandowski to the Windy City.
Described by the MLS club as ”a defining moment in Chicago sports”, Lewandowski has penned a deal until the end of the 2028 season.
Chicago director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter said the signing follows the template of the kind of player they want to take the club forward.
”From the day Joe Mansueto {Fire owner] and I met for the first time, we set out to build a world-class club that inspires greatness, unites Chicago and wins championships. Robert embodies those values and represents the standards this city deserves: a champion and a competitor,” Berhalter said.
”His arrival reinforces our ambition to compete for trophies and raises the standards for the club to heights worthy of this city. We cannot wait to get to work with him and have Chicago see first-hand why he is among the most revered sporting icons in the world.”
Chicago confirmed that ”Lewandowski will occupy a Designated Player slot and an international roster spot, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.”
Lewandowski departs European football as the third-highest scorer in UEFA Champions League history with 109 goals from 144 appearances.
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