Jacek Ziober, the former Poland international and Montpellier winger whose career helped define the French club’s early 1990s European ambitions, died on Tuesday at the age of 60 following a long illness.
Montpellier Pays Tribute to Former Winger
Montpellier Hérault Sport Club confirmed the death of their former forward in an official statement released on Tuesday. The club, led by Laurent Nicollin, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the player.
« C’est avec une infinie tristesse que le MHSC a appris le décès de Jacek Ziober à l’âge de 60 ans. L’ancien joueur polonais a porté le maillot de la Paillade à 110 reprises au début des années 90 pour un total de 22 buts marqués. Nous pensons très fort à sa famille et à ses proche », stated the club’s official announcement.
During his tenure in the Hérault department, Ziober made 110 appearances for Montpellier and scored 22 goals. He arrived at the French club from Lodz after being named Poland’s Player of the Year in 1990, joining the season following their victory in the Coupe de France.
European Nights and Manchester United
Ziober played a role in Montpellier’s European Cup Winners’ Cup campaign. Under the management of Henryk Kasperczak, the French side won their early rounds before bowing out to Manchester United.
Ghislain Printant, who was then goalkeeping coach at MHSC, shared heartfelt reflections on the former winger’s impact during those continental fixtures.
« Quelle triste nouvelle. Jacek, tant de souvenirs inoubliables remontent à la surface : notre parcours en Coupe d’Europe, les confrontations face à Eindhoven, Bucarest et Manchester, sans oublier ton grand cœur et ta capacité à t’intégrer en un temps record sous la houlette d’Henryk (Kasperczak). RIP Jacek. Courage à toute la famille. Condoléances », Printant recalled.
Montpellier’s European run featured victories, including eliminating PSV Eindhoven—against whom Ziober scored the opening goal of the campaign—and defeating Steaua Bucharest before falling to Manchester United.
International Career With Poland
Before and during his spell in the French top flight, Ziober established himself on the international stage. The Lodz native earned 46 caps for the Poland national team, scoring eight goals during his international career.
Related reading
