10 Of The Greatest Polish Footballers In History

Who’re Polish footballers that have proven themselves to be the best ever to emerge from the country over the years?

In Poland, soccer is a major sporting event. Numerous thousands of individuals in the country play soccer on a regular basis. The first football clubs were formed in the early 1900s, and Poland’s national team made its debut in 1921. Poland’s national football team finished third at the 1974 and 1982 FIFA World Cups, won a gold medal in 1972, and silver medals at the 1976 and 1992 Summer Olympics. It exemplifies Poland’s dominance in football tournaments.

Poland has always been a proud footballing nation known for breeding amazing talents who’re scattered across top clubs in Europe, as a matter of fact, in 2019 the league introduced a rule to encourage the development of young Poland players across the country.

Poland’s national team has quite a history of accomplishments on the international scene and brilliant playing doing really well for themselves.

Greatest Polish footballers of all time

Jerzy Dudek (1998- 2013, 60 Caps)

If there’s any player who unarguably deserves to be on this list that comprises legends on and off the pitch for Poland, it’s definitely a former Liverpool goalie who stood among European goalkeepers to have won the UEFA champions league and a total of 60 caps for his national team.

After beginning his career in his homeland where he only spent just one season with Sokol Tychy he went on to achieve success in the Eredivise with Feyenoord, winning a lot of trophies and the Dutch golden shoe award becoming the first foreigner to achieve such feat in 2000.

His successful club career didn’t end in the Dutch topflight it transcend down to the Premier League where he also inked his name in the folklore of the league as one of the most successful goalies to grace the Anfield arena.

Ernest Pohl (1955 -1960, 69 Caps –  44 goals)

Whilst it is an unquestionable fact that Poland has some of the finest footballers in Europe’s topflight leagues doing pretty well for themselves, however, the fact still remains that not all of their finest talents get to play away from home.

While the above statement is a fact, Pohl’s name stood amongst great legends of Polish football that didn’t get to have a feel of other leagues having chosen to stay in his native land to conquer the league with both Gornik Zabrze and Legia Warsaw winning 8 Ekstraklasa titles from 1957-67.

His success and reputation specifically among Gornik Zabrze fans where the stadia was named after him as one of Poland’s finest still stand unrivaled having scored 186 both in the national team and most importantly for the clubs he donned their jerseys during his active days.

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Wlodzimierz Lubanski ( 1963–1980, 75  Caps  – 48 goals)

Lubanski is another popular name in Poland that stands as a cut hero in the history of Polish football for his dedication, loyalty, and longevity playing for the Orly during his active days.

He played as an attacker and scored 40 goals for the national, as a matter of fact, he’s the second best goal-scorer in Poland’s football folklore behind unarguably the greatest striker ever from the country Robert Lewandowski.

Lubanski was also a member of Poland’s finest team ever that won gold and came third at the summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup respectively, delivering a fantastic performance that gave their fans something to smile for.

Lukasz Piszczek ( 2007–2019. 66 Caps –  3 goals )

One would have thought Piszczek is a German for his longevity, dedication, and loyalty to one of Bundesliga’s top sides Borussia Dortmund under now Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who built a monstrous side that went toe-to-toe with the best sides in European football.

Piszczek was referred to as arguably one of the most efficient right back in world football back then, especially due to his attacking prowess and energy to bump forward when Dortmund was on the ascendency to hurt their opponent.

Due to how competitive the European teams were, Poland and Piszczek were not able to conquer Europe despite having a golden generation of talents that were expected to achieve success for the nation. However, he was able to rack up over 66 caps for Poland playing in three UEFA European championships and the World Cup before he retired.

Robert Gadocha (1967–1975, 68 Caps – 16 goals)

Gadocha was a mesmerizing forward cum midfielder during his playing days for the Polish national team and notably for one of the most famous clubs in the country Legia Warsaw where he had huge success.

His pivotal role in helping Poland win gold at the 1972 summer Olympics in Munich and finishing third in the 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany is still well talked about amongst the Poles for his dexterity and brilliant leadership displayed at the tournaments.

