An empire of kebabs has transformed the legend of Germany, Lukas Podolski, into one of the most successful entrepreneurs.

The business that Podolski owns is now worth around 200 million euros and includes in its portfolio a chain of kebab shops and an ice cream brand, opened throughout Germany.

He has also launched a music festival, sports center and a football tournament attended by influencers, famous ex-footballers and fans.

The 38-year-old, who is still in his third season with Polish side Gornik Zabrze, first launched his Ice Cream United confectionery brand in 2017, two years after leaving Arsenal .

The business was founded in the district of Cologne, home of the first professional club where Podolski played and took steps towards success as a footballer.

A year later, his first kebab shop Mangal Doner opened in the city and now has 30 branches across Germany. Podolski has been vocal in his support for the restaurant chain, defending its prices and slamming competitors.

He recently attacked the giant McDonalds after being asked about the cost of meals at Mangal Doner restaurants, sparking strong reactions online.

“If you order a menu at McDonald’s, you pay as much as in my stores. Or even more. However, the food will be worthless, it lacks quality,” Podolski said in a podcast.

Podolski also had a rich career as a footballer. In addition to the golden years in Cologne where he was spotted as a talent, he spent three years at the German giants Bayern Munich and the same at Arsenal in the Premier League. In 2015, Podolski also wore the Inter jersey in Italy.

Since then, his career has moved to Turkey at the Gallatasaray giants, then Japan and Poland.

At international level, Podolski won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, while scoring 49 goals in 130 appearances for his country, before retiring in 2017.

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