Zbigniew Boniek | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Boniek in 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| UEFA Vice President | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 20 April 2021 – 3 April 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| President | Aleksander Čeferin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vice President | Karl-Erik Nilsson (as first vice-president) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 26th President of the PZPN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 26 October 2012 – 18 August 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Grzegorz Lato | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Cezary Kulesza | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | (1956-03-03)3 March 1956 (age 69)[1] Bydgoszcz, Poland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation |
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Zbigniew Kazimierz Boniek (Polish pronunciation:[ˈzbiɡɲɛvˈbɔɲɛk];[a] born 3 March 1956) is a Polish formerfootballer and was most recently aUEFA vice-president. A formermidfielder, who was also capable of playing mostly as aright winger andsecond striker, he is considered one of the greatest Polish players of all time,[2] and was selected byPelé as one of the100 best living footballers in 2004.[3]
In an 80-cap international career, Boniek scored 24 goals and played at three consecutive World Cups, helpingPoland to 3rd place in1982 and making the Team of the Tournament. His greatest achievements in club football were atJuventus in Italy, winning theSerie A,Coppa Italia,European Cup,European Cup Winners' Cup, andEuropean Super Cup between 1983 and 1985, being the first Polish footballer to win aconfederation title and one of the firstCentral and Eastern European players to do so with a non-conational club. In 1978 and 1982, he won thePolish Footballer of the Year Award presented by thePiłka Nożna football weekly.[4]
In the early 1990s, Boniek managed several Italian clubs, and also the Poland national team in 2002. In 2019, he was inducted in theItalian Football Hall of Fame.
Boniek was born inBydgoszcz. He first played for Polish clubsZawisza Bydgoszcz and later atWidzew Łódź.
Boniek transferred to Italian football giantsJuventus in 1982. With Juventus he won theCoppa Italia in hisfirst season, also managing a second-place finish in the league and reaching the1983 European Cup Final in the same season. Thefollowing season, his performances proved decisive, as Juventus won both theSerie A title and theCup Winners' Cup in 1984, with Boniek scoring the matching-winning goal in the 2–1 victory overPorto in thefinal of the latter tournament in Basel; he followed up these victories by claiming theEuropean Super Cup later that year, scoring twice in the 2–0 win againstLiverpool. He also won theEuropean Cup in1985, against Liverpool once again, winning the penalty thatMichel Platini subsequently converted to win the title for Juventus, although the team's victory was overshadowed by theHeysel Disaster.[5][6][7][8]
Thefollowing season, Boniek joinedRoma, where he won a secondCoppa Italia in 1986, and eventually ended his professional career with the club in 1988.[5][6][7][8]
Boniek represented thePoland national team in 80 international matches between 1976 and 1988, and scored 24 goals. He took part at the1978,1982, and1986 FIFA World Cups with Poland.[5][7][8]
Although he initially only appeared as a substitute in Poland's two opening group matches at the1978 FIFA World Cup, he drew attention to himself when he scored two goals in a 3–1 victory overMexico in Poland's final match of the group stage, helping his nation top their group; in the second round, however, Poland finished third in their group and were eliminated from the tournament.[5][7][8]
Boniek later starred in the Polish team that won a bronze medal at the1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain: he helped his team reach the semi-finals of the tournament, scoring four goals in the process. In the first round, he scored in a 5–1 win overPeru on 22 June, to help Poland top their group; in the second round, he scored a hat-trick in his nation's 3–0 second round victory overBelgium, in Barcelona, on 28 June,[9] but was forced to miss the semi-final defeat to eventual championsItaly due to a suspension after being booked in the 88th minute of a 0–0 draw against theSoviet Union.[5][7][8]
He returned to the starting line-up for the victorious third-place match againstFrance and was named to the team of the tournament for his performances throughout the competition. The1986 FIFA World Cup was less successful, as Poland only qualified for the second round as the second best third-placed team, and were subsequently eliminated in the second round following a 4–0 defeat toBrazil.[5][7][8]
Although Boniek was usually deployed as amidfielder, he was also able to play as aforward. He preferred to operate between the lines in a free role, although he was a versatile player, capable of playing in several offensive and midfield positions on either flank or through the centre, and throughout his career he was deployed as anattacking midfielder, as aright winger, in aplaymaking role as acentral midfielder, as acentre-forward, or as asecond striker; his Juventus manager,Giovanni Trapattoni, however, often struggled to find the most suitable position for him.
