Zbigniew Boniek

Zbigniew Boniek is a famous Polish soccer player. He was born March 3, 1956, and first played in Zawisza Bydgoszcz, later in Widzew Lodz.

In 1982 he transferred to Juventus Turin, thus becoming the first Polish football player to strive for an international career. He won a bronze medal at soccer's World Cup (1982), Cupwinners Cup (1984), European Supercup (1984) and Masters Cup (1985).

He scored 24 goals in 80 matches in the Polish national soccer team. After finishing his professional career in AC Roma in 1988 he had successful business career.

He gained respect, even from the Italian president himself, who nicknamed him "Bello di notte" ("Beauty of the night") because of his performance at evening matches.

Lately, Boniek has served as vice-president of the Polish Football Association, and in July 2002 he accepted nomination for the post of the main coach of the Polish soccer team. He resigned in December 2002, after just 5 matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 defeats).