Kamil Jacek Glik, born in Jastrzębie-Zdrój on 3 February 1988, is a professional football centre-back who holds dual Polish and German citizenship. While his paternal grandfather, Walter Glück, served in the Wehrmacht, Glik maintains a distinct identity as a Polish national, having served as team captain for both the Italian side Torino and the French club AS Monaco.
Early Career and Italian Progression
After developing in the youth ranks of MOSiR Jastrzębie Zdrój and WSP Wodzisław Śląski, Glik gained experience in Spain with Horadada before joining Piast Gliwice in 2008. His performance in Poland attracted interest from U.S. Città di Palermo, which signed him in 2010. During his time in Italy, he also spent a loan period with Bari under the guidance of coach Giampiero Ventura.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Tenure at Torino
Glik joined Torino in 2011 for €300,000, eventually becoming a prominent figure for the club. He made history in the 2012–13 season as the first player to be sent off in both legs of a derby match against Juventus. He was named captain in 2013, scoring notable goals in Serie A and the Europa League before the club fully acquired his rights from Palermo in 2013.
Success in Monaco and Beyond
In 2016, Glik transferred to AS Monaco for a reported €11 million. During his tenure, he was a key part of the squad that captured the 2016–17 Ligue 1 title, making 36 league appearances and scoring 6 goals. Following his time in France, he returned to Italy to play for Benevento before moving back to Poland in 2023 to sign with the Ekstraklasa club Cracovia.
International Representation
Glik debuted for the Polish senior team in 2010 against Thailand, marking the occasion with a goal. He became a fixture in the national squad, representing Poland at UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2020, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At Euro 2016, he recorded the highest number of clearances among all tournament participants.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 February 1988, Jastrzębie-Zdrój
- Position: Centre-back
- Professional Debut: 2008, Piast Gliwice
- Torino Captaincy: 2013–2016
- Ligue 1 Title: 2016–17, AS Monaco
- International Debut: 20 January 2010
- Current Club: Cracovia
- Citizenship: Poland and Germany
Questions readers ask
Why does Glik hold German citizenship?
He holds German citizenship through his paternal grandfather, Walter Glück, who was forcibly conscripted into the Wehrmacht during the war.
What significant records did Glik set at Torino?
He became the first player in the history of the league to be sent off in both legs of a derby during the 2012–13 season.
