Lewandowski leaves Barcelona for Chicago Fire in MLS deal through 2028

Robert Lewandowski has joined Chicago Fire from Barcelona, with the MLS club confirming the signing of the 37-year-old Polish striker on a deal running through the 2027-28 season.

Lewandowski scored 120 goals across four seasons at Barcelona before making the move to the United States. He will occupy a Designated Player slot and an international roster spot at the Fire, subject to the granting of a P-1 visa and the completion of an International Transfer Certificate.

The signing adds one of European football’s most decorated forwards to the MLS roster. Across his career at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, Lewandowski has scored 567 goals in all competitions and collected 30 club trophies. As Poland captain, he has made 167 international appearances and scored 89 goals.

Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter, who led the United States national team at the 2022 World Cup before taking the Fire job, framed the acquisition as central to the club’s long-term ambitions. “From the day Joe Mansueto and I met for the first time, we set out to build a world-class club that inspires greatness, unites Chicago and wins championships,” Berhalter said. “Robert embodies those values and represents the standards this city deserves: a champion and a competitor.”

“His arrival reinforces our ambition to compete for trophies and raises the standards for the club to heights worthy of this city,” Berhalter added.

Chicago currently sit third in the Eastern Conference with 26 points from 14 games, seven points behind leaders Nashville. The club will be hoping Lewandowski’s arrival accelerates a push toward the top of the table and, ultimately, a first MLS Cup.