Netflix to release documentary on Lukas Podolski’s life and career
Lukas Podolski is set to become the first German athlete to receive a dedicated Netflix documentary about his life and career. Titled POLDI, the film follows one of Germany’s most recognisable football figures during what Netflix describes as the end of his playing career - while also revealing previously unseen sides of the world champion, entrepreneur and public figure.
The documentary is currently in production and is expected to launch soon.
“The Netflix documentary follows Lukas Podolski at the end of his football career and shows previously unseen facets of an exemplary athlete and person.”
Netflix
A career that shaped German football culture
From street footballer to world champion, from the child of Polish immigrants to “Prinz Poldi” in Cologne - Lukas Podolski’s path is one of the most distinctive stories in modern German football. Netflix describes the documentary as the story of a player who not only wrote football history, but became a hero far beyond the pitch.
Podolski made his professional debut for 1. FC Köln in November 2003 and played his first match for the German national team in June 2004. Over the course of his international career, he earned 130 caps for Germany and became one of the most popular personalities of his generation - known as much for his directness and authenticity as for his performances on the field.
More than a football story
What makes POLDI especially significant is that it appears to go beyond the classic sports documentary format. According to Netflix, the film will focus not only on the athlete, but also on the person behind the public image - offering a closer look at Podolski’s character, mindset and life between football, business and identity.
This wider perspective reflects the unique position Podolski holds in German sport and popular culture. He remains a figure who connects generations, clubs and communities - from Cologne to Poland and far beyond.
With POLDI, Netflix is giving that story a new stage.
