Szymon Łyczko: The U.S.-Born Polish Talent Making His Mark In The Ekstraklasa

Born in New Jersey but raised in Poland, Zagłębie Lubin midfielder Szymon Łyczko opens up about his family's American journey, his Polish identity and his ambitions in the Ekstraklasa.

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Born in New Jersey but raised in Poland, Zagłębie Lubin midfielder Szymon Łyczko opens up about his family's American journey, his Polish identity and his ambitions in the Ekstraklasa.

“My parents moved to the United States, as was common back then. They were looking for a better place to work so they could earn a living,” says Szymon Łyczko, reflecting on his family's journey.

The Zagłębie Lubin midfielder, who has represented Poland at youth international level, was born in the United States. Today, he is one of the young players to watch in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa.

Zagłębie Lubin's Young Talents: Marcel Reguła And Szymon Łyczko

Before the start of the current season, Zagłębie Lubin had the highest percentage of Polish players in its squad among Ekstraklasa clubs (72.7%) and the largest proportion of under-21 players (39.4%).

The club's standout young talent is Marcel Reguła, who attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window. However, the proposed move ultimately fell through, and the 19-year-old continues to impress in Polish football.

Zagłębie, and Polish football more broadly, also have high hopes for another 19-year-old talent: Szymon Łyczko.

Interestingly, Łyczko was born in Trenton, New Jersey. In an interview with beIN SPORTS USA, he shared the story behind his American roots.

Born In New Jersey: Szymon Łyczko's Family Story

“I don’t think I’ve ever talked about this in an interview before. My parents moved to the United States, as was common back then. They were looking for a better place to work and earn a living. I was born there, but I only spent two years in the US before we returned to Poland. Since then – 2008 – I haven’t been back to the US even once. I don’t remember anything from those years because I was too young, but sometimes I look at the photos we have. We’re doing well in Poland and my parents are happy that they can work in our country,” Łyczko tells us.

Born on American soil, Łyczko also holds U.S. citizenship. However, when it comes to his national identity and international football ambitions, his feelings are clear.

He has already made more than a dozen appearances for Poland's youth national teams, including three matches at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“Theoretically, I could play for the USA, but I’m Polish. I’ve never given it a second thought and haven’t had any offers. How would I react to an offer to play for the USA? I’d probably be flattered that someone had taken notice of me, but I’d likely turn it down because I’m Polish,” adds Łyczko.

His dream is to represent the Polish senior national team. For now, he is doing everything possible to earn a call-up to the Under-21 squad, having previously played for the Under-19s.

From Poland's Second Division To The Ekstraklasa

Łyczko's talent has attracted attention for some time. After making 90 appearances in Poland's second tier, he is now experiencing his first season in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa.

“The leap from the Betclic 1. Liga to the Ekstraklasa is a big one. But this is also down to the fact that the standard of the Ekstraklasa has risen significantly, particularly over the last year. Coming up from a lower league, I knew I’d have to adapt to the style of play. There are certain areas where I’m lacking, so I need to gain experience and develop my skills,” explains the midfielder, who has played five matches for his new club this season.

The transition has also been helped by the environment at Zagłębie, where young prospects share the dressing room with experienced players.

“I’m pleased that I’m settling in well with the team. Zagłębie is a young team; I have a few friends here from the Polish youth national teams here. At the same time, there are very experienced players such as Damian Dąbrowski, Michał Nalepa and Arkadiusz Woźniak, who clearly have a wealth of experience and perform to a high standard. I get on very well with manager Leszek Ojrzyński. He demands a lot, but he’s understanding, and you can always have a chat with him and get some advice,” says Łyczko.