Marek Leśniak


Marek Sebastian Leśniak is a Polish former professional footballer who played as a striker. A prolific goalscorer, he was successful in his country in the 1980s, and then had a career in Germany which spanned nearly 20 years, broken by a half-year stint in Switzerland. In 1993, he won the Polish Footballer of the Year Award presented by the Piłka Nożna football weekly.

Career

Leśniak was born in Goleniów. He started his professional career with Pogoń Szczecin, topping the Ekstraklasa goal charts in 1986–87, for a final runner-up position. In 1988, he moved abroad, with German side Bayer Leverkusen, starting his stint of well by scoring three Bundesliga goals in his first six games.
After a couple of solid seasons, Leśniak lost his importance in the side after the arrival of Ulf Kirsten, eventually leaving in 1992 to SG Wattenscheid 09, totalling 25 goals in three seasons. He continued to play in the country until 2006, aged 42, in various levels. From 2002 to 2005, he also acted as player-coach for SSVg Velbert.

Career statistics

International goals

No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
118 March 1987Stadion Miejski, Rybnik, Poland2–03–1Friendly
22 September 1987Zawisza Bydgoszcz Stadium, Bydgoszcz, Poland1–03–1Friendly
32 September 1987Zawisza Bydgoszcz Stadium, Bydgoszcz, Poland3–03–1Friendly
423 September 1987Polish Army Stadium, Warsaw, Poland3–13–2UEFA Euro 1988 qualifying
511 November 1987Makario Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus1–01–0UEFA Euro 1988 qualifying
613 April 1993Stadion Radomiaka Radom, Radom, Poland1–02–1Friendly
713 April 1993Stadion Radomiaka Radom, Radom, Poland2–02–1Friendly
819 May 1993Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino1–03–01994 FIFA World Cup qualification
919 May 1993Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino2–03–01994 FIFA World Cup qualification
1017 November 1993Stadion Miejski, Poznań, Poland1–11–31994 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Poland U20
Individual