Jerzy Dudek - a cult hero hangs up his gloves

Polish goalkeeper and 2005 Champions League final hero Jerzy Dudek has called time on his professional career. He played his last game in Real Madrid’s final game of the season against Almeria. He was given a rare guard of honour in the middle of the match by his Real Madrid team-mates when he was substituted in the 77th minute of the game. It was a superb gesture for a player who was second choice for 4 years at Madrid.

Cult hero in his finest hour

In a career that spanned 20 years, Jerzy Dudek will be forever remembered for his stupendous performance in arguably the best European Cup final ever. With Liverpool and AC Milan miraculously tied at 3-3 at the Ataturk Stadium in Isanbul, with three minutes to go, Dudek double-saved from Andriy Shevchenko and ensured the tie went to the penality shoot-out. The outrageous Wobbly legs routine on the goal-line inspired by Brucey Grobbelaar (and his antics, coincidentally in another European Cup final) put off Serginho who blasted his spot kick high and wide, while Andrea Pirlo could muster up only a weak shot easily saved. Dudek again saved from Shevchenko in the shoot out and made Liverpool win their 5th European Cup and in the process retain the trophy for good.

Dudek made his name in his stint with Feyenoord where he went on to make 139 consecutive appearences. He won the Dutch league, as well as being declared the league’s Goalkeeper of the season twice. Gerard Houllier bought Dudek to Liverpool in a double purchase along with Chris Kirkland, to replace Sander Westerveld. He was an important part of Liverpool’s league campaign where they finished second, behind Arsenal.

The next few years were eventful for Dudek. He lost out to Kirkland in the race for the first choice keeper for a while. He made two horrendous errors gifting Diego Forlan a brace at Anfield. He stuttered along till Rafa Benitez took over. Dudek went on to play the Champions League final knowing fully well that Jose Reina had been identified to replace him next season.

Dudek made a surprise move to Madrid in the summer of 2007. Surprise, because Iker Casilas was well established as the no. 1 and it was obvious Dudek wont get much chances. He made just 2 appearances in 4 years, and it can be termed as a ‘fizzled out’ ending to a colorful career.

He made 59 appearances for Poland. His career cannot be termed as spectacular but he was a character in his own right. Pope John Paul II was a big fan of Dudek. Also, Jerzy Dudek played a starring role in the campaign to get Euro 2012 to Poland-Ukraine. His heroics and his dance on the touchline at Istanbul led to a music video being dedicated to him. It was called Du the Dudek and it was hilarious, as well as a runaway hit. You can watch it here.

Here’s wishing Jerzy Dudek an enjoyable retired life. He can be extremely proud of the glorious achievements that led him to become a cult hero, especially on Merseyside.