Jan Tomaszewski, a name synonymous with Polish football heroism, particularly from the 1970s, is far more than just a former goalkeeper. He is a controversial figure, a passionate commentator, and above all, a legend etched in the annals of Polish sporting history.
Born in Wrocław, Poland in 1948, Tomaszewski’s career spanned numerous Polish clubs, including Śląsk Wrocław, ŁKS Łódź, and Legia Warsaw. However, it was his performances for the national team that truly cemented his place in folklore. Before his breakthrough, he was labelled “a clown” by Brian Clough, the legendary Nottingham Forest manager, before a crucial World Cup qualifier against England in 1973. This seemingly dismissive comment only fueled Tomaszewski’s determination, transforming him into a national icon.
That match at Wembley Stadium on October 17, 1973, remains arguably the most significant in Tomaszewski’s career and a defining moment for Polish football. Facing a star-studded England team, including the likes of Alan Ball and Martin Peters, Tomaszewski produced a mesmerizing display of goalkeeping brilliance. He repeatedly thwarted England’s attacks, pulling off a string of remarkable saves. Despite conceding a goal from a penalty, his overall performance ensured the game ended in a 1-1 draw. This result was enough to secure Poland’s qualification for the 1974 World Cup at England’s expense, ending their sixteen-year absence from the tournament.
The 1974 World Cup in West Germany saw Tomaszewski further enhance his reputation. He was instrumental in Poland’s impressive run to third place. He became the first goalkeeper to save two penalties in a World Cup finals tournament, denying Staffan Tapper of Sweden and Uli Hoeneß of West Germany. Poland, playing an attacking brand of football led by Grzegorz Lato and Kazimierz Deyna, captivated the world, and Tomaszewski’s assured presence in goal provided the foundation for their success.
Beyond his exceptional goalkeeping abilities, Tomaszewski was known for his outspoken personality. He never shied away from expressing his opinions, often courting controversy with his blunt assessments of players, coaches, and football officials. This outspokenness has continued long after his playing career, as he transitioned into a career as a football commentator and pundit. He is a regular presence on Polish television, offering his often-unfiltered analysis of the game.
While his commentary can be polarizing, there’s no denying Jan Tomaszewski’s lasting impact on Polish football. He is a symbol of unwavering determination and the embodiment of the underdog spirit. He is a reminder that one individual, armed with skill, passion, and a relentless will to succeed, can defy expectations and etch their name in history. His heroics at Wembley and the 1974 World Cup have secured his legacy as one of Poland’s greatest ever goalkeepers, and a true legend of the game.
1024×682 jan maria tomaszewski archives wealthy peeps from wealthypeeps.com 
1300×985 soccer poland jan tomaszewski stock photo alamy from www.alamy.com 
400×500 jan tomaszewski from www.worldfootball.net 
477×612 jan tomaszewski football premium high res pictures getty from www.gettyimages.ca 
877×1390 jan tomaszewski poland goalkeeper stock photo alamy from www.alamy.com 
868×1390 jan tomaszewski poland stock photo alamy from www.alamy.com 
1012×1200 jan tomaszewski poland match fortthird place world cup from www.pinterest.com .jpg)
525×800 autographs collection jakob witulla jan tomaszewski from kubaksouvenirs.blogspot.com 
677×1024 jan tomaszewski biografia zyciorys cytat wiek wzrost rodzina from biografia24.pl 
1070×1600 autografy norbiego jan tomaszewski from norbi10.blogspot.com 
1920×1280 jan tomaszewski mlody jan tomaszewski przyjezdzie wags czy from srkwtrcflblmt.blogspot.com 
1041×1600 autografy mariu zbigniew boniek jan tomaszewski from mariuautografy.blogspot.com 
1200×1351 jan tomaszewski bramkarz naszej reprezentacji ktory dwukrotnie from demotywatory.pl 
4096×2731 jan tomaszewski ukochany klaun polakow sport wp sportowefakty from sportowefakty.wp.pl 
900×795 zdjecia jan tomaszewski losowaniu el ms grupa marzenie from sport.dziennik.pl 
1690×2493 jan tomaszewski jak sb probowalo zlowic slynnego bramkarza portal from histmag.org 
750×847 jan tomaszewski czlowiek ktory zatrzymal anglie konczy lat from dzieje.pl 
994×828 jan tomaszewski na goraco po meczu polska argentyna ogladaj from sport.se.pl 
994×828 jan tomaszewski ocenia rzady elzbiety ii jednoznaczna opinia tacy from sport.se.pl 
994×828 jan tomaszewski rozsmarowal polskich pilkarzy nokaut jednym zdaniem from sport.se.pl 
1920×1280 jan tomaszewski odpowiada na pytania widzow ogladaj na zywo wideo from sport.se.pl 
1920×1280 jan tomaszewski powiedzial kto powinien zastapic michniewicza jasne from sport.se.pl 
994×828 jan tomaszewski robercie lewandowskim wspomina atak na polskiego from sport.se.pl 
1920×1280 jan tomaszewski wygrana rumunia jest tak wazna jak wembley super from sport.se.pl 
994×828 jan tomaszewski bez ogrodek lechu poznan mocne stanowisko legendy from sport.se.pl