Robert Lewandowski signs with Chicago Fire and prepares MLS debut

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski ended his four‑year spell at FC Barcelona and joined Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire on a Designated‑Player contract. The deal, announced in late June 2026, includes a base salary of about $16 million USD per year, with marketing rights and bonuses that could raise the total to over $20 million USD. Club owner Joe Mansueto, who took over the Fire in 2019, pledged further investment in facilities and a new stadium.

Lewandowski is set to make his first appearance for Chicago Fire in the league match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on the night of 17 July (02:30 Polish time), likely as a substitute. The fixture gains extra attention because former Bayern Munich teammate Thomas Müller will line up for Vancouver, and Müller posted a friendly video addressing Lewandowski before the game.

The transfer has already sparked a surge in ticket sales, with tens of thousands of tickets sold for the debut match, and the club celebrated the signing with a free‑hot‑dog giveaway in the city’s Polish community. Chicago Fire expect Lewandowski’s arrival to boost on‑field performance, marketing value and attract other high‑profile players to MLS.