Anna Lewandowska: 'I'm damn scared' about Chicago move after Robert's MLS transfer, stirring public debate

Transfer confirmed

Robert Lewandowski has officially joined Chicago Fire, the club confirmed on 30 June. The Polish striker signed a two-year contract as a Designated Player, keeping him at the MLS side through the 2027–2028 season. Coach Gregg Berhalter said the club is working on securing a P-1 visa, and if paperwork is completed, Lewandowski could make his debut on 16 July at Soldier Field against Vancouver Whitecaps. He will retain his iconic number 9 jersey. The financial terms were not disclosed by the club, but Polish media report the deal is worth around $20 million per season, second only to Lionel Messi in MLS.

Anna Lewandowska's emotional post

Soon after the move was announced, Lewandowski's wife, fitness trainer Anna Lewandowska, posted a lengthy and unusually frank message on Instagram. "I'm damn scared," she wrote. "The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster of extreme emotions. Barcelona became my home. My safe place, which I loved with all my heart. The thought that I have to pack again, leave what I built behind, and start over simply terrifies me." She expressed particular concern for their daughters Klara and Laura: "As a mom I feel enormous stress. I worry about the girls and their emotions, about a new school, about how they'll find their way in a completely new world." She added that she supports her husband fully, but "as a woman I have the right to feel fear."

I'm damn scared. Barcelona became my home. The thought that I have to pack again, leave what I built behind, and start over simply terrifies me.

Social media backlash

The post triggered a wave of comments. While many offered sympathy, some Polish commentators were sharply critical. Journalist Mateusz Ligęza argued that such a lament was inappropriate just as the family prepares to move to a club that had welcomed Lewandowski with a billboard. He wrote on social media: "You simply don't say such things to Americans on the eve of a move." Others on social media suggested she should have kept her worries private, comparing her to wives of other star footballers who remained silent despite similar upheavals. Some internet users dismissed the post as "grumbling" from a privileged celebrity.

You simply don't say such things to Americans on the eve of a move. After a transfer, when they welcomed your husband with a billboard and did everything so he'd choose their club.

Expert prediction

Nemanja Nikolić, a former Chicago Fire forward and the club's second all-time top scorer with 56 goals, believes Lewandowski can thrive in MLS. "Lewandowski is a goal machine," he said. "I'm convinced he will keep scoring. He needs some time to adapt, both on and off the pitch. I think he can score about 50 goals in these two years." Nikolić noted that he would be honoured if Lewandowski surpassed his club record.

Lewandowski is a goal machine. I'm convinced he will keep scoring. I think he can score about 50 goals in these two years.

Club excitement and expectations

Chicago Fire held a special press conference with Berhalter, where all questions revolved around the new signing. "Everyone is excited about Robert's arrival. This is a big moment for the club," the coach said. He added that he expects not only the large Polish community in Chicago to flock to Soldier Field, but the whole city. The club's management hope that Lewandowski's presence will transform the team into a global brand. Even a one-on-one interview with the coach has been postponed until after 13 July, pending the player's official presentation.

Everyone is excited about Robert's arrival. This is a big moment for the club.