1. Overview
Bartosz Bosacki (Bartosz BosackiPolish) is a Polish former professional footballer who played primarily as a centre-back. Born in Poznań, Poland on December 20, 1975, Bosacki is best known for his multiple tenures with Lech Poznań and his significant contributions to the national team, particularly during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His career spanned from 1995 to 2011, during which he achieved numerous club honours and earned recognition for his defensive prowess and leadership on the field.
2. Early Life and Club Career
Bartosz Bosacki's professional football journey began in his hometown of Poznań, Poland, where he cultivated his skills before making his mark in Polish and German leagues.
2.1. Club Career Beginnings
Bartosz Bosacki was born on December 20, 1975, in Poznań, Poland. He embarked on his professional career with his hometown club, Lech Poznań, making his debut in April 1995. During his initial stint with Lech Poznań from 1995 to 1998, he appeared in 85 matches.
2.2. Amica Wronki
In 1998, Bosacki transferred to Amica Wronki, where he played a pivotal role for four years until 2002. During his time at Amica Wronki, he made 95 appearances, scoring two goals. He was instrumental in the team's success, contributing significantly to their victories in the Polish Cup in both the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons, as well as securing the Polish Super Cup in 1998.
2.3. 1. FC Nürnberg
From 2004 to 2006, Bosacki ventured into German football, joining 1. FC Nürnberg in the Bundesliga. This period provided him with experience in a major European league, though he made 17 appearances without scoring a goal during his tenure with the club.
2.4. Return to Lech Poznań and Later Career
Following his time in Germany, Bosacki returned to Lech Poznań for his second stint with the club, playing from 2002 to 2004, where he appeared in 54 matches and scored two goals. He then rejoined Lech Poznań for a third and final spell from 2006 until his retirement in 2011. This period was highly successful, as he played in 118 matches, scoring six goals, and contributed to Lech Poznań's capture of the Ekstraklasa title in the 2009-10 season, the Polish Cup in 2008-09, and the Polish Super Cup in 2004 and 2009. His total club appearances throughout his career amounted to 369 matches with 10 goals.
3. International Career
Bartosz Bosacki represented the Poland national football team from 2002 to 2009, earning 20 caps and scoring two goals.
3.1. 2006 FIFA World Cup
Bosacki's most notable international achievement came at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. On May 22, 2006, he received a late call-up from national team coach Paweł Janas to replace Damian Gorawski, who was diagnosed with severe asthma after failing medical tests. During the tournament, Bosacki became a national hero by scoring both goals in Poland's 2-1 victory against Costa Rica in the group stage match on June 20, 2006. These were the only goals scored by the Poland national team throughout the entire competition. His performance against Costa Rica earned him the 'Man of the Match' award for that game.
3.2. International Goals
The table below details the goals scored by Bartosz Bosacki for the Poland national team.
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | June 20, 2006 | AWD-Arena, Hanover, Germany | Costa Rica | 1-1 | 2-1 | 2006 FIFA World Cup |
| 2. | 2-1 |
3.3. International Match Statistics
Bartosz Bosacki made 20 appearances for the Poland national team, scoring two goals, between 2002 and 2009. His annual breakdown of appearances and goals is as follows:
| Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 | 4 | 0 |
| 2005 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 | 6 | 2 |
| 2007 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 2 | 0 |
| 2009 | 5 | 0 |
| Total | 20 | 2 |
4. Honours and Achievements
Bartosz Bosacki accumulated several honours throughout his distinguished playing career with his clubs and through individual recognition.
- Amica Wronki
- Polish Cup: 1998-99, 1999-2000
- Polish Super Cup: 1998
- Lech Poznań
- Ekstraklasa: 2009-10
- Polish Cup: 2003-04, 2008-09
- Polish Super Cup: 2004, 2009
- Individual
- Lech Poznań All-time XI
- 2006 FIFA World Cup Man of the Match (vs. Costa Rica)
5. Playing Style and Position
Bartosz Bosacki primarily played as a defender. Throughout his career, he was deployed mainly as a centre-back, known for his strong defensive capabilities and tactical awareness. He also occasionally featured as a full-back, specifically on the right side. His height of 74 in (189 cm) provided him with an advantage in aerial duels, a crucial attribute for a central defender. He was regarded as a reliable and consistent performer, contributing to his teams' defensive solidity.
6. Retirement and Post-Playing Career
Bartosz Bosacki retired from professional football in 2011, concluding a career that spanned over 15 years. Information regarding his specific activities or endeavors after his retirement from playing is not detailed in the provided sources.
7. Assessment and Legacy
Bartosz Bosacki's career is marked by his consistent performance and significant contributions to the clubs he represented, particularly Lech Poznań, and his memorable moments with the national team.
7.1. Positive Assessment
Bosacki is highly regarded for his loyalty and dedication to Lech Poznań, where he spent the majority of his career across three different spells. His leadership and defensive solidity were key factors in the club's success, including winning the Ekstraklasa title and multiple domestic cups. His inclusion in the Lech Poznań All-time XI is a testament to his lasting impact and esteemed status among the club's legends. On the international stage, his two goals against Costa Rica in the 2006 FIFA World Cup remain a significant highlight, as they were the only goals scored by Poland in that tournament and earned him the 'Man of the Match' award, solidifying his place in Polish football history.
7.2. Criticism and Controversy
No significant criticisms or controversial incidents related to Bartosz Bosacki's playing career or personal life are detailed in the available information.