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Netflix Releases 'POLDI,' an Intimate Portrait of Lukas Podolski

The film foregrounds Podolski’s family, Polish roots and restless post‑playing life to show how he is shaping a new public role beyond the pitch.

Overview

  • The documentary streamed on Netflix on June 4, 2026, after a stadium premiere in Cologne that about 500 invited guests attended.
  • Filmed over roughly two years, the film follows Podolski as he completes an extra season at his Polish hometown club and then formally ends his playing career.
  • The directors focus squarely on Podolski’s private life, using interviews with his wife, sister, parents and aunts to explore his migrant roots and family tensions.
  • Reviewers say the film favors brisk editing, humor and candid scenes over deep psychological analysis and it includes footage of late‑career on‑field incidents and retirement doubts.
  • The documentary highlights Podolski’s wide business activity and his investor/management role at Górnik Zabrze, which keeps him active in scouting, sponsorship and football marketing and maintains his strong public presence.