Jan Bednarek Leads Poland To Victory Against Malta In Captaincy Debut

The Polish national football team faced Malta on March 24, 2025, without their regular captain Robert Lewandowski, allowing Jan Bednarek to step into the role for the first time in his international career. This game marked Bednarek's 67th appearance for the national team, making him the captain after an eight-year career. In a remarkable achievement, he became the fourth player in history to wear the captain's armband for Poland after surpassing the waiting period previously set by Zbigniew Boniek (69 matches), Jacek Krzynówek (73 matches), and Piotr Zieliński (85 matches).

Lewandowski was on the bench due to a minor strain from the previous match against Lithuania, where he led Poland to a 1-0 victory with a late goal. For this match against Malta, Karol Świderski and Krzysztof Piątek took on the attacking roles. Poland entered the match as favorites and quickly established control.

In the 27th minute, Świderski opened the scoring, and despite a bloodied nose that required medical treatment on substituted captain Bednarek's part, he was integral to the build-up of the goal by initiating the play. “Bednarek was instrumental in retrieving the ball,” a report stated, highlighting his contribution. Following his injury, he was substituted at half-time, leaving the pitch to Mateusz Wieteska.

Poland's lead doubled in the 51st minute with another goal from Świderski, playing off a smooth exchange involving Sebastian Szymański and Jakub Moder before finishing it neatly. The final score stood 2-0 in favor of Poland, a result that reinforced their strong start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The match, held at the National Stadium in Warsaw, was indicative of the team's competitive spirit and showcased the depth of talent available to coach Michał Probierz. This encounter also highlighted the challenges faced by Poland, particularly in managing player injuries while also strategically resting key players like Lewandowski.

Bednarek’s journey to captaincy reflects both his resilience and growth as a player over the years. Having debuted for Poland in 2013, he has been a vital part of the national defense but often played in the shadow of more prominent stars. Now at 28, taking the armband on such an important occasion signifies a major milestone in his career.

Statistically, this match puts Poland in a favorable position in Group G of the World Cup qualifiers, with the next match against Finland set for June. This promising performance and a leadership display from Bednarek instill hope for the team’s aspirations of reaching the upcoming global tournament.

As the match drew to a close, there was a sense of optimism around the Polish squad. Despite some tension over Bednarek's injury and the absence of Lewandowski and Zieliński, the team's resilience shone through. Their commanding performance against Malta serves as a boost heading into the crucial final phases of the qualifiers, galvanizing supporters and players alike.