Boniek was known for his extroverted personality and his trademark moustache, which made him a highly recognisable player. A tall, brave and hard-working footballer with a large, powerful, and slender physique, he was known for his blistering pace, acceleration, and quick reactions. In particular, Boniek was highly regarded for his ability to make sudden attacking runs to beat the defensive line and get on the end of his teammates' long passes, especially those ofMichel Platini, with whom he formed a close friendship and formidable partnership at the Turin club, which made him lethal on counterattacks; this promptedDiego Maradona to describe Boniek as “one of the finest players of their generation.”[10]
A highly talented, creative, intelligent, and skilful footballer, he was one of the bestdribblers of his time and also displayed superb technique, flair, and class. Although he was not a particularly prolific player, he was known for his eye for goal, and as his clinical finishing with either foot, as well as his head, which enabled him to maintain a consistent goalscoring rate throughout his career; he also earned a reputation for having the tendency to score decisive goals for his team in key matches.
Despite his ability, at times he was also criticised, however, for being tactically undisciplined, inconsistent, too static in his movements off the ball, and for not being involved enough in his team's play during matches, which led him to struggle against opponents who did not give him a lot of space.[5][6][7][8][11][12][13]
The Juventus president at the time of Boniek's tenure with the club,Gianni Agnelli, nicknamed himBello di notte ("Beauty at night", which is a play on the title of theBuñuel movieBelle de Jour) because of his excellent performances in European club tournament matches, which were played in the evening; indeed, during continental tournaments, his opponents usually allowed him more space and time on the ball than in Serie A, which allowed him to get forward, undertake individual dribbling runs and score goals himself, or drop deep, link up with midfielders and create chances or provideassists for his teammates, courtesy of his passing, vision, and clever movement.[5][6][7][8][14] He was also nicknamed Zibì by the Italian press.[5]
Towards the end of his career, as he lost his pace, he often functioned in a defensive role as asweeper.[8]
Following his retirement, Boniek pursued a coaching career, but with less success; he also coached in Italy, with stints atLecce in 1990–91,Bari in 1991–92,Sambenedettese in 1992–93, andAvellino in 1994–96.[5]
Boniek has served as vice-president of thePolish Football Association, and in July 2002 he became the manager ofPoland. He resigned in December 2002, after just five matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats, including a 1–0 home loss againstLatvia in a European Championship qualifier).[7]
Following his retirement, Boniek had a successful business career. He later also worked as a pundit and football commentator.[7] According to Polish sources, Boniek had been favoured to become the new Minister of Sport for his country, but he denied the claims and stated that he had no intention of taking the job.[15]
In 2004, Boniek was named byPelé as one of the125 Greatest Living Footballers, as part of FIFA's centenary celebrations.[3] On 12 October 2009, he received theGolden Foot 'Legend' career award.[16]
On 26 October 2012, he became the chairman of thePolish Football Association.[17] He is popular for speaking in favour of decriminalising football fans by legalisingpyrotechnics inside stadiums, a common practice amongultras.[18] His term of office ended on 18 August 2021, and he was succeeded byCezary Kulesza.[19]
Boniek has a university diploma in education.[5] His father,Józef Boniek, was also a professional football player and later a manager.[20] In 1976, he married his wife Wiesława, a specialist inRomance studies, with whom he has three children: two daughters Karolina and Kamila and son Tomasz.[21]
Honduran international footballerÓscar Boniek García was given the middle nameBoniek in honour of Zbigniew Boniek.[22] García chose to have the name "Boniek" written across the back of his jersey while playing forHouston.[citation needed]
Boniek Forbes (born 30 September 1983) is aGuinea-Bissaufootballer who plays as a winger forCheshunt. He played forLeyton Orient inthe Football League.[23]
In 2018, Boniek became an honorary citizen ofŁódź.[24] In 2019, he was named the most influential person inPolish sport by the Forbes Polska magazine and Pentagon Research.[25] The same year, he was voted as a member of Poland's Team of the Century in a poll organized on the 100th anniversary of the foundation of thePolish Football Association.[26]