If Gadocha’s name is missing on this list, it will be an injustice to have omitted great player names who stands as a cut hero in his country’s footballing folklore for scoring 16 goals and 68 appearances for the Orly.

Jakub Blaszczykowski ( 2006–2019, 108 Caps – 21 goals )

Polish football enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in the 21st century and a somewhat brilliant performance on the international scene where Jakub Blaszczykowski played a huge part in.

Kuba to his fans was no doubt an iconic figure in his country for how well he served the country painstakingly following his debut in 2006 until he called it quit with ‘The Orly’. His name no doubt needs no introduction to fans of Borussia Dortmund following his pivotal role in the team achieving success under the nose of Bayern Munich winning the Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012.

Whilst Kuba isn’t one of the flamboyant and trickery players you will see around, his technical, passing, and crossing skill sets are one of the things that stand him out among other Polish greats.

Grzegorz Lato  ( 1971–1984, 100 Caps – 45 goals)

The most remarkable aspect of Lato’s football career was how well he dazzled the crowd at the 1974 World Cup where he singlehandedly propelled the Orly to a third place finish and won the top goal-scorer at the end of the tournament.

Like Boniek, Lato was also blessed with an electrifying pace and amazing passing skill that sends shivers down the spine of defenders when he holds the ball on his feet to conjure magic whether as a winger or striker.

Lato’s brilliant football folklore won’t be complete without talking about his contribution to Poland’s winning gold at the 1972 Olympics in Munich where he churn out a breathtaking performance that still stands him out as one of the nation’s finest.

Kazimierz Deyna  ( 1968–1978, 97 Caps – 41 goals )

Sadly, Deyna tragically perished in a car accident after retiring in 1987 but his reputation as one of Poland’s finest footballers didn’t perish in the minds of fans who saw him mesmerize his opponents with his talent.

As far as Polish football is concerned, Deyna is regarded as the most technically gifted player ever to come out of the country due to his heartwarming skills on the ball and how brilliantly he dictates the pace of the game with aplomb.

Until his death, he was well renowned for his stint at Manchester City where he unequivocally showed he’s one of Poland’s finest footballers to ever played outside the four walls of their country scoring 13 goals in 41 appearances for the Citizens.

The fact that he came third in the 1974 Ballon D’or race behind legends like Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer says a lot about his quality and greatness as one of Orly’s finest.

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Zbigniew Boniek ( 1976–1988, 80 Caps – 24 goals )

Boniek’s name will forever go down in the folklore of Polish football as arguably the greatest ever to play for the country, of how great a talent he proved to be for both the Orly and his clubs.

Boniek is well renowned for his trademark dribbling skills, mustache, and broad physique which often helped him go toe to toe with football’s finest of defenders in Italy.

The Pole legend was extremely good that the late Diego Armando Maradona described him as a “unique footballer and one of a kind” who used his talent in captivating fans of Juventus and those who saw him dazzled at the World Cup in 1982.

Robert Lewandowski (2008– Present, 132 Caps – 76 goals )

Lewandowski is unarguably the most lethal goal poacher, entertaining and enigmatic footballer ever to come out of Poland for his unrivaled elegance in dispatching the ball into the back of the net with aplomb.

The Pole’s legendary go before him having destroyed the Bundesliga with his goal-scoring ability and breaking long-standing records that morphed him into the conversation of him being named amongst the list of greatest strikers European football has ever seen and one of the best Pole to play in Germany.

Though his club’s career outshines that of his national career, however, you won’t mention Polish players who are a joy to watch and fail to mention the towering forward who is still banging in goals at the age of 33.

FAQ

Is soccer popular in Poland?

Football is Poland’s most popular sport. Over 400,000 Poles play football on a regular basis, with millions more participating on occasion. The Polish National Football Team won the 1972 Olympic Football Tournament and finished second in 1976 and 1992.

Has Poland won anything in football?

Overall, Poland’s best result in international football tournaments was a gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, followed by silver medals at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Is Lewandowski the best Polish player?

Polish football player Robert Lewandowski was named the best athlete of 2021. Polish football player Robert Lewandowski has been named the best male athlete of 2021 in an annual poll held by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

When was the last time Poland qualify for the World Cup?

