17.06.2026 14:11
It has been revealed that the majority shares of Gornik Zabrze, Fenerbahçe's opponent in the Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round, belong to former Galatasaray player Lukas Podolski. The Polish team finished last season as league runners-up and won the Polish Cup.
A striking detail has emerged regarding Gornik Zabrze, Fenerbahçe's opponent in the UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round. The majority shares of the Polish team belong to Lukas Podolski, who once played for Galatasaray.
FENERBAHÇE'S OPPONENT ANNOUNCED
Fenerbahçe's opponent in the UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round was determined as Polish representative Gornik Zabrze. The yellow-navy team will play the first match in Kadıköy on July 21 or 22. The return match will be held in Poland on July 28 or 29.
CLUB'S OWNER TURNS OUT TO BE PODOLSKI
Following the draw, a notable detail about Gornik Zabrze emerged. German footballer Lukas Podolski, who once wore the Galatasaray jersey, purchased the majority shares of the club after ending his professional career at Gornik Zabrze, becoming the team's owner. Thus, Fenerbahçe will face a club owned by one of Galatasaray's former stars on their Champions League path.
THEY HAD A HISTORIC SEASON
Gornik Zabrze finished the 2025/26 season in second place in the Polish Ekstraklasa with 56 points. The team, which defeated Rakow Czestochowa 2-0 in the Polish Cup final, took the cup home for the first time since 1972.
NOTABLE NAMES OF THE TEAM
Ukrainian footballer Maksym Khlan became one of the team's most effective offensive players with 6 goals and 4 assists in the league. Lukas Ambros stood out with 5 assists, ranking among the squad's most valuable players. The team's top scorer was Sondre Liseth, who found the net 8 times in the league.
INTERESTING MATCHUP IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The matchup between Fenerbahçe and Gornik Zabrze draws attention not only for its sporting rivalry but also for the Lukas Podolski detail. The club owned by Galatasaray's former star will take the field as Fenerbahçe's opponent on the Champions League path.