Maciej Rybus made his debut for Pelikan Łowicz on Saturday, helping the club to a 3-2 victory over ŁKS Łomża in his first professional match since May 2024 and his first appearance in Poland in more than 14 years.
Fans gave the defender a warm reception, displaying a banner welcoming him home before kick-off. The goodwill was far from certain: Rybus drew heavy criticism after he chose to remain in Russia when the war in Ukraine broke out, citing family reasons.
Sporting director Dawid Sut told Przegląd Sportowy Onet that the move came together after the two men met over coffee twice while Rybus was visiting Poland with his two sons. A joint training session followed. The club said on Facebook that not every return is a transfer and that some are a return home.
After the final whistle, Rybus said the emotions had been extraordinary and the five-goal match exciting until the end. He said he expected the team to improve game by game.
Pelikan’s next match is away to Mławianka Mława on Friday, August 7, at 17:30.
