The Chicago Fire just completed the biggest move in the clubs history. The Fire announced on June 29th that global football icon, Robert Lewandowski is a new member of the Chicago Fire FC. This is as big as it gets. A monumental signing for the club, the MLS and most importantly for the city of Chicago!
Lewandowski will join the MLS, along with the likes of football legends such as Lionel Messi, Thomas Mueller, Antoine Griezmann and Son Heung-Min. The MLS currently has some of the biggest football superstars on the planet. So what does this mean for the league, the club, the city and Lewy himself? I have some answers for you on this.
MLS
The league gets to add another global star. This means more promotion and recognition of MLS as a serious global league. Boasting huge names, young talent and exciting and unpredictable football. This isn’t the retirement league it was used to known to be. This is now a league with lots of credibility and it highlights that when a legend of the sport like Lewandowski picks to play there.
This is a big coup for the MLS. The league has a new face to market, alongside the Messi’s, Son’s and Griezmann’s. Lewandowski is a big recognizable name that carries a massive fandom and an entire nation of Poles. The league just got an entire country of Poland watching it now, plus the fans of Lewy from his clubs.
CHICAGO FIRE
This is the biggest signing the club has ever made. Lewandowski will easily be also the most accomplished player the club has ever had. That’s not to diminish Hristo Stoichkov and Cuauhtémoc Blanco, they were stars in their own right, but Lewy is different.
On the field the Fire are getting a goal scoring machine. Someone that will be a major threat each time he touches the ball. Hugo Cuypers is on his way out unfortunately, but that pairing could have been special. Fire also get a leader on the field and in the dressing room. Someone who has the “fire” and track record that will speak volumes, especially with the young players on the team.
The Fire have now become legitimate contenders for the MLS Cup. They were a very good team to this point, but Lewandowski can make them great. By the time the playoffs roll around, I expect the Fire to be a favorite coming out of the Eastern Conference. This team can now have real championship aspirations, right away. He’s a game-changer, literally and figuratively.
CHICAGO
The city of Chicago might be the biggest winners in this. Chicago boasts the biggest Polish community in the United States and the second biggest population of Polish people outside the Polish capital of Warsaw. The stadium will be a sellout every game Lewy steps on the pitch. The Polish support for the Fire and Lewandowski will be through the roof. I expect a lot more Polish media to be present at matches and the Fire to make a big mark on the Polish community.
In sports terms, Lewandowski becomes the biggest superstar in Chicago sports. I know someone of you will say, what about Caleb Williams? How about PCA? Those are great players that are making a major impact on their sport, but Lewandowski is a proven superstar with a ton of accomplishments already in the bag.
Robert in Chicago will bring new life to the sport in this city. The Fire for years had struggled to stay relevant and draw fans. Gregg Berhalter put life in them, now Lewy puts soccer on the map for the franchise and city.
LEWANDOWSKI
Is Lewy a winner in this? Of course! The big contact is nice, but this is about making a legacy for himself. He’s conquering a new continent, new country and new league. If Lewy can deliver a championship to Chicago, this will be a part of his legacy. This is a new and unique challenge for Robert. He’s conquered Europe and now it’s the states. This will further establish his brand in America.
On the personal side. I’d imagine it will be a nice getaway for him and his family. Yes, he will be recognized almost everywhere, but the pressure and attention he gets in Europe won’t be topped here. He will have a chance for the first time in his professional adult life to live a little. Make a trip to the grocery store, go out with his family, all without fear of getting mobbed in public. That has to be appealing for someone who has lived the last 20 years of his life in the spotlight. Now, he will be asked for pictures and autographs on the street, but not at the capacity he would be in Europe.
Additionally, coming to Chicago should feel like home for Robert and his family. This is the closest thing to being in Poland. Polish food is easy to find in this town. The Polish culture and community is massive. The language can be heard on the streets. This city and the Polish community will welcome him and his family. I’d imagine he will enjoy that.
POLSKA OPINIA
Robert Lewandowski do Chicago Fire jest szok dla Europy i Polskich kibiców. Tak, Robert bedzie daleko od domu. Gry nie będą łatwo dostępne, chybe jezeli masz Apple TV. Gry będą późno w nocy, na żywo. Ale to jest co Robert chciał dla siebie i rodziny.
Nie wiemy czy Robert bedzie sie pojawial na każde gry Reprezentacji Polski. MLS sezon nie kończy się do Grudnia. Gry Legii Narodów zaczynaja się w wrzesniu. Nie wiemy co to bedzie znaczylo. Ale chociaz Robert będzie w formie dobrej.
Nowe czasy dla Roberta Lewandowskiego, dla PZPN, i dla Polskich kibiców. Trzeba szanować Roberta i co zastało jego kariery, bo będzie czas niedługo jak nie zobaczymy jego na boiskach. Jest jeszcze szansa zobaczyć legendę, no to skupić się trzeba i cieszyć się dla Roberta. Wszyscy razem witamy jego wy Chicago!