Lewandowski unveiled at Chicago Fire, eyes debut vs. Mueller's Vancouver after record media turnout

Arrival and first session

Robert Lewandowski touched down in Chicago on Monday evening and was on the training pitch by Tuesday. The Polish captain, wearing pink boots and a grey training shirt, began his first session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center at 10:30 local time (17:30 Polish time), where teammates greeted him with applause. The squad split into groups for a light warm-up and ball drills, observed by over 20 journalists from Poland and Chicago.

Earlier that morning, Lewandowski completed medical tests at the club's facility at 7:00 a.m., followed by several meetings to finalise paperwork. Club press officers confirmed all formalities tied to the transfer are complete, clearing the way for a potential debut.

The presentation

After the session, Lewandowski appeared in the press room wearing the number nine shirt, then sat behind a microphone for his official unveiling. Greeting him alongside head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter, the club expected between 60 and 70 reporters, making it the largest press conference in Chicago Fire history.

This is a historic day not only for Chicago Fire, but also for the city of Chicago and the entire MLS. I thank Robert for choosing Chicago.

Berhalter added that Lewandowski remains highly motivated and that such longevity at the top level demands total professionalism. Lewandowski himself spoke of the club's effort to sign him as a decisive factor.

I was impressed by how the club tried to get me, how much they wanted me here. Starting from the first meeting with the coach, still in Barcelona. That commitment mattered to me; it was one of the main reasons I decided to come here.

Why Chicago and not Europe

The striker acknowledged the move was difficult for his family. After four seasons at Barcelona, he said he could not picture himself playing for another European side. Chicago presented a clear vision for how the club operates and intends to develop.

No matter how many trophies I have won, what matters is how many I can win with this team. It is another step in my career and my life. I hope I can enjoy it.

He also noted the warm reception from the large Polish community in the city, saying he had already been greeted warmly on the street.

Contract details

Lewandowski moved on a free transfer after his Barcelona contract expired. The deal with Chicago Fire runs for two years with an option for a third. Reports place his potential earnings at up to 20 million euros per season. He previously represented Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Lech Poznan.

Debut against a familiar face

MLS paused its season at the end of May for the World Cup. Chicago Fire resumes play overnight Thursday into Friday (2:30 a.m. Polish time) against Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field. Lewandowski said he will likely be in the squad but his involvement depends on how he feels; he needs a little more time to integrate step by step. Club officials note his participation will only be confirmed in the final hours before kick-off.

Vancouver's roster includes German forward Thomas Mueller, who partnered with Lewandowski at Bayern for eight years. Ticket sales have surged since the transfer announcement, with organisers expecting around 50,000 fans, roughly double the club's average attendance of about 25,000.

Media scale

A club press officer told WP SportoweFakty that the 60-70 journalists expected eclipses even the turnout for Bastian Schweinsteiger, the German World Cup winner who joined Chicago three years after his 2014 triumph. The turnout, and the speed at which tickets are selling, underscore the weight of the Lewandowski name in the American market.