Jump directly to the content
stunner

Lukas Podolski rolls back the years as former Arsenal favourite scores fantastic goal from inside his own half

Lukas Podolski produced a moment of magic by scoring an incredible goal from inside his own half in the Polish top flight on Saturday.

The former Arsenal star now stars for Gornik Zabrze in his country of birth despite previously representing Germany at international level.

Lukas Podolski spent three years at Arsenal between 2012 and 2015
6
Lukas Podolski spent three years at Arsenal between 2012 and 2015

With Gornik 3-1 up and with 18 minutes left to play, Podolski picked the ball up inside his own half.

The 2014 World Cup winner then launched an audacious effort after spotting the opposition goalkeeper on the edge of his penalty area.

As the ball flew towards goal, the goalkeeper knew he was in trouble and scampered back to try to keep the effort out - but to no avail.

A number of Podolski’s teammates smothered him after witnessing his moment of genius whilst others put their hands to their heads in disbelief at what they had witnessed.

Gornik went on to win 4-1 but the match will be remembered for the superb effort from the 37-year-old.

Podolski left Arsenal in 2015 after three years at the club and after a short loan spell at Inter Milan, signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Podolski pick the ball up just inside his own half
6
Podolski pick the ball up just inside his own halfCredit: Canal+ Sports
The German posts the goalkeeper of his line
6
The German posts the goalkeeper of his lineCredit: Canal+ Sports
The goalkeeper scrambles to get back and keep Podolski's effort out
6
The goalkeeper scrambles to get back and keep Podolski's effort outCredit: Canal+ Sports
But the ball ends up in the back of the net sparking wild celebrations
6
But the ball ends up in the back of the net sparking wild celebrationsCredit: Canal+ Sports
Podolski is then swamped by his teammates after the stunning effort
6
Podolski is then swamped by his teammates after the stunning effortCredit: Canal+ Sports

After helping them clinch the Turkish Cup in 2016, the German moved to Japanese club Vissel Kobe and lifted the Emperor's Cup in 2019.

He spent one more season in Turkey with Antalyaspor before signing for Gornik in 2021.

Podolski famously opened a string of kebab shops in Germany but his off-field business adventures didn't stop there.

The star also owns an ice-cream parlour, a pub and a clothes shop as he prepares for life after football.

Topics