The Forgotten Polish Legend Who Played with Pelé and Stallone

The football world mourns the loss of Kazimierz Deyna, a legendary Polish midfielder whose brilliance was almost unmatched in the 1970s. Ranked third in the 1974 Ballon d’Or behind Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer, Deyna also starred alongside Pelé and Sylvester Stallone in the film Escape to Victory. Despite offers from top European clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich, communism in Poland blocked him from reaching his full international potential. Tragically, Deyna passed away in San Diego, USA, and was identified by the ring on his finger.

Kazimierz Deyna: Talent, Style, and Polish Football Glory

Deyna was the epitome of talent and charisma. On the field, he was an artist, commanding the game with unmatched vision. He was a key figure in Poland’s golden generation, winning Olympic gold in 1972, silver in 1976, and a World Cup bronze in 1974. Yet, his international career always carried a sense of unfinished business due to restrictions on playing abroad.

Starting his professional journey at ŁKS Łódź, Deyna was soon conscripted into the army, as was customary in communist Poland, and played for Legia Warsaw. Despite restrictions, he became the club’s greatest legend, appearing in 304 matches and scoring 94 goals. He also led Legia to the 1969/70 European Cup semifinals, and scored 41 goals in 97 caps for Poland, cementing his status as one of the era’s best.

Missed European Dreams Due to Communism

Even though top European clubs were interested, Deyna couldn’t leave Poland freely. As an officer in the Polish People’s Army, he had to wait until age 31 to join Manchester City in the 1978/79 season. His transfer remains legendary: the fee of £100,000 was paid not in cash but in electronic equipment like photocopiers and printers, thanks to City’s sponsor, Brother Electronics.

At City, Deyna scored 12 goals in 35 matches, but age and a lack of modern training limited his impact. After a drunk-driving incident, he left for the United States, joining the San Diego Sockers for $35,000.

Pioneer of Soccer in the United States

Deyna became a cornerstone of American soccer, playing in both the NASL and MISL, winning five championships, scoring over 100 goals, and earning commemorative rings for each title. He later founded The Legends, promoting soccer across the U.S. ahead of the 1994 World Cup. Deyna also appeared in films with Pelé, Michael Caine, and Stallone, blending his sports and Hollywood fame.

Tragic Death and Lasting Legacy

Deyna’s life ended tragically on August 31, 1989, when his car collided with a parked truck in San Diego. He was identified by his ring and driver’s license. Initially buried in California, his ashes were returned to Warsaw in 2012, where Legia Warsaw retired his number 10 jersey. Streets, murals, and a statue outside Legia’s stadium honor this football icon.

Kazimierz Deyna’s name lives on in Polish football history as one of the most talented, charismatic, and sadly underappreciated players of his generation.

Filip Zieliński, beIN Sports correspondent in Poland, journalist for Przegląd Sportowy Onet