# Grzegorz Lato > Polish footballer and manager **Wikidata**: [Q271557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271557) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grzegorz_Lato) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/grzegorz-lato ## Summary Grzegorz Lato is a Polish former professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of Poland's greatest footballers. He is best known for his prolific career as a forward, particularly during the 1970s, and his role in leading the Polish national team to a third-place finish in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer. ## Biography - **Born**: April 8, 1950 - **Nationality**: Polish - **Known for**: Being a prolific forward for the Polish national team and clubs like Stal Mielec, as well as his managerial career - **Field(s)**: Association football (player and manager) - **Awards**: Golden Boot (1974 FIFA World Cup), multiple Polish Footballer of the Year awards ## Contributions Grzegorz Lato made significant contributions to Polish football both as a player and a manager. As a forward, he scored 45 goals in 100 appearances for the Polish national team, making him one of the team's all-time leading scorers. His performance in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he scored seven goals, earned him the Golden Boot and helped Poland secure a third-place finish. Lato also played a key role in Poland's success in the 1972 Summer Olympics, where the team won the gold medal. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into management, coaching several Polish clubs and briefly serving as the manager of the Polish national team. ## FAQs **What is Grzegorz Lato best known for?** Grzegorz Lato is best known for his outstanding career as a forward for the Polish national football team, particularly his performance in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer with seven goals. **What awards has Grzegorz Lato received?** Lato has received numerous awards, including the Golden Boot at the 1974 FIFA World Cup and multiple Polish Footballer of the Year awards. He was also recognized for his contributions to Polish football with various national honors. **What clubs did Grzegorz Lato play for?** Lato spent the majority of his club career playing for Stal Mielec in Poland. He also had brief stints with clubs in Belgium and Mexico before retiring. **Did Grzegorz Lato have a career in management?** Yes, after retiring as a player, Lato transitioned into management. He coached several Polish clubs and served as the manager of the Polish national team. **What is Grzegorz Lato's legacy in Polish football?** Lato is considered one of Poland's greatest footballers. His achievements, particularly in the 1974 World Cup, have left a lasting impact on Polish football, inspiring future generations of players. ## Why They Matter Grzegorz Lato's contributions to Polish football are immense. His performances on the international stage, particularly in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, brought global recognition to Polish football. His success inspired a generation of Polish players and helped establish Poland as a competitive force in international football. Lato's transition into management further solidified his legacy, as he continued to influence the development of football in Poland. ## Notable For - Winning the Golden Boot at the 1974 FIFA World Cup - Leading Poland to a third-place finish in the 1974 FIFA World Cup - Winning the gold medal with Poland in the 1972 Summer Olympics - Being one of Poland's all-time leading scorers with 45 goals in 100 appearances - Receiving multiple Polish Footballer of the Year awards - Transitioning into a successful managerial career ## Body ### Early Life and Career Grzegorz Lato was born on April 8, 1950, in Poland. He began his football career at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of Poland's most promising talents. ### Club Career Lato spent the majority of his club career playing for Stal Mielec in Poland. His performances for the club were instrumental in their success during the 1970s. He also had brief stints with clubs in Belgium and Mexico before retiring. ### International Career Lato's international career is marked by numerous achievements. He made 100 appearances for the Polish national team, scoring 45 goals, making him one of the team's all-time leading scorers. His most notable performance came in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where he scored seven goals and won the Golden Boot, helping Poland secure a third-place finish. Lato also played a key role in Poland's gold medal victory at the 1972 Summer Olympics. ### Managerial Career After retiring as a player, Lato transitioned into management. He coached several Polish clubs and served as the manager of the Polish national team. His managerial career further solidified his legacy in Polish football. ### Awards and Recognition Throughout his career, Lato received numerous awards and honors. He won the Golden Boot at the 1974 FIFA World Cup and was named Polish Footballer of the Year multiple times. His contributions to Polish football have been widely recognized, and he is considered one of the country's greatest footballers. ### Legacy Grzegorz Lato's impact on Polish football is profound. His success on the international stage brought global recognition to Polish football and inspired future generations of players. His transition into management further solidified his legacy, as he continued to influence the development of football in Poland. Lato's achievements have left a lasting impact on the sport, and he remains a revered figure in Polish football history. ## References 1. 90minut.pl 2. [Source](https://przegladsportowy.onet.pl/pilka-nozna/grzegorz-lato-konczy-70-lat-wywiad-or-pilka-nozna/80519km) 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Transfermarkt 5. Argentine Soccer Database 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. [Source](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/37577/) 8. Sejm-Wielki.pl 9. [OpenSanctions](https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/Q271557)