The 2009 Polish Footballer of the Year award marked a significant milestone for Mariusz Lewandowski, an association football player and coach born in Legnica on 18 May 1979. Known for his versatility as a centre-back and defensive midfielder, he built a career spanning nearly two decades across professional leagues in Poland and Ukraine, later transitioning into management roles.
Early Career and Move to Ukraine
Lewandowski began his professional trajectory in 1996 with the Polish club Zagłębie Lubin. Following a brief period with Dyskobolia Grodzisk, he moved to the Ukrainian Premier League in 2001 to join Shakhtar Donetsk. During a nine-season tenure in Donetsk, he became an essential component of the squad, contributing to five league titles and three Ukrainian Cup victories. His time there culminated in a 2009 UEFA Cup win, where he played in the final against Werder Bremen.
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Representing his home country, Lewandowski participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and featured in the squad for Euro 2008. Although he stepped back from international duties after Franciszek Smuda assumed control in 2009, he returned to the national team setup in October 2013. Waldemar Fornalik recalled him for qualifying matches against Ukraine and England during the campaign for the World Cup.
Later Playing Years and Coaching Transition
In July 2010, he joined PFC Sevastopol, remaining there until November 2013. He announced his retirement from competitive football on 24 September 2014, following ten months as a free agent. His coaching career commenced on 28 November 2017, when he replaced Piotr Stokowiec at Zagłębie Lubin. He later managed Bruk-Bet Termalica Nieciecza across two separate stints, as well as overseeing Radomiak Radom in the Ekstraklasa between 2022 and 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 May 1979, Legnica
- Citizenship: Poland
- Primary Position: Centre-back
- Professional Debut: 1996
- UEFA Cup Winner: 2009
- Polish Footballer of the Year: 2009
- Retirement from playing: 2014
Questions readers ask
Which team was Lewandowski most associated with during his playing career?
He spent nine seasons with the Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, where he secured five league titles and a UEFA Cup.
What coaching roles has he held?
He served as head coach for Zagłębie Lubin, Bruk-Bet Termalica Nieciecza, and Radomiak Radom.
