Dawid Kownacki

1.1. Early Life and Background

Dawid Igor Kownacki was born on 14 March 1997, in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland. He began his football journey at a young age in his hometown.

1.2. Youth Career at Lech Poznań

Kownacki started his football career at the local club GKP Gorzów Wielkopolski. In 2005, he joined the youth academy of Lech Poznań, one of Poland's prominent football clubs. He progressed through their youth ranks, developing his skills and reputation as a promising forward. During his time in the youth national teams, he was seen as a prolific scorer.

2.1. Lech Poznań

Having developed within the youth system of Lech Poznań, Kownacki made his breakthrough into the first team in December 2013. He scored his first Ekstraklasa goal in February 2014, during a 5-1 loss against Pogoń Szczecin. This achievement made him one of only five players under the age of 17 to score in Poland's top flight.

The following season, he contributed to Lech Poznań winning their first league title. In 2017, Kownacki reflected on his early career, stating that being called "the new Robert Lewandowski" at 16 was challenging, but he had matured and learned not to be affected by external comments, while still holding big dreams for his future. He also had a loan spell back at Lech Poznań during the 2021-22 season.

2.2. Sampdoria

On 11 July 2017, Kownacki made a move to Italian football, signing a five-year contract with Sampdoria, a club in Serie A. He quickly made an impact, scoring two goals and assisting another in Sampdoria's 4-1 Coppa Italia victory against Delfino Pescara in the fourth round of the competition in November.

2.3. Fortuna Düsseldorf

On 31 January 2019, Kownacki joined German Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf on a loan deal, which included an option to buy. His performances led to him rejoining Fortuna on 30 June 2019, on another loan with an obligation to make the transfer permanent, which was fulfilled in January 2020. This period established him as a key player for the club.

2.4. Werder Bremen

On 22 May 2023, it was announced that Kownacki would sign with another Bundesliga club, Werder Bremen, on a free transfer for the 2023-24 season. His time at Werder Bremen provided him with further experience in the German top flight.

2.5. Return to Fortuna Düsseldorf (loan)

For the 2024-25 season, Kownacki made a return to his former club, Fortuna Düsseldorf, which plays in the 2. Bundesliga. This move was initially a loan, and Fortuna Düsseldorf secured an option to sign him permanently, indicating the club's continued belief in his abilities.

3.1. Youth National Teams

Kownacki was a prominent figure in Poland's youth national teams, playing for the U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-21 squads. Between 2011 and 2019, he amassed a total of 46 appearances, scoring 31 goals across these youth categories.

• U-15 (2011)**: 4 appearances, 7 goals
• U-16 (2012)**: 2 appearances, 1 goal
• U-17 (2012-2014)**: 10 appearances, 8 goals
• U-19 (2014-2016)**: 4 appearances, 0 goals
• U-21 (2015-2019)**: 23 appearances, 15 goals

3.2. Senior National Team

Kownacki received his first call-up to the senior squad in June 2015 for matches against Georgia and Greece. He made his official debut for the senior national team on 23 March 2018, in a friendly match against Nigeria, playing for 72 minutes. Later that year, Kownacki was included in Poland's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, where he was considered a back-up option for star forward Robert Lewandowski.

4.1. Club Statistics

As of 1 February 2025, Kownacki's club career statistics are as follows:

4.2. International Statistics

As of 1 June 2021, Kownacki's international career statistics are as follows:

Scores and results list Poland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kownacki goal.

5.1. Club Honours

Lech Poznań

• Ekstraklasa: 2014-15, 2021-22
• Polish Super Cup: 2015, 2016

5.2. Individual Honours

• Ekstraklasa Player of the Month: February 2017