Wojciech Szczesny (foto: Getty Images)
Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has admitted he lost his battle with smoking and urged young players not to follow his example despite living a dream season at Camp Nou.
Wojciech Szczesny is enjoying an unexpected fairytale at Barcelona, but the experienced Polish goalkeeper has made a candid admission about his long-standing smoking habit, warning young players not to make the same mistake.
After Euro 2024, Szczesny had been contemplating retirement. His spell at Juventus had ended, and he believed his best years were behind him. That changed dramatically with a phone call during a round of golf in Marbella—Barcelona needed a goalkeeper after Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury. Szczesny accepted immediately.
Fast forward to the end of April, and Szczesny is thriving. He reached the Copa del Rey final, the Champions League semi-finals, and helped Barcelona climb to first place in La Liga. He even has an option to extend his contract by another year.
Despite his success, Szczesny’s honesty off the pitch has surprised many. Speaking about his habit, he said: “When it comes to smoking, don't repeat my mistakes. I lost that battle. When I was very young, I got this bad habit and I'm aware of it. I lost. If anyone is watching this, please don't repeat my mistakes.”
Barcelona fans have embraced him nonetheless, chanting “Szczesny fumador” (“Szczesny the smoker”) during matches.
Szczesny added: “In a way, I can be an example for young people, also for my teammates. There were some things in my career that should not be followed. I try to be the best, but nobody is perfect.”
At 35, Szczesny is living a new dream, but he remains grounded—eager to share the lessons of a career that has seen both triumphs and regrets.