
Lukas Podolski is widely recognised as one of Germany’s most prolific and charismatic footballers, known for his "explosive" left foot, exceptional technique, and powerful attacking play. However, beyond his illustrious career on the pitch, he has also established himself as an inspiring motivational speaker. Drawing from his experiences in elite-level football, international tournaments, and personal resilience, he speaks on the themes of leadership, perseverance, and overcoming adversity. With an engaging personality and a wealth of experiences, Podolski captivates audiences by sharing lessons learned from the highs and lows of professional sport, making him a sought-after speaker for corporate events, sports conferences, and leadership seminars.
Born in Poland but raised in Germany, Podolski’s football journey began at 1. FC Köln, where his talent quickly became apparent. After making his first-team debut in 2003, he gained recognition for his goal-scoring ability and attacking prowess, leading to a move to Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in 2008. Despite returning to Köln, his talent attracted Premier League giants, Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup in 2014. His career took him to top clubs like Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and now Górnik Zabrze. Beyond club success, he played a vital role in Germany’s national team, earning 130 caps and scoring 49 international goals, securing his place as Germany’s third-highest all-time goal scorer.
In recent years, Podolski has continued to leave his mark on the footballing world while expanding his influence beyond the sport. Since winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany, he has used his platform to advocate for teamwork, mental resilience, and the importance of discipline. His final international appearance in 2017 was nothing short of poetic, as he signed off with a brilliant winning goal against England. Off the pitch, he has successfully ventured into business, launching his own kebab and ice cream franchises, demonstrating his entrepreneurial mindset. His ability to transition seamlessly between careers makes him an ideal speaker for those seeking insights into adaptation, motivation, and success in different fields.
Podolski is hired as a motivational speaker because of his extraordinary journey, relentless drive, and infectious enthusiasm. Whether discussing the mental toughness required to perform at the highest level, the importance of seizing opportunities, or the lessons learned from setbacks, he connects with audiences in an authentic and relatable manner. His experience as a world-class athlete, combined with his natural charisma, ensures that his speeches leave a lasting impact, inspiring individuals and teams to pursue excellence, embrace challenges, and strive for greatness.
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- 2021 – Signed with Górnik Zabrze, returning to his Polish roots
- 2017 – Retired from international football after scoring the winning goal against England in his farewell match
- 2016 – Won the Turkish Cup with Galatasaray
- 2014 – Won the FA Cup with Arsenal
- 2014 – FIFA World Cup Winner with Germany, securing his place in football history
- 2013 – Scored the fastest goal in Germany’s national team history (9 seconds vs. Ecuador)
- 2012 – Signed for Arsenal, moving to the Premier League
- 2009 – Returned to 1. FC Köln as a club legend
- 2008 – Won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double with Bayern Munich
- 2006 – Became the first player since 1962 to score two goals within the first 12 minutes of a World Cup match (against Sweden)
- 2006 – Best Young Player of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, highlighting his impact on the global stage
- 2004 – Made his Germany senior team debut, later becoming the fourth most-capped German player of all time (130 caps)
- 2003 – Made his first-team debut for 1. FC Köln, marking the beginning of his professional career
- 1995 – Joined the 1. FC Köln youth academy, where his journey to stardom began
How to hire Lukas Podolski
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Lukas Podolski for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.