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Monday is the perfect moment to remind yourself that great things are built in silence and consistency. If you're a young, ambitious footballer dreaming of a professional career – the story of Jakub Kiwior is something you should know by heart.
Back in 2019, Kiwior was playing for a small Slovakian club, FK Železiarne Podbrezová. Nobody was calling him a future top defender. But he knew what he wanted. He didn’t look for excuses – only for opportunities. And he worked hard.
Here’s his journey – step by step:
YOUTH CAREER IN POLAND AND MOVE TO ANDERLECHT (BELGIUM)
He started at GKS Tychy and then moved to the youth setup of Anderlecht, where he gained priceless experience against high-level competition.
2018–2019 – FK PODBREZOVÁ (SLOVAKIA)
His first steps in senior football came in Slovakia – tough conditions, physical battles, and no spotlight. But it’s where he built his mental strength.
2019–2021 – MŠK ŽILINA (SLOVAKIA)
A move to a stronger Slovak club. At Žilina, he played regularly, gained visibility in the league and in European qualifiers. Scouts abroad started to notice.
2021–2022 – SPEZIA CALCIO (ITALY)
Serie A – a huge leap forward. Few people in Poland knew that this young defender was battling against Italian giants. But he kept grinding – learning, improving, proving himself.
2023 – ARSENAL FC (ENGLAND)
He joined one of the biggest clubs in the world. Many said it was “too soon” or “too difficult.” Today? He’s a starting centre-back in a team fighting in the Champions League semi-final.
THE LESSON? IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU START – ONLY WHERE YOU’RE GOING.
Every day, every training, every tough moment – it’s a brick in your football foundation.
Kiwior didn’t bounce between clubs. He looked for places to grow and play. You should do the same – look for a path, not shortcuts.
If today you’re playing in the lower leagues or an unknown academy – remember: in 2019 Jakub Kiwior was in Podbrezová. Now he’s fighting for the Champions League final with Arsenal.
Your time is coming. Start building it – today, this Monday.
