Michal Zewlakow

Michal Zewlakow is a former professional footballer who used to play for the Polish national team. Born on 22 April 1976, the defender is Poland's most capped player, with more than a hundred international games under his bag. Michal's brother, Marcin is also a former footballer and made history with his brother when they both represented Poland in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Early days

Born in the city of Warsaw in Poland, Michal joined local club, Drukarz Warsaw at the age of eleven in 1987. He was also associated with the youth system of Marymont Warsaw before being scouted by Polonia Warsaw, which is a club playing in the fourth tier of Polish football leagues system. Michal joined the club in 1990 it was at Polina where he blossomed as a Centre-back.

Debut

It took Michal Zewlakow six years to break into the Polonia Warsaw’s first team. He debuted for the team in the 1996-1997 season and a part of the team in the next season as well.

His presence in Polish Football League System did not go unnoticed and he was called to represent Poland in the King's Cup held in Thailand in 1999, where he made his debut.

Rise to glory

Michal swiftly secured his spot in Polonia Warsaw's first team after breaking into it in 1996. Being associated for another season with the club, Michal made 89 appearances for the club while netting the ball on 6 occasions.

Michal signed with Belgium second division club Beveren in 1998 for a period of one year before joining R. Mouscron, another Belgian team along with his brother, Marcin Zewlakow. The brothers were bought for a combined fee of 485,000 Euros for a period of three years. Michal quickly established himself in the first team and became a vital part of the squad, carrying his team to the 2002 Belgium Cup final.

As a result of his brilliant performances with Mouscron, Michal was bought by top division club, Anderlecht in 2002 with whom he stayed for four seasons. Michal made his Champions League debut in his second season with Anderlecht and also helped his team win the League title, a feat which they repeated in the 2005-2006 season as well.

Having conquered Belgium, Michal then decided to move to Greece in order to establish his prowess. He joined top division giants, Olympiacos F.C. in 2006 for a period of four seasons. Michal helped the team win the League title in three of those four seasons making a total of 87 appearances for the club. Michal also carried his team to victory in the Greek Cup in 2008 and 2009 as well as the Greek Super Cup in 2007.

Michal then moved to Turkey by joining the team Ankaragucu in 2009. Michal played for one season but decided not to renew his contract in lieu of the low price offered to him. Michal eventually moved back to Poland, joining first division team Legia Warsaw, with whom he ended his career. Michal won his first Polish league title with the club, which came in the 2012-2013 season. Michal also helped his team in winning the Polish cup in consecutive seasons, 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Michal made 102 appearances for the Poland national team and remains Poland's most capped player. Michal was also handed the onus of captaincy and he featured in both 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.