As the winter break came to an end, football clubs around Poland, including Górnik Zabrze, headed to Turkey to prepare for the spring round of Ekstraklasa. During their training camp, the team led by Jan Urban played several friendly matches, winning 5:2 against Serbian club FK IMT Belgrad, losing 1:2 to Hungarian team Paksi FC, and drawing 1:1 with Ukrainian club Weres Równe. Lukas Podolski, the former World Cup winner, managed to score one goal in these matches, but that was not the most interesting part of his Turkish adventure.
In his free time, Podolski decided to visit a local barber shop, where he became the victim of a clever prank. The barber, not wanting to miss the opportunity to have some fun with the famous footballer, put a cape on him with the logo of Fenerbahce Stambuł, the arch-rival of Galatasaray Stambuł, the team where Podolski played for two years (2015-2017). The German footballer, loyal to his former club, quickly removed the cape and playfully scolded the barber, who just burst out laughing.
The video of this prank quickly went viral, with many internet users sharing it on social media platforms. On one portal alone, it gained over 2 million views. Podolski himself even shared the video on his Instagram account, proving that he can take a joke and has a great sense of humor.
The Rivalry Between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray
The prank was a clever reference to the famous rivalry between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, two of the most successful and popular football clubs in Turkey. The two teams have a long and complex history, with Galatasaray being founded in 1905 and Fenerbahce in 1907. Over the years, they have developed a fierce rivalry, with their matches being some of the most watched and intense in Turkish football.
Podolski’s Time in Turkey
Podolski’s time in Galatasaray was marked by great success, with the team winning several trophies, including the Turkish Super League and the Turkish Cup. During his two-year stint, he played 74 matches, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists. His performances earned him a great deal of respect and admiration from the fans, who still remember him fondly.
Górnik Zabrze’s Upcoming Matches
After their successful training camp in Turkey, Górnik Zabrze is now ready to face the challenges of the new season. Their first match will be against Puszcza Niepołomice on February 2, 2025, at 12:15 PM. The team, led by Podolski and Jan Urban, will be looking to build on their previous performances and make a strong push for the top of the Ekstraklasa table.
The Importance of Team Camaraderie
The prank played on Podolski by the barber is not only a funny anecdote but also a testament to the importance of team camaraderie and banter. In football, having a strong team bond is crucial for success, and jokes like this can help to build a sense of unity and togetherness among the players.
In conclusion, Lukas Podolski’s adventure in Turkey was not only about football but also about having fun and showing his human side. The prank played on him by the barber will be remembered for a long time, and it’s a great example of how even the biggest stars can be humble and light-hearted.