1. Overview
Tadeusz Świątek (Tadeusz Świątektaˈdɛ.uʂ ˈɕfjɔntɛkPolish; born 8 November 1961 in Świdnica) is a Polish former professional footballer. Standing at 71 in (180 cm), Świątek was known for his versatility, playing as a defender, midfielder, and forward. He is notably recognized as one of the pioneering Polish players to join the K League in South Korea, alongside Leszek Iwanicki. His career spanned across several Polish clubs, including Wisła Płock, Widzew Łódź, Polonia Warsaw, and Hutnik Warsaw, in addition to his significant tenure with Yukong Elephants in South Korea.
2. Playing Career
Tadeusz Świątek's professional football journey began in Poland, saw him make a pioneering move to the South Korean K League, and concluded with a return to Polish clubs.
2.1. Club Career in Poland
Świątek's professional career in Poland began with Wisła Płock from 1980 to 1982. He then moved to Widzew Łódź, where he played from 1982 to 1989, making 178 appearances and scoring 17 goals. After his groundbreaking spell in South Korea, he returned to Polish football in 1992, briefly playing for Polonia Warsaw, where he featured in 11 matches without scoring, and subsequently for Hutnik Warsaw, making 2 appearances.
2.2. Youth International Career
Tadeusz Świątek represented the Poland U-20 national team in the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship. During the tournament, he made a substitute appearance in the second group stage match against Uruguay.
2.3. K League Career
In August 1989, Tadeusz Świątek made a significant move to South Korea, joining the K League club Yukong Elephants. He was registered under the name Ted (테드TedKorean, テッドTedJapanese). At Yukong Elephants, Świątek demonstrated his versatility, playing effectively as both an attacking midfielder and a defensive midfielder. He became a crucial player for the club, contributing significantly to their historic 1989 K League championship victory. During his tenure with Yukong Elephants from 1989 to 1991, he played in 72 matches and scored 7 goals. His performance was recognized with an individual award in 1991.
3. Senior International Career
Tadeusz Świątek earned one cap for the senior Poland national football team. His sole international appearance occurred in a friendly match against North Korea.
| # | Date | Venue | Home Team | Final Result | Away Team | Competition | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 October 1986 | Bydgoszcz | Poland | 2 - 2 | North Korea | Friendly match | - | Substituted out at the 46th minute |
4. Honours
Tadeusz Świątek achieved notable success during his professional career, securing both club championships and individual accolades.
4.1. Club
- Polish Cup: 1984-85 (with Widzew Łódź)
- K League: 1989 (with Yukong Elephants)
4.2. Individual
- K League Best XI: 1991
5. Legacy and Impact
Tadeusz Świątek holds a significant place in the history of the K League as one of the inaugural Polish footballers to play in the league, alongside Leszek Iwanicki. His arrival marked an early stage of international player integration in South Korean professional football. His contributions to the Yukong Elephants' 1989 K League championship title underscored his impact as a foreign player. Furthermore, his selection to the K League Best XI in 1991, specifically as a defender, highlights his consistent and adaptable performance in the league. His career showcased a blend of playing experience in both European and Asian football landscapes.