Szczęsny retired last summer but returned to football months later after receiving a surprise invitation from Barcelona, who had just seen Ter Stegen suffer a serious injury. He is now the first-choice goalkeeper and isn’t afraid of losing his spot to the German, who is close to returning. He also isn’t thinking about whether he’ll continue playing after this season.
Wojciech Szczęsny, Barcelona’s goalkeeper, appeared at Monday’s press conference ahead of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.
While the spotlight was naturally on the upcoming clash, much of the attention quickly shifted to the 34-year-old's remarkable return to professional football a comeback few expected and even he didn’t foresee.
Szczęsny had officially retired at the end of the 2022/23 season, following a long and successful career at clubs such as Arsenal, Roma, and Juventus. His decision to walk away from the game was firm, and he spent the early months of his retirement enjoying time away from the pitch, reportedly travelling and spending time with his family. But then fate intervened. When Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, suffered a serious injury mid-season, the Catalan club found itself in urgent need of an experienced, reliable option between the posts. Unexpectedly, they turned to Szczęsny and he said yes.
“A few months ago, I was on the beach and didn’t want to play football,” Szczęsny admitted, reflecting on the whirlwind few months that have brought him back into the elite of European football. “Now I have the chance to do it at what I believe is the best team in Europe. It’s a bit surreal for me, but the best part of the game is the victory everyone celebrates together in the dressing room, the time we spend as a group, the training sessions… those are great feelings, and I missed that.”
Since his arrival, Szczęsny has settled in quickly. Despite the circumstances of his comeback, he has handled the pressure with professionalism and composure, delivering solid performances and even helping the team keep clean sheets in crucial matches. His leadership and calm presence have been praised within the squad, and his veteran status has made him an influential figure both on and off the pitch.
But with Ter Stegen now nearing a return to full fitness, questions have naturally arisen about the future of the goalkeeping position at Barcelona. Would Szczęsny be willing to step aside if Flick opts to reinstate the German international? Or is there a battle brewing for the No. 1 shirt?
“I hope that if the decision goes the other way, Marc will also understand,” Szczęsny said. “Whatever happens is up to Hansi Flick, and we will respect his decision. Marc has been at a high level for a long time. He’s won the Champions League I haven’t. I admire him a lot, so there’s no point comparing us. There aren’t many goalkeepers like him. Whatever happens, we’ll understand each other. We both want what’s best for the team.”
His comments were marked by humility and a sense of perspective, clearly showing that for Szczęsny, the collective success of the team comes first. He repeatedly emphasised that competition for places is natural at a top club like Barcelona, and he made it clear that there is no tension between him and Ter Stegen only mutual respect.
Szczęsny also addressed his contract situation. While many are already speculating about what comes next whether he might stay on longer or retire again at the end of the season the Polish keeper isn’t letting himself get distracted.
“I’m under contract until the end of the season,” he stated. “I just want to focus on the big games ahead and not get distracted by contract matters. I just want to give everything for Barça.”
And there are certainly big games ahead. Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 victory in the first leg of their quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, putting one foot firmly in the semi-finals. But Szczęsny was quick to dismiss any sense of overconfidence.
“It might seem like everything is settled, but it’s not. Our goal is to win,” he said. “Dortmund is a proud team with quality players, and we have to stay focused and keep doing what we’ve been doing. Nothing is guaranteed at this level.”
The match in Dortmund, set to kick off at 20:00 on Tuesday, will be another major test not just for Barcelona, but for Szczęsny himself, whose story has already added an unexpected and compelling chapter to this year’s Champions League. Whether this late-career resurgence turns out to be a short-term cameo or the beginning of a longer extension remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: for now, Wojciech Szczęsny is back and fully enjoying every second of it.
