In the realm of Polish football, there exists a lineage of legendary figures whose names resonate with glory and triumph. From the bustling streets of Warsaw to the picturesque landscapes of Kraków, these icons have graced the pitches with their unparalleled skill and unwavering passion for the beautiful game. Among them stand towering figures like Kazimierz Deyna, Zbigniew Boniek, and Robert Lewandowski, whose contributions have not only shaped the course of Polish football but have also left an indelible mark on the global stage. Their stories of determination, resilience, and sheer talent serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of footballing heritage that Poland proudly boasts. Join bestsoccertips to learn about these Polish soccer players, whose legacies continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Who is the best football player in Poland?
10. Jerzy Dudek (1998-2013, 60 caps)
Jerzy Henryk Dudek was born on March 23, 1973, in Rybnik, Poland. He is a renowned goalkeeper who has played for prestigious clubs such as Liverpool FC, Feyenoord, and Real Madrid CF. Throughout his career, Dudek has won numerous notable titles including the Eredivisie, La Liga, Champions League, Copa Del Rey, and League Cup.
He earned 60 caps for the national team, being one of the few European goalkeepers to win the UEFA Champions League and playing for Liverpool. After starting a season in his homeland, he moved to Feyenoord and found success in the Eredivisie.
In 2000, he became the first foreigner to win the Dutch Golden Boot Award along with many other accolades. Unsatisfied with just excelling in the top Dutch league, his outstanding club career extended to the Premier League. Additionally, he solidified his legendary status in the league as one of the finest goalkeepers ever to grace Anfield.
9. Ernest Pohl (1955-1960, 69 appearances – 44 goals)
Ernest Pohl, born on November 3, 1932, in Ruda Śląska, was a renowned Polish footballer. He played for various clubs including Slavia Ruda Śląska, Orzeł Łódź, Legia Warsaw, and Górnik Zabrze. Throughout his career, Pohl achieved numerous honors including the Polish Cup and Ekstraklasa.
Though he never played in a league outside Poland, Pohl is still regarded as a great legend of Polish football. From 1957 to 1967, he secured eight Ekstraklasa titles while playing for Legia Warsaw and Gornik Zabrze. With 186 goals for his country, he is still considered one of the greatest players of all time, especially among supporters of Gornik Zabrze, who have a stadium named after them.
8. Wlodzimierz Lubanski (1963–1980, 75 appearances – 48 goals)
Włodzimierz ‘Włodek’ Leonard Lubański was born on February 28, 1947, in Gliwice, Poland. He was a renowned footballer who played for several clubs including Górnik Zabrze, KSC Lokeren, Valenciennes FC, Stade Quimpérois, and KRC Mechelen. Throughout his career, Lubanski achieved numerous honors, including the Polish Championship.
Lubanski is another renowned Polish footballer considered a saint in Polish football folklore due to his diligence, loyalty, and years of dedication to Orly (the Eagles). He scored 40 goals for his country playing as a forward.
He is the second highest goal scorer in Polish football history, behind only Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s greatest striker of all time. Lubanski was also a member of Poland’s greatest team of all time, finishing third in the FIFA World Cup and winning a gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
7. Lukasz Piszczek (2007–2019, 66 appearances – 3 goals)
Łukasz Piotr Piszczek was born on June 3, 1985, in Czechowice-Dziedzice, Poland. He is a renowned footballer who has played for various clubs including Hertha BSC, Zagłębie Lubin, Borussia Dortmund, and Goczalkowice-Zdrój. Throughout his career, Piszczek has achieved significant honors, including the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, and DFB Cup.
Thanks to his attacking prowess, Piszczek was considered one of the most effective right-backs in world football at the time. He retired after earning over 66 caps for Poland, during which he participated in World Cups, three UEFA European Championships, and various other tournaments.
6. Robert Gadocha (1967–1975, 68 appearances – 16 goals)
Robert Gadocha was born on January 10, 1946, in Kraków, Poland. He was a renowned footballer who played for several clubs including Wawel Kraków, Legia Warsaw, Chicago Sting, and Hellions. One of Gadocha’s notable achievements in his career was reaching the World Cup final.
Playing for the Polish national team and notably for one of Poland’s most illustrious clubs, Legia Warsaw, Gadocha dazzled audiences as both a forward and an enticing midfielder. While in Germany in 1974 to participate in the FIFA World Cup, he was a key figure in helping Poland finish third and secure their gold medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics. He scored 16 goals in 68 appearances for Poland.
