German football legend Lukas Podolski, who celebrated his 40th birthday this year, is making a striking return to the public eye with a new Netflix documentary titled “POLDI.” This documentary will premiere on June 4, just twelve days after his final professional game with Gornik Zabrze, his home club.
Lukas Podolski’s Intimate Documentary
“POLDI” promises to reveal a more personal side of the World Cup champion. The film aims to go beyond his sporting achievements, offering insights into his family life and personal struggles, encapsulated by the motto: “If you’re going to bare it all, you might as well go all the way.”
Family and Personal Struggles
Throughout the 90-minute documentary, Podolski shares intimate moments with his family. He welcomes viewers to visit his childhood home in Poland and pay tribute to his late grandmother, Helene, who passed away in December 2025. The documentary also highlights his relationship with loved ones, including his parents, aunts, and his son, Louis.
Evolving Challenges in Marriage
Significantly, the film touches on the complexities of Podolski’s marriage to Monika. During their time back in Cologne after his move from Bayern Munich in 2009, they encountered significant turmoil. Monika discusses the adjustments to sharing Podolski with millions of fans and the emotional toll it took on their relationship.
- Monika noted, “I may have had a phase where I needed him more.”
- Podolski reflected on the heavy feeling of being a public figure whose time was often consumed by fans.
- Ultimately, they recognized they could not live without each other.
An Emotional Journey
The documentary captures the emotional highs and lows of Podolski’s life as a footballer and a father. He reveals how deeply he struggled during long periods away from his son, Louis, who was born in 2008. “I often cried back then,” he admits.
The narrative also delves into Podolski’s heritage, featuring the story of his parents’ escape from Poland and how he gifted his father an Audi A4 with his first professional earnings, moving him to tears.
A New Chapter Ahead
As Lukas Podolski transitions into a new phase of life after football, he plans to focus on his entrepreneurial ambitions, including establishing 200 döner restaurants and managing Gornik Zabrze. He acknowledges the difficulty of leaving his career behind and the process of learning to let go.
Overall, “POLDI” promises to deliver a heartfelt portrayal of a sports icon navigating life’s challenges, love, and legacy, making it a must-watch for fans of Lukas Podolski.
