European football was left saddened by the tragic death of Jackk Magiera on Friday, prompting a wave of tributes from his native Poland and across the continent
Aston Villa star Matty Cash is among those to have paid tribute to Poland assistant manager Jacek Magiera, who has died aged 49. Magiera, who'd been working with his national team since July 2025, passed away on Friday morning.
Reports say that the coach collapsed while he was out for a run. Magiera managed Legia Warsaw in the Champions League during the 2016-17 season, famously earning a 3-3 draw at home to the reigning European champions, Real Madrid.
The Pole won the league title with Legia, just as he did as a player in 2002. Mageira also coached Zaglebie Sosnowiec, Poland's under-19 and under-20 sides, and Slask Wroclaw on two occasions.
Cash, who's been capped 24 times by Poland, paid tribute on social media. The Villa defender wrote: "Jacek, you were such an amazing guy always with a smile, you will be missed dearly. RIP Legend."
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Cash accompanied his message with three broken heart emojis. The 28-year-old was one of several Poland players to offer their condolences, including captain Robert Lewandowski.
"Coach, this wasn't how it was supposed to be," Lewandowski posted on X. "Condolences to the family and loved ones."
A minute's silence will be held before all professional matches in Poland this weekend. Magiera was on the touchline as recently as last Tuesday, as Poland suffered a late 3-2 defeat to Sweden in their World Cup play-off final.
The Polish Football Association confirmed the news of his death just before 10am on Friday. In a statement, they said: "The Polish Football Association has received with deep sadness and immense regret the news of the death of Jacek Magiera, the assistant coach of the Polish national team.
"The PZPN extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Jacek Magiera. At the same time, we ask that the privacy and peace of his loved ones be respected during this very difficult time."
Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza also shared a heartfelt tribute, saying: "With great sadness and disbelief, I received the news of Jacek Magiera’s death. It is difficult to find the right words in the face of such a sudden and completely unexpected loss.
"Jacek was an exceptional footballer, an excellent coach, but above all, a very good man on whom one could always rely. I wish to extend my condolences to the family and loved ones. At the same time, I appeal to the media and all commentators to respect the privacy of the family immersed in mourning."