Kazimierz Deyna

Kazimierz Deyna is a professional football from Poland. He was born on the 23rd of October, 1947 in Starogard, Poland. He was an offensive midfielder and was one of the most talented players of his generation.

Background

Deyna did not have a football career like the other players. He had restrictions attached during the initial days of his career due to the communist regime in Poland. He started playing football for Włókniarz Starogard Gdański in 1958 which was his local club. But he quickly moved to Legia Warsaw as it was military club and the favourite club of the authorities.

The midfielder became an integral part of his club in 1969 and 1970 and also led his side to the Polish Championship. His exploits in Poland attracted interests from top European clubs like Inter Milan and Real Madrid but he was unable to join them as the communist regime prevented him from going to Western Europe. Madrid had even sent a shirt to Warsaw to lure Deyna but fate had other plans for him.

Debut

Deyna’s club performances earned him a spot in the Polish national team. He made his debut on the 24th of April 1968 against Turkey in Chorzow. The midfielder kept improving on the field and went on to play 97 games for Poland. He scored 41 goals in his career and also got the opportunity to captain the side.

Rise to Glory

Kazimierz Deyna led Poland to victory in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and won the gold medal. He was also the top scorer of the tournament with nine goals and this remains the top moment of his career.

He went on to win the bronze medal in the 1974 Football World Cup and the silver medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics. His exploits earned him the third place in the European Football of the Year. Undoubtedly, Polish fans voted him as the Polish Player of the Year on several occasions.

Low Points

Deyna did not have a good time at Manchester City. His time was marred with injuries as he appeared only 43 times for the blues. In the span of three years, he was not able to maintain consistency on the field as his body did not support him.

The midfielder was only 41 years old when he died due to a car accident in San Diego in California. This news shocked the football fans all over the world as Deyna was one of the most celebrated players of his generation. The Polish Football Association chose him as the Polish Football Player of all time. The number 10 was retired by his youth club Legia Warsaw. Football fans will never forget Deyna’s contribution to the World of Football.