Tragic death of Jacek Magiera, Polish Federation demands respect
The news of the passing of Jacek Magiera, who died at the age of 49, spread like wildfire. The coach served as deputy of the Polish national team on the staff of Jan Urban. “To the family, friends and loved ones of Jacek Magiera, PZPN expresses its deepest condolences,” the official statement reads.
The first information had been circulated by Radio Wrocław, according to which the technician had felt ill Friday morning during a running workout. Rescue personnel responded quickly and transported him to the Military Clinical Hospital in Wrocław, but he could not be saved. Born on January 1, 1977, he had turned 49 just this year.
“The Polish Football Federation has greeted with deep sadness and great sorrow the news of the death of Jacek Magiera, deputy coach of the national team. To his family, friends and loved ones we extend our sincere condolences. We also ask that the privacy and peace of mind of the family be respected at this very difficult time,” reads the note released by the federation.
Even the president Cezary Kulesza wanted to remember him with a message, “I learned with great sadness and disbelief the news of Jacek Magiera’s death. It is difficult to find the right words in the face of such a sudden and unexpected loss. Jacek was an outstanding soccer player, a great coach, but most of all a very good person who could always be counted on. I would like to express my condolences to his family and loved ones. At the same time, I call on the media and all commentators to respect the privacy of the bereaved family.”
Magiera had grown up footballingly in the Raków Częstochowa, with whom he made his debut in Ekstraklasa in March 1995. He subsequently played for a long time in the Legia Warsaw between 1997 and 2006, as well as having worn the jerseys of the Widzew Łódź and the Cracow.
After retirement he quickly embarked on a coaching career, working initially with the Polish Under 18 national team and then in clubs Zagłębie Sosnowiec and Legia Warsaw. It was with the latter that he achieved significant results, including the national title and participation in the Champions League, where the team drew 3-3 against the Real Madrid and beat the Sporting CP, finishing the round in third place and qualifying for the Europa League round of 16.
He also later led Poland’s Under-20 and Under-19 youth selections. In 2021 he returned to coaching at the club level, sitting twice on the bench of the Śląsk Wrocław, with whom he also achieved a second place in the league. By July 2025 he had joined the staff of the senior national team as an assistant coach.