5. Jakub Blaszczykowski (2006–2019, 108 appearances – 21 goals)
Jakub “Kuba” Błaszczykowski was born on December 14, 1985, in Truskolasy, Poland. He is a renowned footballer who has played for various clubs including KS Częstochowa, Wisła Kraków, Borussia Dortmund, Fiorentina (on loan), VfL Wolfsburg, and Wisła Kraków. Throughout his career, Błaszczykowski has won numerous titles, including the Ekstraklasa and Bundesliga.
From his debut in 2006 until retiring with ‘The Eagles’, Kuba was undeniably a national icon in his homeland, adored by fans for his selfless service. His Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 came while playing for Borussia Dortmund. Despite lacking the flair and trickery of other great Polish players, Kuba stood out for his technical ability, passing, and particularly his exceptional crossing.
4. Grzegorz Lato (1971–1984, 100 appearances – 45 goals)
Grzegorz Bolesław Lato was born on April 8, 1950, in Malbork, Poland. He was a renowned footballer who also worked in politics in Poland. Lato played for various clubs including Stal Mielec, Lokeren, and Atlante. Throughout his career, he won numerous titles, including Polish Cups and the Polish First Division.
Lato’s most impressive footballing feat was his performance at the 1974 World Cup, where he astonished crowds by leading ‘The Eagles’ to a third-place finish and ultimately clinching the tournament’s Golden Boot award. When discussing Lato’s outstanding football folklore, one cannot overlook his role in Poland’s gold medal-winning display at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where he delivered a nerve-wracking performance that solidified his place in Polish football history.
3. Kazimierz Deyna (1968–1978, 97 appearances – 41 goals)
Kazimierz Deyna was born in Starogard Gdański, Poland, on October 23, 1947. He is one of Poland’s renowned footballers. Throughout his career, Deyna played for several top clubs including ŁKS Łódź, Legia Warsaw, Manchester City, and San Diego Sockers. He achieved numerous honors, including Polish Cup and Polish Championship titles.
Despite his untimely death in a car accident shortly after retiring in 1987, Deyna will always be remembered as one of Poland’s greatest footballers to date. He gained prominence during his time at Manchester City until his passing. He scored 13 goals in 41 appearances for The Citizens, proving himself as one of the finest Polish players to excel outside Poland.
His legacy speaks volumes about his greatness and character as one of Orly’s greatest players: he finished third in the 1974 Ballon d’Or race, behind legends like Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff.
2. Zbigniew Boniek (1976–1988, 80 appearances – 24 goals)
Zbigniew Boniek was born on March 3, 1956, in Bydgoszcz, Poland. He is a renowned footballer and also a football manager from Poland. Boniek played for several top clubs including Zawisza Bydgoszcz, Widzew Łódź, Juventus, and Roma. He achieved numerous titles in his career, including Serie A and Coppa Italia.
For Poland and his clubs, Boniek is one of the greatest players of all time. Renowned for his exceptional dribbling ability, imposing physique, and distinctive mustache, Boniek regularly faced off against Italy’s best defenders. The late Diego Armando Maradona praised the Polish legend, calling him a “unique and incomparable footballer” who mesmerized Juventus supporters and astounded viewers at the 1982 World Cup with his special skills.
1. Robert Lewandowski (2008–Present, 132 appearances – 76 goals)
His full name is Robert Lewandowski, born on August 21, 1988, in Warsaw, Poland. He is a renowned footballer who has played for several top clubs including Delta Warsaw, Lech Poznan, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona. Lewandowski has achieved numerous significant honors in his career, including the Champions League, Bundesliga, La Liga, and Ekstraklasa.
There’s no doubt, Lewandowski is the most captivating, exciting, and lethal goal-scorer in Polish football history. The Pole is regarded as one of the greatest Polish players to have ever played in Germany and one of the best strikers in Europe currently.
Conclusion
These Polish football icons epitomize excellence and dedication in the sport. From Kazimierz Deyna’s artistry on the field to Zbigniew Boniek’s tenacity and Robert Lewandowski’s unparalleled scoring ability, each player has etched their name into the annals of football history. Their remarkable careers, marked by triumphs and accolades, serve as a testament to their skill, perseverance, and enduring impact on the game. As symbols of national pride and sporting prowess, they inspire generations of aspiring footballers to chase their dreams and strive for greatness. In the hearts of fans worldwide, these legends will forever remain shining beacons of Polish football heritage.
