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Zbigniew BoniekFootball player
Date of Birth: 03.03.1956
Country:  Poland |
Biography of Zbigniew Boniek
Early Life and Career
Zbigniew Boniek, a Polish footballer, coach, and sports official, was born on March 3, 1956, in Poland. He began his football career playing for the Zawisza Bydgoszcz club in his hometown. In 1975, he was recruited by Widzew Lodz, a team that became a powerhouse in Polish football during Boniek's time there. While playing for Widzew Lodz, Boniek also studied economics at the university and later enrolled in the Warsaw Institute of Physical Education.
International Career
Boniek made his debut for the Polish national team in 1976, at the age of 20, and quickly established himself as a key player. He played for Poland in the 1978 and 1986 World Cups, as well as the 1980 European Championships. In the 1982 World Cup, he helped lead Poland to a third-place finish and scored several important goals, solidifying his reputation as a top player. Boniek was known for his strong performances in important matches and earned the nickname "Bello di notte" or "Nighttime Beau" for his ability to shine in evening games.
Club Career and Achievements
In 1982, Boniek made a highly anticipated transfer to the Italian club Juventus for a fee of $1.8 million. He had a successful spell at Juventus, winning the European Cup, the Cup Winners' Cup, and the European Super Cup. He later played for AS Roma before retiring in 1988. Throughout his club career, Boniek won numerous domestic titles, including championships in Poland and Italy. He was also named the Best Polish Footballer in 1978 and 1982.
Coaching and Later Career
After retiring as a player, Boniek pursued a career in coaching. He managed several Italian clubs, including Lecce, Bari, and Avellino. Boniek also served as a television commentator and established his own company, Go&Goal, which acquired the broadcasting rights for Polish league matches. In addition, he became involved in sports administration and was appointed as vice-president of the Polish Football Federation.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Boniek developed a passion for horses and owned several racehorses. However, he eventually sold his stable. Boniek retired from coaching in 2001 and focused on his business ventures and television work. He remains an influential figure in Polish football and continues to contribute to the sport through his administrative roles.
