Jacek Magiera’s tragic death on Friday left European football in mourning, prompting waves of tributes from his native Poland and across the continent.
Jacek Magiera dies at the age of 49 (Image: Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Aston Villa star Matty Cash was among those to pay tribute to Polish assistant manager Jacek Maziela, who has died aged 49. Magiera, who had worked for the national team since July 2025, passed away on Friday morning.
According to reports, the coach collapsed while running. Majella famously coached Legia Warsaw in the 2016-17 Champions League, where they held current European champions Real Madrid to a 3-3 draw at home.
The Polish player won the league title with Legia in 2002, just as he played as a player. Magueira also twice coached Poland’s U-19 and U-20 teams, Zagrewie Sosnowiec and Slask Wrocław.
Cash, who won 24 caps for Poland, paid his respects on social media. The Villa defender wrote: “Jacek, you were always smiling and such a great guy. You will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, legend.”
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Cash captioned the message with three heartbroken emojis. The 28-year-old was one of several Polish players to offer their condolences, including captain Robert Lewandowski.
“Coach, this was not the way it was supposed to be,” Lewandowski wrote in a post on X. “My condolences go out to the family and loved ones.”
A moment of silence will be observed before all professional matches in Poland this weekend. Majella was just on the touchline last Tuesday when Poland lost 3-2 to Sweden in the World Cup play-off final.
The Polish Football Association announced the news of his death just before 10 a.m. Friday. “The Polish Football Association has received with deep sadness and great regret the news of the death of Jacek Maziela, assistant coach of the Polish national team,” it said in a statement.
“PZPN extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Jacek Maziela. At the same time, we ask that the privacy and peace of his loved ones be respected during this very difficult time.”
Cesary Kreza, president of the Polish Football Association, also expressed his heartfelt condolences: “It is with great sadness and disbelief that we hear of the death of Jacek Majela. It is difficult to find the right words in the face of such a sudden and completely unexpected death.”
“Jacek was an exceptional football player, an excellent coach, but above all a very good person who was always reliable. I would like to express my condolences to his family and loved ones. At the same time, I would like to appeal to the media and commentators to respect the privacy of the family as they pay their respects.”
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