Zdzisław Kostrzewiński, Widzew Łódź legend, dies at 80

The Polish football community is mourning the death of Zdzisław Kostrzewiński, a legendary former player for Widzew Łódź, who passed away at the age of 80. Kostrzewiński was a central figure in the club’s historic rise during the 1970s, helping the team climb from the third league to the Ekstraklasa in 1975.

He is best remembered as the captain who led Widzew during its debut in European competitions, specifically the 1977 UEFA Cup matches against Manchester City. Despite suffering a severe injury during the return leg, he famously continued playing. His contributions helped secure the club’s first Polish vice-championship.

Widzew Łódź released a statement honoring him as a homegrown talent and a leader, while former player Zbigniew Boniek also paid tribute, describing him as a key builder of the Great Widzew era.