Legia Warsaw defender Artur Jędrzejczyk has played his final match for the club after being given a symbolic send-off against Śląsk Wrocław.
The 38-year-old Polish defender signed a new contract specifically to be registered for the fixture, allowing him to feature on matchday six of the Ekstraklasa season. Despite earlier reports suggesting he would begin on the substitute bench, head coach Marek Papszun named Jędrzejczyk in the starting lineup.
His farewell appearance lasted only seconds before the ball was kicked out of play in the opening minute. Jędrzejczyk was replaced by current team captain Bartosz Kapustka, as players, match referees, and coaching staff members lined up to form a symbolic guard of honour for the departing defender as he walked off the pitch.
Honours and jersey retirement
Jędrzejczyk brought an end to a long and decorated career with the Polish capital club at the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign. Over more than a dozen years at Legia Warsaw, he made over 400 appearances, played in several dozen European cup fixtures, and won six Polish championships alongside seven domestic cups.
In recognition of his achievements, Legia Warsaw decided to retire his shirt number 55. The distinction makes him only the second player in the club's history to receive such an honour, following legendary Polish midfielder Kazimierz Deyna.
The defender was seen in tears during the emotional departure. Poland national team manager Jan Urban, who previously coached Legia Warsaw from 2007 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2013, was among those applauding from the stands. Key club executives were also in attendance, including Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski and managing director Marcin Herra.
Fan tributes and post-match ceremony
Supporters inside the stadium created a special choreography display centered on the number 55, accompanied by a banner describing Jędrzejczyk as the last of his kind. In a statement published on social media, the club expressed gratitude to the veteran player, describing him as a legend who would forever remain a Legionnaire.
An official post-match farewell ceremony was scheduled to take place on the pitch following the final whistle of the game between Legia Warsaw and Śląsk Wrocław.
