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Lewandowski Joins Chicago Fire as Designated Player

Chicago signed Lewandowski to raise its title prospects.

Overview

  • The club signed Robert Lewandowski to a reported two-year Designated Player contract through 2028, and he was formally introduced to media on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
  • Lewandowski has started training with the team and is expected to be available for selection as MLS resumes, with multiple outlets reporting a possible debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps this week.
  • Head coach Gregg Berhalter has prepared tactical work on a rare two-striker system designed to pair Lewandowski with current MLS leading scorer Hugo Cuypers to increase Chicago's scoring threat.
  • Lewandowski brings a prolific record—hundreds of club goals, 89 international goals for Poland, multiple league titles in Europe—and the club plans to measure his impact by on-field results and locker-room influence.
  • The signing is also a commercial and cultural play for Chicago, tapping the city's large Polish community and fitting into the Fire's longer-term growth plans, including a planned soccer-specific stadium opening in 2028.