Wojciech Szczęsny’s story with FC Barcelona reads like a Hollywood script. From enjoying post-retirement life in Marbella to becoming a crucial piece in the club’s domestic treble, the Polish goalkeeper capped it all with a celebration worthy of a champion: cigar in hand, grin from ear to ear, and a clear nod to Michael Jordan’s legendary style.

From Retirement to a Treble in Seven Months

It all started when Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a serious back injury. Barcelona needed a goalkeeper—someone experienced, calm under pressure, and ready to play immediately. That’s when Robert Lewandowski, Szczęsny’s longtime friend and compatriot, gave him a call.

Soon after, conversations with Deco and Hansi Flick followed, and by October 2024, Szczęsny had signed with Barça. After three months of intense training to regain top form, he took over the starting role and never looked back—playing a key role in the team’s triumphs in the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and now LaLiga.

A Champion's Cigar

Following the 2-0 victory over Espanyol that sealed the 2024/25 LaLiga title, Szczęsny was spotted celebrating in the locker room—cigar between his lips, side by side with Lewandowski. The moment instantly echoed the iconic image of Michael Jordan during his Chicago Bulls days, becoming one of the most viral snapshots of the night.

It wasn’t the first time Szczęsny showed his laid-back side. After the pivotal Clásico win at Montjuïc earlier in the season, he was seen vaping post-match. Flick, when asked about it, responded with a smile: “He smokes a little, but he knows what he’s doing.”

Will He Stay Another Season?

Now living in Castelldefels near the Lewandowski family, Szczęsny has settled in perfectly to life in Barcelona. The club has already offered him a one-year renewal with an option for a second, but the final decision rests with him and his family.

Whether he stays or not, one thing is certain: Szczęsny has already carved out his place in recent Barcelona history—along with one of the most unforgettable and Jordan-esque title celebrations the club has seen.