Poland assistant coach Jacek Magiera dies suddenly aged 49
Jacek Magiera, the assistant coach of the Poland national team, has died at the age of 49. The Polish Football Association (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 PZPN released a statement expressing its "deep sadness and enormous regret" at Magiera's passing and extended its sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Magiera had been serving as the right-hand man to head coach Jan Urban since his appointment to the role in July 2025, helping to prepare the team for their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
Before moving into coaching, Magiera enjoyed a substantial playing career in the Polish top flight, the Ekstraklasa. He was most notably a stalwart defender for Legia Warsaw, making 176 appearances for the club between 1997 and 2006 and winning two league titles. He also played for Raków Częstochowa, his hometown club, before hanging up his boots.
His transition into management saw him take on various roles within the Polish football system, including working with several youth national teams. This foundational period led to his first senior head coaching position at Śląsk Wrocław, which he led for two seasons in the second division until 2024. His work there and his deep understanding of the Polish game made him a natural choice for Urban's staff last year.
The sudden nature of his death has sent shockwaves through Polish football. Tributes have begun to pour in from across the sport, highlighting his dedication and respected character. The national team is currently in a period of preparation, making the loss of a key tactical voice within the setup particularly poignant and disruptive.
Magiera's passing leaves a significant void for head coach Jan Urban and the Polish Football Association as they must now navigate both their grief and the practical matter of restructuring the coaching staff ahead of important fixtures. The focus for the federation will now rightly be on supporting Magiera's family and the national team players and staff during this difficult time. Further details regarding funeral arrangements or any tributes are expected to be communicated by the PZPN in the coming days.
