Poland assistant coach Jacek Magiera dies aged 49
Jacek Magiera, the assistant coach of the Poland national team, has died at the age of 49. The Polish Football Federation (PZPN) announced the tragic news on Friday, stating that Magiera lost consciousness while out jogging in the morning and passed away shortly after being transported to a military hospital in Wrocław.
The federation released a statement expressing its deep sadness and regret, offering its sincerest condolences to Magiera's family, friends, and loved ones. Magiera had been serving as the deputy to head coach Jan Urban since his appointment in July 2025, working closely with the squad as they prepared for upcoming international commitments.
Before his coaching career, Magiera was a well-established player in Poland's top flight, the Ekstraklasa. He made 176 appearances for Legia Warsaw between 1997 and 2006, establishing himself as a reliable figure at the club. He also played for Raków Częstochowa in his hometown before hanging up his boots.
His transition into coaching saw him take on various roles within the Polish football system. He gained experience working with several youth national teams before stepping into senior management. For two seasons, until 2024, he was the head coach of second-division side Śląsk Wrocław, where he began to build his reputation as a tactician.
His return to the national team setup under Urban was seen as a natural progression, blending his experience from the dugout with his deep understanding of Polish football. His sudden passing represents a significant loss for the Polish football community, coming at a time when the national team is in a period of transition and planning.
The news has sent shockwaves through Polish sport, with tributes expected to pour in from colleagues, former players, and clubs associated with his career. The Polish FA has requested privacy for Magiera's family as they come to terms with their loss. The federation will now need to consider how to support the national team staff and players in the wake of this tragedy, with the immediate focus on mourning rather than footballing matters.
