Former Lechia Gdańsk goalkeeper Mateusz Bąk, recently voted the club's greatest ever by fans, has died suddenly at the age of 43. The Polish club confirmed his passing on Monday, August 3, leaving players and supporters across the country in shock.
Club legend's career
Bąk was a true club legend, staying with the side through every promotion from the bottom tier to the top flight between 2001 and 2008. He made 245 appearances and even scored once.
Born in Poland on February 24, 1983, the 6ft 2in keeper joined Lechia as a youth player. He played there from 2001 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2017. He also had spells at Wisła Płock, Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała, a loan in Portugal, and a short stint in Bulgaria before retiring in 2017. Bąk later coached young goalkeepers in the club academy until 2022.
Tributes and shirt retirement
In a heartfelt message when he left, he wrote: “Lechia Gdańsk – thank you for every day in my life. This is our shared love.”
The club has now retired his number 24 shirt forever. Officials said: “In tribute to the Legend – Mateusz Bąk – the Club retires number 24. From today this number will forever belong to you. We will never forget you, Bączek.”
His wife Paulina Podczaska-Bąk shared a moving family video tribute. She wrote: “I miss you. You were my man. Thank you for every second of our shared journey. You are and will always be in our hearts.”
The family released a statement calling him a beloved son, husband, brother, father and friend. They asked for privacy while grieving.
Wider condolences
Business partners at his car firm also paid tribute, describing him as a brother and trusted friend whose vision helped to build the company. Gdańsk mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz said he was “an outstanding sportsman with a white-and-green heart” who stood as a foundation for the club in its darkest times.
Official statements said he died suddenly, but no further information has been released on the exact cause.
