Robert Lewandowski earns first MLS honors for Chicago Fire

Robert Lewandowski’s home debut with the Chicago Fire had to wait a few weeks due to a postponement. But on Saturday night, he made the wait worth it for Fire fans.

Lewandowski scored two goals in the Fire’s 2-1 win over Charlotte at Soldier Field, helping the Fire get their first win in the post-World Cup break. It was a huge debut for Lewandowski in front of over 30,000 fans in attendance.

Now, he’s picking up an honor.

Lewandowski was named the MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 19. Lewandowski, who signed with Chicago in late June, has now scored an incredible 720 career goals for club and country. This is Lewandowski’s first Player of the Matchday honor and the first for a Chicago player since Tom Barlow on Matchday 18 of 2025.

Honors already for Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski Chicago Fire — Aug 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC forward Robert Lewandowski (9) celebrates after scoring during the first half of a MLS game against the Charlotte FC at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

But there was more for Lewandowski and a teammate. He and Winger Philip Zinckernagel were named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 19 following their performances on Saturday.

Lewandowski receives his first MLS Team of the Matchday mention in just his third game with Chicago. The legendary Polish striker got on the board in game-tying form, when Zinckernagel headed a pass from winger Jonathan Bamba into his path in the 20^th minute. He took two touches and converted a strike from just outside the box, notching his first career MLS goal – a historic moment in front of a roaring crowd. He then followed up with a game-winner in the 68^thminute that made him only the fourth player in Fire history to score multiple goals in his home debut.

Zinckernagel returned from the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte to record his eighth assist and 13th goal contribution of the season. The weekly honor is Zinckernagel’s 11^th overall with Chicago, and sixth on the Starting XI of the list. He last appeared on the bench for MLS Team of Matchday 14, when he scored and assisted in the Fire’s 2-0 road victory against CF Montréal on May 16.

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