Birthday boy of the month: Jacek Krzynowek turns 50

He started playing club football relatively late: He was just 15 when he joined the senior team at LZS Chrzanowice in the B class - as the youngest player in the team. Nevertheless, he quickly asserted himself. His strength, ambition and, above all, his powerful long-range shots stood out. At the age of 17, he caused a sensation in a cup match against the Polish second division team Radomsko when his shots flew wide of the goal several times - until one finally hit the target. These "rockets" earned him his first offers, which he initially turned down as he had strong ties to his home.

Culture shock in Nuremberg

It was not until a year later that he decided to take the next step and joined RKS Radomsko. There he gradually realised that football could be more than just a hobby. He was called up to area teams, impressed with consistently strong performances and worked his way up through the ranks at clubs such as Rakow Czestochowa and GKS Belchatow. Several big Polish clubs showed interest, but eventually an unexpected opportunity arose abroad: talent scouts from FC Nürnberg become aware of him.

In 1999, Jacek Krzynowek signed for FC Nürnberg - initially on loan. It was a culture shock for him. He was leaving his home country for the first time, living alone in a foreign country and initially doubted whether he had made the right decision. But he quickly made friends, also thanks to his future wife Aneta, who moves to Nuremberg to live with him a short time later. He is also successful on the pitch: Between 1999 and 2001, he played 67 second division matches and scored ten goals. His achievements did not go unnoticed - after the 2000/2001 season, he was voted the best player in Bundesliga 2 on the left flank and was promoted to the Bundesliga with the club as champions of Bundesliga 2. His coach: Klaus Augenthaler.

World Cup and Euros with Poland

New challenges followed with promotion to the Bundesliga. In the 2001/2002 season, he was initially often on the bench as Augenthaler favoured other players. It was not until the second half of the season that he got his chance - and used it impressively. He became a key factor in the fight to stay up. At the same time, he also established himself in the Polish national team and took part in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, where he impressed with strong performances. Two more major tournaments followed with Poland - he was in the Polish Eagles squad for both the 2006 World Cup and the 2008 Euros, and he went on to play 96 international matches and he scored 15 goals.

A serious setback followed at the beginning of the 2002/2003 season when he tore his cruciate ligament and was out for several months. However, Jacek Krzynowek fought his way back and showed his skills again in the Rückrunde. Despite his performances, FC Nürnberg are relegated and the club decided to sell him for financial reasons. Bayer 04 secured his services for the 2004/2005 season, but first Krzynowek is once again in top form in his last year at FC Nürnberg and is promoted to the top flight again with the club. His top performances are also honoured in his home country: He was voted Footballer of the Year in Poland in both 2003 and 2004.

Unforgettable: Krzynowek's hammer against Real

In the summer of 2004, he finally moved to Leverkusen, where he proved himself on the European stage. He was part of the team that beat the Galacticos of Real Madrid 3-0 on 15 September 2004. In his two years at Bayer, again under coach Klaus Augenthaler, he played 68 games for the Werkself and scored 12 goals. After less minutes on the pitch in his second year in Leverkusen, he moved on to VfL Wolfsburg in 2006. In the winter break of the 2008/2009 season, he joined Hannover 96, the last club in his career.

After around 15 years as a professional footballer, Krzynowek ended his career and returned to his home region around Radomsko. There he reconnected with family and friends and enjoyed a quieter life away from the limelight. He occasionally attends matches of his local club without causing a stir - just the way he likes it. Jacek Krzynowek looks back with satisfaction: A boy who barely believed he had a chance becomes an international player and a key figure in Polish football. His story shows that even unusual paths can lead to success - with talent, hard work and the courage to seize opportunities.

Dear Jacek, I wish you all the best for your 50th birthday! Stay healthy and celebrate!