Robert Lewandowski, Polish President Karol Nawrocki and thousands of Poles attended Jacek Magiera’s funeral. Legia Warsaw fans prepared a special pyrotechnic display to honor the 49-year-old coach who died tragically.

Magiera was the only Polish manager to lead a club in the Champions League in the 21st century, securing the memorable 3-3 draw against Real Madrid.

Polish football in mourning after sudden loss

For the past week, Polish football has been in mourning. During a running session, Jacek Magiera suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and died in Wrocław.

Just 10 days earlier, he had been on the bench during the World Cup play-off final between Poland and Sweden. A year ago, for the good of Polish football, he chose to serve as an assistant coach for the national team under Jan Urban, despite having the credentials to pursue a head coaching role himself.

A legacy built in Legia Warsaw and European competition

Magiera was one of the most respected coaching professionals in Poland in the 21st century. With Legia Warsaw, he won the Polish league title and led the club to an outstanding Champions League campaign in the 2016/17 season.

Under his guidance, the Warsaw side drew 3-3 with Real Madrid and defeated Sporting CP 1-0, securing a third-place finish in the group and qualification to the Europa League.

He also led Śląsk Wrocław to the Europa Conference League play-offs and worked with Poland’s youth national teams, where his impact extended beyond football.

A mentor beyond football

Working with young players was one of Magiera’s greatest strengths. He was not only a coach, but also a mentor who helped prepare footballers for life beyond the pitch.

His favorite book on education was “Good Luck” by Fernando Trias de Bas. Magiera purchased more than 600 copies and gifted them to his players.

Tributes from fans and Polish football

Just one day after his passing, during a Legia Warsaw match, fans organized an emotional pyrotechnic tribute along with a massive tifo displaying Magiera’s image.

“Mr Magiera, thank you,” read the banner, as all matches across Poland began with a minute of silence.

Lewandowski and Poland say goodbye

Robert Lewandowski traveled from Spain to attend the funeral. Polish President Karol Nawrocki was also present.

Magiera was laid to rest at Powązki Cemetery in Warsaw, where many of Poland’s most distinguished figures are buried. Fans lit pyrotechnics and sang the Legia Warsaw anthem in a final farewell.

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