From World Champion to Kebab King: Where Is Lukas Podolski Now?
Lukas Podolski, once a formidable striker on the football field, has transitioned into a multifaceted entrepreneur and philanthropist. His journey from scoring goals to serving kebabs exemplifies a seamless shift from sports to business. Let’s delve into the legacy of this football icon and explore his Life After Football.
From Poland to Rio
Lukas Podolski’s football legacy is built on talent, passion, and a left foot that became his trademark. He was born in Gliwice, Poland, in 1985 and moved to Cologne, Germany at the age of two — the city that would shape both his football and identity. There, he developed into a local hero and soon earned the affectionate nickname “Prinz Poldi”.
At just 18 years old, he made his professional debut for 1. FC Köln. He immediately became a fan favorite. In his first Bundesliga season, he scored 10 goals in 19 appearances — a record for a teenager at the time. His direct playing style, explosive left foot, and eye for goal quickly drew attention from Europe’s elite clubs. By 2006, he had joined Bayern Munich. Later, he enjoyed stints at Arsenal, Galatasaray, Inter Milan, and Vissel Kobe, winning domestic trophies and the hearts of supporters along the way.
Internationally, Podolski served as a cornerstone of the German national team for over a decade. He earned 130 caps and scored 49 goals, ranking among the country’s top scorers. Notably, he remains the youngest German to reach both 50 and 100 international appearances. He also played in four European Championships and three World Cups. Most memorably, he was part of the squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Off the field, he was just as memorable. Known for his honesty, charisma, and love of the game, Podolski brought joy to every team he played for. As he once joked, “Football is like chess — only without the dice.” But behind the humor was a fierce competitor and a true ambassador of the sport.
Life After Football: Podolski’s Business Empires
Post-retirement, Podolski channeled his energy into entrepreneurship — and he hasn’t looked back. He launched “Mangal Döner”, a kebab chain that has rapidly expanded across Germany, with each location proudly reflecting his Turkish roots and love for street food. Not stopping there, he introduced “Ice Cream United”, an ice cream brand that blends his playful personality with a flair for fresh flavours.
His ventures stretch far beyond food. He co-founded the “Glücksgefühle Festival”, now Germany’s largest music festival, drawing massive crowds and top international acts. He also created the “Baller League”, a fast-paced indoor football tournament that merges live sport with entertainment, aimed at engaging younger audiences in a modern football format.
On the tech side, Podolski is backing robotic food automation startups, showing a sharp eye for innovation in quick-service dining. Equally important, he gives back through the “Lukas Podolski Foundation”, which funds sports and education programs for underprivileged youth. His drive off the pitch mirrors the energy he once brought to the game — committed, creative, and always with a smile. And yes — he still packs a stronger left foot than most kebab skewers can handle.
If you’re further interested in legendary player’s Life After Football, check out this story about Fábio Coentrão owning an own fleet of fishermen after retiring from professional football.
