Robert Lewandowski brings global star power to Chicago
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Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates a goal in May in Valencia, Spain. Photo: Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images
Robert Lewandowski is coming to Chicago Fire FC in a blockbuster signing widely viewed as the biggest MLS acquisition since Inter Miami landed Lionel Messi.
Why it matters: Lewandowski instantly raises the Fire's MLS Cup hopes and gives the city one of the world's biggest soccer stars.
The big picture: The signing comes at a time when the World Cup has elevated local interest in the sport, even if the city isn't hosting matches.
Context: Lewandowski is considered one of the best strikers to ever play the game. The 37-year-old has scored more than 700 career goals; has won multiple league titles with soccer heavyweights like Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona; and he's Poland's all-time leading scorer.
The intrigue: The Fire have steadily raised expectations after reaching the MLS playoffs last season and are in third place in the Eastern Conference.
- Adding Lewandowski gives Chicago another elite scorer for what it hopes will be a deep playoff run.
What they're saying: "From the day Joe Mansueto and I met for the first time, we set out to build a world-class Club that inspires greatness, unites Chicago and wins championships," Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a release.
- "Robert embodies those values and represents the standards this city deserves: a champion and a competitor."
By the numbers: The Fire have not said what Lewandowski is being paid, but multiple reports indicate he may be the second-highest-paid player in MLS behind Messi.
Between the lines: Lewandowski also arrives in a city with the nation's largest Polish population, giving the club a natural opportunity to connect with one of Chicago's signature communities.
Zoom out: The Fire are making headlines. The Lewandowski news comes after the Fire broke ground on a new privately funded stadium in the South Loop.
Yes, but: While the stadium is privately funded, the team and Mayor Brandon Johnson are pushing for taxpayer-funded infrastructure improvements.
The bottom line: The stadium represents the Fire's long-term ambitions. Lewandowski is about winning now.