Since the fall of communist rule in Poland in 1989, Poland has qualified for 2002, 2006, and 2018 FIFA World Cups, but the team has been unable to repeat the feat of its predecessors, exiting the group stage in all three tournaments with two opening losses before gaining a consolidating win in the final match.

Has Poland ever won a war?

Along with assisting the RAF in shooting down Nazi aircraft during the Battle of Britain, Polish soldiers helped achieve a massive victory against the German army at the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944.

How good is Poland at football?

According to FIFA rankings, the team is currently ranked 28th in the world, with 1530.62 points as of May 2022. They are 16 in Europe. Their highest ever ranking was 5 with 1319 points in August 2017, and their lowest ever ranking was 78 with 473 points in November 2013.

How many goals has Robert Lewandowski scored for Poland?

76 goals

Robert Lewandowski is the all-time leading scorer for the Polish national team. Since his debut on September 10, 2008, he has scored 76 goals in 132 appearances as of June 14, 2022.

How many football teams are in Warsaw?

Warsaw is home to one major professional football club and a number of smaller clubs. The only one currently playing in the first division (Ekstraklasa) is Legia Warsaw.

How many professional football leagues are there in Poland?

In Poland, there are plenty of professional and amateur football teams. Football teams are divided into the national first and second leagues, four regional third leagues, 18 regional fourth leagues, 49 regional fifth leagues, and numerous lower-level leagues. There are also competitions for the Polish Cup and the Polish Supercup.

Where can I play football in Warsaw?

• Local Football. Legia Warszawa. ul. Łazienkowska 3.
• Museum of Legia Warszawa. ul. Łazienkowska 3 (Pepsi Arena) /warsaw/Museum-of-Legia-Warszawa.
• PGE National Stadium. Al. Księcia J. Poniatowskiego 1.
• Polonia Warszawa. ul. Konwiktorska 6 (entrance also from ul. Bonifraterska)

Where does Poland play home games?

Warsaw

Poland plays its home matches at the National Stadium in Warsaw, but some of its matches are also played in other stadiums on occasion.

How many football clubs are there in Poland?

Since the league’s inception, a total of 82 teams have competed in the top division of Polish football, with 17 clubs winning the title.

Which city in Poland has the best nightlife?

Kraków.

Kraków, arguably Poland’s most well-known city, does not disappoint when it comes to nightlife.

Who is the best football team in Poland?

Updated after matches played on 14 August 2022

Rank Club / Country 1-yr change

• 1.  Lech Poznań Poland 68 1450
  2.  KS Raków Częstochowa Poland 191 1419
  3.  Pogoń Szczecin Poland 166 1422
  4.  Legia Warszawa Poland 194 1528

What are the top five interesting facts about Poland?

• The world’s largest castle is located in Poland.
• Poland has one of the oldest salt mines in the world.
• Vodka was invented in Poland.
• The world’s first upside-down house was built in Poland.
• Poland has one of Europe’s most diverse environments.

How old is Poland?

Poland, as an official sovereign nation, is 1,053 years old.

The first civilization in Poland dates back to around 2000 B.C., but it wasn’t until A.D. 966 that the region’s tribes were united under the Slavic chief Mieszko, the first prince of Polska. Poland and Lithuania merged in the late 1500s to form a large, powerful commonwealth with elected kings.

Did Russia ever in control of Poland?

Several Polish-Russian Wars have occurred over the centuries, with Poland once occupying Moscow and later Russia controlling much of Poland in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, causing strained relations. Following the fall of communism in 1989-1993, Polish-Russian relations entered a new phase.

What cuisine is Poland famous for?

Pierogi.

Pierogi are meat, vegetable, cheese, fruit, or chocolate-filled dumplings. Pierogi are unquestionably Poland’s most famous and basic comfort food.

What is the official language of Poland?

Polish

Polish (along with other Lekhitic languages, Czech, Slovak, and Upper and Lower Sorbian) is a member of the West Slavic branch of Slavic languages.

Where can I watch Premier League in Warsaw?

• Central Poland.
• Mazovia Province.
• Warsaw.
• Warsaw Restaurants.
• British Bulldog Pub.

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