Lukas Podolski's (41) grandmother Helene passed away shortly before the end of the year in December 2025. The former professional soccer player, who announced in May that he would end his career, now claims that his deceased grandmother was robbed at a hospital.
An absolute disgrace and a scandal
When a funeral director picked up the body from the pathology department in January, it was discovered that jewelry was missing, reports Bild. "My deceased grandmother also had her wedding ring and gold jewelry stolen. When she passed away at the hospital, she was still wearing both," Podolski tells the daily newspaper. When the body was handed over to the funeral director, "the jewelry had disappeared." This is "an absolute disgrace and a scandal."
"It was my grandmother's express wish that she be buried with her wedding ring," Podolski continues. The hospital where his grandmother passed away was also informed of this. It is painful "that this last wish could not be fulfilled for her." A spokesperson for the hospital pointed out to Bild that they would not comment on patients for data protection and privacy reasons. According to Podolski, the relatives were told that the matter would be investigated.
You were like a second mother
With moving words, Podolski publicly said goodbye to his grandmother on December 29, 2025, on Instagram with photos they had taken together. "You were like a second mother to me as I grew up - you always watched over me, always protected me," he wrote in English. "I learned so much from you, lessons I carry with me every day. I will continue what you taught me," the professional athlete promised. She will live on forever in his heart.