In 2020, Boniek'sbiography entitledZibi, czyli Boniek written by Roman Kołtoń was published.[27] The footballer himself also published his autobiography the same year entitledZbigniew Boniek. Mecze mojego życia (Zbigniew Boniek: The Matches of My Life).[28]
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Widzew Łódź | 1975–76 | Ekstraklasa | 27 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 7 |
| 1976–77 | 24 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 9 | ||
| 1977–78 | 30 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 15 | ||
| 1978–79 | 28 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 5 | ||
| 1979–80 | 26 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 30 | 12 | ||
| 1980–81 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 1 | ||
| 1981–82 | 26 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 10 | ||
| Total | 172 | 50 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 194 | 59 | ||
| Juventus | 1982–83 | Serie A | 28 | 5 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 49 | 10 |
| 1983–84 | 27 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 42 | 9 | ||
| 1984–85 | 26 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 42 | 12 | ||
| Total | 81 | 14 | 24 | 8 | 28 | 9 | 133 | 31 | ||
| Roma | 1985–86 | Serie A | 29 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 8 |
| 1986–87 | 26 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 34 | 8 | ||
| 1987–88 | 21 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 7 | ||
| Total | 76 | 17 | 14 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 92 | 23 | ||
| Career total | 329 | 81 | 47 | 19 | 43 | 13 | 419 | 113 | ||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | 1976 | 6 | 2 |
| 1977 | 11 | 1 | |
| 1978 | 12 | 5 | |
| 1979 | 10 | 3 | |
| 1980 | 5 | 2 | |
| 1981 | 6 | 3 | |
| 1982 | 8 | 4 | |
| 1983 | 3 | 1 | |
| 1984 | 6 | 1 | |
| 1985 | 5 | 2 | |
| 1986 | 7 | 0 | |
| 1987 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1988 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 80 | 24 | |
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 May 1976 | Basel, Switzerland |  Switzerland | 1–2 | 1–2 | Friendly |
| 2 | 31 October 1976 | Warsaw, Poland |  Cyprus | 3–0 | 5–0 | 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 3 | 19 June 1977 | São Paulo, Brazil |  Brazil | 1–3 | 1–3 | Friendly |
| 4 | 5 April 1978 | Poznań, Poland |  Greece | 5–0 | 5–2 | Friendly |
| 5 | 12 April 1978 | Łódź, Poland |  Republic of Ireland | 1–0 | 3–0 | Friendly |
| 6 | 10 June 1978 | Rosario, Argentina |  Mexico | 1–0 | 3–1 | 1978 FIFA World Cup |
| 7 | 3–1 | |||||
| 8 | 15 November 1978 | Wrocław, Poland | Switzerland | 1–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying |
| 9 | 18 April 1979 | Leipzig,East Germany |  East Germany | 1–0 | 1–2 | UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying |
| 10 | 2 May 1979 | Chorzów, Poland |  Netherlands | 1–0 | 2–0 | UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying |
| 11 | 29 August 1979 | Warsaw, Poland |  Romania | 3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly |
| 12 | 13 May 1980 | Frankfurt,West Germany |  West Germany | 1–1 | 1–3 | Friendly |
| 13 | 28 May 1980 | Poznań, Poland |  Scotland | 1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
| 14 | 28 October 1981 | Buenos Aires, Argentina |  Argentina | 2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly |
| 15 | 15 November 1981 | Wrocław, Poland |  Malta | 6–0 | 6–0 | 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 16 | 18 November 1981 | Łódź, Poland |  Spain | 2–1 | 2–3 | Friendly |
| 17 | 22 June 1982 | A Coruña, Spain |  Peru | 3–0 | 5–1 | 1982 FIFA World Cup |
| 18 | 28 June 1982 | Barcelona, Spain |  Belgium | 1–0 | 3–0 | 1982 FIFA World Cup |
| 19 | 2–0 | |||||
| 20 | 3–0 | |||||
| 21 | 22 May 1983 | Chorzów, Poland |  Soviet Union | 1–0 | 1–1 | UEFA Euro 1984 qualifying |
| 22 | 27 March 1984 | Zürich, Switzerland | Switzerland | 1–0 | 1–1 | Friendly |
| 23 | 19 May 1985 | Athens, Greece |  Greece | 3–1 | 4–1 | 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 24 | 30 May 1985 | Tirana, Albania |  Albania | 1–0 | 1–0 | 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification |
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Widzew Łódź
Poland
Individual
Orders
Krzyż Kawalerski Orderu Odrodzenia Polski[38]
Commendatore Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana[39]
| Sporting positions | ||
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| Preceded by | President ofPolish Football Association 26 October 2012 – 17 August 2021 | Succeeded by |
Poland squads | |||||||||||||||||||
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