15 Jakub Kiwior

Born on February 15, 2000, in Poland, Jakub Kiwior started his football journey at PUKKS Chrzciciel Tychy before moving to UKS Grom Tychy in 2007. In 2012, he joined GKS Tychy, progressing through their youth system and even training with the senior team. His talent soon caught the attention of Belgian giants Anderlecht, where he completed his development from 2016 to 2018.

Club Career

FK Železiarne Podbrezová (2018–2019)

Kiwior moved to Slovakian club Železiarne Podbrezová in 2018, making his senior debut in a 3–1 league win over Nitra on February 16, 2019.

MŠK Žilina (2019–2021)

In August 2019, he transferred to MŠK Žilina, where he became an important defensive presence. His debut came on August 10, 2019, in a 3–2 victory over Ružomberok. As he established himself in the starting lineup, he contributed both defensively and offensively, recording his first assist in a match against Ružomberok on November 9, 2019.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Žilina entered liquidation and released multiple players, but Kiwior remained with the club, further proving his value.

Spezia Calcio (2021–2023)

On August 31, 2021, Kiwior signed a four-year deal with Serie A side Spezia. He made his debut against Inter Milan on December 1, 2021, conceding a penalty in a 2–0 loss. Despite this, he quickly adapted to Italian football, with manager Thiago Motta utilizing him as a defensive midfielder due to his composure and ball control.

Arsenal (2023–present)

2022–23 Season

Kiwior joined Arsenal on January 23, 2023, in a deal worth £20 million. He made his debut in the UEFA Europa League on March 9, 2023, in a 2–2 draw against Sporting CP. His Premier League debut followed on March 19, coming on as a substitute in a 4–1 win over Crystal Palace.

Due to injuries in Arsenal’s defense, Kiwior was handed his first league start in a crucial 3–1 win over Chelsea in May 2023. His solid performance helped stabilize the backline, earning him a continued role in the following match, a 2–0 victory over Newcastle United. He capped off the season by scoring his first Arsenal goal in a 5–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final matchday.

International Career

Kiwior has represented Poland at every youth level before making his senior debut on June 11, 2022, in a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands.

He was part of Poland’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, starting in all four of Poland’s matches. He continued to cement his place in the national team and scored his first international goal on June 16, 2023, in a 1–0 friendly win over Germany.

In Euro 2024, Kiwior was again a key figure for Poland, starting in all matches and showcasing his defensive versatility on the international stage.

Playing Style and Future Prospects

A naturally left-footed defender, Kiwior is capable of playing as a center-back or left-back, with an ability to step into midfield when needed. His composure under pressure, strong aerial ability, and versatility make him a valuable asset for both Arsenal and Poland.

As Arsenal continues to challenge for silverware, Kiwior’s role in the squad is expected to grow, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising defenders