Władysław Gędłek

Władysław Gędłek (Born June 15, 1920 in Kraków, died by suicide February 28, 1954, also in Kraków) was a Polish soccer player, right defender, represented both Cracovia and Polish National Team.

Władysław Gędłek

Personal information
Date of birth	(1920-06-15)15 June 1920
Place of birth	Kraków, Poland
Date of death	28 September 1954(1954-09-28) (aged 34)
Place of death	Kraków, Poland
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position(s)	Rightback
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1935	Krowodrza Kraków
1945–1953	Cracovia Kraków
National team
1949–1953	Poland	20	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Club career

His first team was Krowodrza Kraków, where Gedlek's career started in 1935. During World War II, participated in secret games in Kraków, as the German occupiers banned Poles from playing all sports. In 1945 he moved to Cracovia, where he played until 1953, winning Championships of Poland in 1948.

Regarded as a very talented and skilled player. Tough in defence, active in offence, often initiated dangerous attacks on opponents. In late 1940s Poland Gedlek had the status of a celebrity, and his immense talent was appreciated not only in his native country. As the first Pole ever he was called to the FIFA's official "World Team’’, to a friendly game in 1953.

International career

Represented Poland in 20 games (1949–1953), also played in both Poland's games of the 1952 Summer Olympics.