Playing Basketball Against NATO Soldiers!

Ex-Arsenal Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski Takes Up New Sport Following Release from West Ham

When a footballer steps away from the pitch after decades at the top, there’s always a question: what next? For most, it’s a quiet step into punditry, coaching, or simply retirement. But for Lukasz Fabianski, the answer was far less conventional — and much more fun.

After his release from West Ham United, the former Arsenal and Poland goalkeeper surprised fans by taking up basketball — and not just any casual game either. He laced up his sneakers and played in a charity match against a team of NATO soldiers, helping his squad to a narrow 67-64 win.

Yes, you read that right. The same hands that once stopped Premier League strikers were now grabbing rebounds and dishing out assists against military professionals. And frankly? He looked right at home.

From the Premier League to the Paint

Ipswich Town FC v West Ham United FC – Premier League

It’s not often you see a 40-year-old former goalkeeper trading boots for basketball shoes — especially just weeks after leaving the top flight. But Fabianski has always done things a bit differently.

The charity match, held at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland, wasn’t just a lighthearted event. It marked 25 years since Poland joined NATO, and the symbolic nature of the game — Polish sports stars versus NATO troops — gave the night both emotional and historical weight.

The event was organized by none other than Marcin Gortat, Poland’s most successful NBA player, formerly of the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Gortat, long known for his efforts to promote basketball and support the military, personally invited Fabianski to join the squad.

Childhood Dreams Come Full Circle

For those who know Fabianski well, his appearance on the hardwood wasn’t all that surprising.

In interviews, he has often spoken about his early love for basketball. Growing up in Poland during the 1990s, Fabianski was captivated by the dominance of the Chicago Bulls, idolizing legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

“I used to play basketball with my brothers after school,” he said. “Back when Jordan and Pippen were winning championships — they were like superheroes to us. I even played a bit in primary school. I loved it.”

That youthful passion clearly stayed with him. And though football took over his professional life, Fabianski believes basketball helped shape his reflexes and hand-eye coordination — qualities that would later define his style as a goalkeeper.

“I think the quick movements, the awareness — it all translates,” he explained. “Maybe that’s why I always enjoyed penalty saves. It’s similar to reading a shot in basketball.”

Not the Only Footballer on the Court

Fabianski wasn’t the only familiar face swapping studs for sneakers. Jakub Blaszczykowski, the former Borussia Dortmund winger and Polish international, also suited up for the occasion. The sight of two national football icons playing hoops was a treat for the fans in Lodz — and a reminder of how sport can transcend disciplines.

For Blaszczykowski, who’s retired from professional football, the event was both nostalgic and meaningful. For Fabianski, still weighing his future, it was perhaps a taste of what life might feel like without the pressures of the Premier League.

What Next for Fabianski?

West Ham United FC v Fulham FC – Premier League

That, of course, is the big question. Lukasz Fabianski is now officially a free agent, having wrapped up a five-year spell with West Ham, where he made over 100 appearances and played a crucial role in stabilizing the club’s defense.

Despite turning 40 earlier this year, Fabianski has shown no signs of losing his sharpness. His performances in cup games and occasional league appearances were still reliable, often outstanding.

Polish giants Legia Warsaw reportedly approached him after his West Ham exit, eager to bring the veteran home. But Fabianski politely declined. According to Legia’s sporting director Michal Zewlakow, the goalkeeper is keen to remain in England — whether that means playing, coaching, or exploring life beyond football remains unclear.

At this point in his career, Fabianski has little left to prove. A veteran of the Premier League, a hero to Poland, and now a charity baller, he’s embracing life’s next chapter on his own terms.

A Gentle Goodbye — Or a Transition?

There’s something beautifully understated about Fabianski’s post-West Ham trajectory. No farewell tour, no dramatic exit. Just a quiet shift toward something new. One weekend, he’s in a Premier League dressing room. The next, he’s in a basketball gym, laughing with soldiers and old friends.

For many players, the end of their playing career comes with uncertainty and even fear. Fabianski seems to have found something joyful in the change.

Whether or not he signs with another club, his legacy is safe. From his early years at Legia Warsaw, through his time with Arsenal, his rebirth at Swansea, and his final years at West Ham, Fabianski’s journey is one of perseverance, professionalism, and quiet excellence.

He may not have always been the loudest figure in the locker room, but his career has spoken volumes.

Final Whistle — or First Tip-Off?

So what’s next for Lukasz Fabianski?

Maybe a coaching role. Maybe another season between the sticks in England. Or maybe — just maybe — a few more charity basketball games, now that the world knows he’s got game.

What’s certain is that Fabianski’s story isn’t over. He’s still writing it — on the court, in the community, and maybe, just maybe, in goal one last time.

Whatever happens, one thing is clear: even playing basketball against NATO soldiers, Fabianski is still finding ways to surprise us — and inspire us.