Edward Madejski

Edward Dominik Jerzy Madejski (August 11, 1914 - February 15, 1996) was a Polish soccer goalkeeper and chemistry engineer, who was a graduate of Akademia Gorniczo-Hutnicza in Kraków.

For most of his career, Madejski was a goalie of Wisła Kraków; in 11 games for the Polish national football team, letting 33 goals into his net. His debut in white-red Polish jersey took place on September 6, 1936 in Belgrade (Yugoslavia beat Poland 9-3). The last game in which he represented Poland was held in Dublin, on November 13, 1938 (Ireland - Poland 3-2).

Madejski was famous for participating in one of the most interesting matches in history of Polish soccer. On June 5, 1938 in Strasbourg, France Poland lost 5-6 to Brazil (during this game Ernst Willimowski scored 4 goals for Poland). It is interesting since at that time Madejski was banned from playing in any Polish Soccer League teams (due to the scandal connected with his transfer from Wisła Kraków to Garbarnia Kraków), so for a year he was not associated with any club.

During the Second World War Madejski participated in various illegal soccer tournaments (all sports in Poland were banned by the German authorities). Arrested by the Gestapo, he spent a few months in the death row.

After the war, in 1956, Madejski was arrested by the Communist government and accused of espionage and sabotage (under false evidence)Fact|date=February 2007. Locked in prison for three years, when released had numerous problems with putting his life back on track. After many years the court cleared him, but this did not bring back both health and family.

See also

* Polish Roster in World Cup Soccer France 1938