Robert Lewandowski hints at Poland exit after playoff heartbreak

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski has hinted at his international retirement following the country's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, marking the potential end for the national team's all-time leading goalscorer.

The 37-year-old cut a dejected figure as the final whistle confirmed Poland's absence from the world stage following the 3-2 defeat by Sweden in Tuesday's qualification playoff final.

Hours after the loss in Stockholm, Lewandowski posted a photo of himself on social media leaving the pitch, accompanied by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli's song "Time to Say Goodbye".

The failure to secure a spot in North America leaves the Barcelona striker facing the end of a record-breaking career without the grand finale he had sought after returning to the squad in August following a fallout with former coach Michal Probierz.

However, in comments after the match, he played down the significance of his post, indicating that a final decision had not yet been made.

"I am not in a position to make any declarations. I will return to my club; I still have some matches to play. I will have to answer the question marks in the back of my head for myself," he told Polish media.

With the next World Cup four years away, the recent exit marks a bitter chapter for the Warsaw-born forward who has anchored the national side since his 2008 debut.

Lewandowski has captained the team since 2014 and remains Poland's record holder for both goals and appearances, with a career tally of 89 goals in 165 international matches.

"As my career goes on, I appreciate certain moments more," Lewandowski had noted earlier in the playoff campaign. "I'm not afraid to end my career because I'm starting to prepare for it... I know it's a very important part of my life, but it's not everything."

(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk Editing by Christian Radnedge)