Zbigniew Boniek

Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox officeholder Zbigniew Kazimierz Boniek (Template:IPA;Template:Efn born 3 March 1956) is a Polish former footballer and manager as well as a current UEFA vice-president. A former midfielder, who was also capable of playing mostly as a right winger and second striker, he is considered one of the greatest Polish players of all time,<ref name="planetworldcup">Template:Cite web</ref> and was selected by Pelé as one of the 100 best living footballers in 2004.<ref name="FIFA 100"/>

In an 80-cap international career, Boniek scored 24 goals and played at three consecutive World Cups, helping Poland to 3rd place in 1982 and making the Team of the Tournament. His greatest achievements in club football were at Juventus in Italy, winning the Serie A, Coppa Italia, European Cup, European Cup Winners' Cup, and European Super Cup between 1983 and 1985, being the first Polish footballer to win a confederation title and one of the first Central and Eastern European players to do so with a non-conational club. In 1978 and 1982, he won the Polish Footballer of the Year Award presented by the Piłka Nożna football weekly.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the early 1990s, Boniek managed several Italian clubs, and also the Poland national team in 2002. In 2019, he was inducted in the Italian Football Hall of Fame.

Club career

Boniek was born in Bydgoszcz. He first played for Polish clubs Zawisza Bydgoszcz and later at Widzew Łódź.

Boniek transferred to Italian football giants Juventus in 1982. With Juventus he won the Coppa Italia in his first season, also managing a second-place finish in the league and reaching the 1983 European Cup Final in the same season. The following season, his performances proved decisive, as Juventus won both the Serie A title and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1984, with Boniek scoring the matching-winning goal in the 2–1 victory over Porto in the final of the latter tournament in Basel; he followed up these victories by claiming the European Super Cup later that year, scoring twice in the 2–0 win against Liverpool. He also won the European Cup in 1985, against Liverpool once again, winning the penalty that Michel Platini subsequently converted to win the title for Juventus, although the team's victory was overshadowed by the Heysel Disaster.<ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref name="bello di notte"/><ref name="storiedicalcio">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="fifa">Template:Cite web</ref>

The following season, Boniek joined Roma, where he won a second Coppa Italia in 1986, and eventually ended his professional career with the club in 1988.<ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref name="bello di notte"/><ref name="storiedicalcio"/><ref name="fifa"/>

International career

File:Zbigniew Boniek 1986.jpg

Zbigniew Boniek, top scorer for Poland in the 1982 World Cup

Boniek represented the Poland national team in 80 international matches between 1976 and 1988, and scored 24 goals. He took part at the 1978, 1982, and 1986 FIFA World Cups with Poland.<ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref name="storiedicalcio"/><ref name="fifa"/>

Although he initially only appeared as a substitute in Poland's two opening group matches at the 1978 FIFA World Cup, he drew attention to himself when he scored two goals in a 3–1 victory over Mexico 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.<ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref name="storiedicalcio"/><ref name="fifa"/>

Boniek later starred in the Polish team that won a bronze medal at the 1982 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 over Peru 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 over Belgium, in Barcelona, on 28 June,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> but was forced to miss the semi-final defeat to eventual champions Italy due to a suspension after being booked in the 88th minute of a 0–0 draw against the Soviet Union.<ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref name="storiedicalcio"/><ref name="fifa"/>

He returned to the starting line-up for the victorious third-place match against France and was named to the team of the tournament for his performances throughout the competition. The 1986 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 to Brazil.<ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref name="storiedicalcio"/><ref name="fifa"/>

Style of play

Although Boniek was usually deployed as a midfielder, he was also able to play as a forward. 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 an attacking midfielder, as a right winger, in a playmaking role as a central midfielder, as a centre-forward, or as a second 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 of Michel Platini, with whom he formed a close friendship and formidable partnership at the Turin club, which made him lethal on counterattacks; this prompted Diego Maradona to describe Boniek as “one of the finest players of their generation.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

A highly talented, creative, intelligent, and skilful footballer, he was one of the best dribblers 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.<ref name="tuttojuve">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="bello di notte"/><ref name="storiedicalcio"/><ref name="fifa"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Juventus president at the time of Boniek's tenure with the club, Gianni Agnelli, nicknamed him Bello di notte ("Beauty at night", which is a play on the title of the Buñuel movie Belle 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 provide assists for his teammates, courtesy of his passing, vision, and clever movement.<ref name="tuttojuve"/><ref name="bello di notte">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="storiedicalcio"/><ref name="fifa"/><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He was also nicknamed Zibì by the Italian press.<ref name="tuttojuve"/>

Towards the end of his career, as he lost his pace, he often functioned in a defensive role as a sweeper.<ref name="fifa"/>

