Jakub Kiwior’s journey to the pinnacle of European football began in the gritty housing estates of Tychy, Poland, where football dreams were often dismissed as fantasy. Today, inscribed on the side of a tower block near the GKS Tychy stadium, where he honed his craft as a child, stands a mural bearing the words “Impossible is Nothing.” Commissioned by Adidas and brought to life by artist Maciek Polak, the 11-storey mural not only celebrates Kiwior’s meteoric rise but also symbolizes Poland’s transformation over the past two decades.
Born into a modest family in a city better known for its coal mines and breweries, Jakub Kiwior had to fight for every inch of recognition. His rise from local leagues to the Premier League is not one of instant brilliance, but of slow, steady and unglamorous progress. Moving through Belgium, Slovakia, and Italy before landing at Arsenal in 2023, his journey illustrates a tenacious resolve and resilience.
The Silent Struggles of a Timid Teen
Unlike many top talents heralded from their teenage years, Jakub Kiwior’s early development was defined by skepticism. At Anderlecht’s youth academy in Belgium, where he arrived at age 16, his limited grasp of English, French, and Dutch left him isolated and unable to fully integrate. According to Mohamed Ouahbi, his former youth coach at Anderlecht, Kiwior struggled with communication — a trait that often hindered his first-team chances despite his impressive physical profile.
Coaches frequently questioned whether a soft-spoken, introverted centre-back could lead a defense. Yet, his intelligence on the ball and calmness under pressure shone through. “He didn’t panic. He tried to break lines. It’s the difference between the boy who didn’t speak much and the player who expressed everything through football,” says Ouahbi. Still, his lack of pace and mobility saw him leave Anderlecht without a senior appearance, moving instead to Slovakia’s Zeleziarne Podbrezova — a leap into the unknown.
A Warrior Forged in Slovakia and Italy
If Jakub Kiwior’s time in Belgium was marked by hesitation, Slovakia offered him a lifeline. At Podbrezova and later Zilina, he thrived on the left of a back three, where his natural left foot and composure became assets. National team coach Michal Probierz first noticed Kiwior at Zilina and recalls him as a “warrior” with untapped leadership potential. “He has been very stable and performs with confidence. If he makes a mistake, he knows he’ll still play — and that has changed everything,” Probierz says.
The real transformation occurred in Italy with Spezia, where he played under Thiago Motta and then Luca Gotti. Initially deployed as a midfielder, Jakub Kiwior matured physically and tactically. His ability to anticipate danger, distribute cleanly, and play multiple roles earned him national team call-ups and a ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although he only played 43 games in Serie A, those appearances were enough to attract Arsenal’s interest.
Arsenal’s Silent Wall: From Backup to Breakout Star
Arsenal signed Kiwior in January 2023, negotiating a deal with Spezia worth €25 million plus bonuses. Initially seen as a squad player, his chance came after Gabriel Magalhães suffered an injury in March 2025. Kiwior has since seized the opportunity, becoming a candidate for Arsenal’s player of the month and starting key matches against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Despite concerns about his matchup with elite forwards like Kylian Mbappé, Kiwior’s performances have silenced doubters. Calm, precise, and tactically astute, he helped Arsenal hold PSG at bay in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. For a player once dismissed for being “too quiet,” he now commands respect through his actions, not his words.
Jakub Kiwior: Leading a New Era for Poland and Beyond
As Arsenal pushes for European glory, Kiwior’s ascent has inspired a new generation in Poland. National team manager Probierz believes he can become the defensive leader the country has lacked for years. “He must be more open and vocal, but he’s progressing,” says Probierz. “If he keeps growing in confidence, he will be the leader for both Arsenal and Poland.”
Even his former coaches, once skeptical, now watch in awe. “If I’m honest, I didn’t see this coming,” says Ouahbi. “But he knew what he could do. That’s rare. He deserves everything that’s coming his way.” Jakub Kiwior’s story is one of patience, humility, and relentless perseverance — a tale that proves that personality may whisper, but talent, when nurtured, can roar on the biggest