Managerial career

Following his retirement, Boniek pursued a coaching career, but with less success; he also coached in Italy, with stints at Lecce in 1990–91, Bari in 1991–92, Sambenedettese in 1992–93, and Avellino in 1994–96.<ref name="tuttojuve"/>

Boniek has served as vice-president of the Polish Football Association, and in July 2002 he became the manager of Poland. He resigned in December 2002, after just five matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats, including a 1–0 home loss against Latvia in a European Championship qualifier).<ref name="storiedicalcio"/>

Later career

Following his retirement, Boniek had a successful business career. He later also worked as a pundit and football commentator.<ref name="storiedicalcio"/> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2004, Boniek was named by Pelé as one of the 125 Greatest Living Footballers, as part of FIFA's centenary celebrations.<ref name="FIFA 100"/> On 12 October 2009, he received the Golden Foot 'Legend' career award.<ref name=goldenfoot>Template:Cite news</ref>

On 26 October 2012, he became the chairman of the Polish Football Association.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is popular for speaking in favour of decriminalising football fans by legalising pyrotechnics inside stadiums, a common practice among ultras.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His term of office ended on 18 August 2021, and he was succeeded by Cezary Kulesza.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

Boniek has a university diploma in education.<ref name="tuttojuve"/> His father, Józef Boniek, was also a professional football player and later a manager.<ref name="interia">Template:Citation</ref> In 1976, he married his wife Wiesława, a specialist in Romance studies, with whom he has three children: two daughters Karolina and Kamila and son Tomasz.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Legacy

Honduran international footballer Óscar Boniek García was given the middle name Boniek in honour of Zbigniew Boniek.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> García chose to have the name "Boniek" written across the back of his jersey while playing for Houston.Template:Citation needed

Boniek Forbes (born 30 September 1983) is a Guinea-Bissau footballer who plays as a winger for Cheshunt. He played for Leyton Orient in the Football League.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2018, Boniek became an honorary citizen of Łódź.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2019, he was named the most influential person in Polish sport by the Forbes Polska magazine and Pentagon Research.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 the Polish Football Association.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2020, Boniek's biography entitled Zibi, czyli Boniek written by Roman Kołtoń was published.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The footballer himself also published his autobiography the same year entitled Zbigniew Boniek. Mecze mojego życia (Zbigniew Boniek: The Matches of My Life).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club	Season	League			Cup		Continental		Total
Club	Season	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

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year
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

File:Gwiazda boniek.jpg

’’Boniek Star’’, Władysławowo, Poland

International goals

Scores and results list Poland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Boniek goal.

List of international goals scored by Zbigniew Boniek
No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	11 May 1976	Basel, Switzerland	Template:Fb	1–2	1–2	Friendly
2	31 October 1976	Warsaw, Poland	Template:Fb	3–0	5–0	1978 FIFA World Cup qualification
3	19 June 1977	São Paulo, Brazil	Template:Fb	1–3	1–3	Friendly
4	5 April 1978	Poznań, Poland	Template:Fb	5–0	5–2	Friendly
5	12 April 1978	Łódź, Poland	Template:Fb	1–0	3–0	Friendly
6	10 June 1978	Rosario, Argentina	Template:Fb	1–0	3–1	1978 FIFA World Cup
7	10 June 1978	Rosario, Argentina	Template:Fb	3–1	3–1	1978 FIFA World Cup
8	15 November 1978	Wrocław, Poland	Template:Fb	1–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying
9	18 April 1979	Leipzig, East Germany	Template:Fb	1–0	1–2	UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying
10	2 May 1979	Chorzów, Poland	Template:Fb	1–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying
11	29 August 1979	Warsaw, Poland	Template:Fb	3–0	3–0	Friendly
12	13 May 1980	Frankfurt, West Germany	Template:Fb	1–1	1–3	Friendly
13	28 May 1980	Poznań, Poland	Template:Fb	1–0	1–0	Friendly
14	28 October 1981	Buenos Aires, Argentina	Template:Fb	2–1	2–1	Friendly
15	15 November 1981	Wrocław, Poland	Template:Fb	6–0	6–0	1982 FIFA World Cup qualification
16	18 November 1981	Łódź, Poland	Template:Fb	2–1	2–3	Friendly
17	22 June 1982	A Coruña, Spain	Template:Fb	3–0	5–1	1982 FIFA World Cup
18	28 June 1982	Barcelona, Spain	Template:Fb	1–0	3–0	1982 FIFA World Cup
19				2–0
20				3–0
21	22 May 1983	Chorzów, Poland	Template:Fb	1–0	1–1	UEFA Euro 1984 qualifying
22	27 March 1984	Zürich, Switzerland	Template:Fb	1–0	1–1	Friendly
23	19 May 1985	Athens, Greece	Template:Fb	3–1	4–1	1986 FIFA World Cup qualification
24	30 May 1985	Tirana, Albania	Template:Fb	1–0	1–0	1986 FIFA World Cup qualification