Lukasz Fabianski
Encyclopedia
Łukasz Fabiański (ˈwukaʂ faˈbʲaɲski; born 18 April 1985) is a Polish
footballer who plays for English Premier League side Arsenal
and the Polish national team
as a goalkeeper.
, after starting his career with Polonia Słubice, Fabiański joined the noted independent football academy MSP Szamotuły when he was 14 years old, where he honed his footballing skills. Fabiański then was signed in the 2004-05 season by Lech Poznań
.
, where he competed with Artur Boruc
for a place in the team. After Boruc was sold to Celtic
, Fabiański took over as starting goalkeeper in the 24 July 2005 game against Arka Gdynia
, which ended 0–0. He helped Legia win the Polish league championship in the following 2005–06 season.
In the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons, his performances led to him being awarded the "Football Oscar" for the best goalkeeper in the Polish Ekstraklasa.
agreed an undisclosed fee with Legia Warszawa, with the move confirmed on 11 May 2007 by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger
. Fabiański formally signed for Arsenal on 26 May 2007 with a long-term contract. He made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup
against Sheffield United
and was captain for the game. Arsenal won that game 3–0, with two goals from Eduardo
and another from Denilson
. Thus far his two most notable appearances for Arsenal have been the 5–1 defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur
in the 2007–08 League Cup semi final and the first leg of the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League second round match with F.C. Porto. Fabiański received criticism for conceding soft goals in the Porto match as he scored an own goal and was blamed for the 2nd goal after picking up a backpass from Sol Campbell and Porto scored from the resulting free kick. Fabiański played the last 4 games for Arsenal in the 2009-10 season as number 1 goalkeeper Manuel Almunia suffered a wrist injury. He was criticised for conceding soft goals in the defeats to Wigan Athletic
and Blackburn Rovers
, however Fabiański was able to keep clean sheets in the games at home to Manchester City
and Fulham
.
at White Hart Lane
which Arsenal won 4–1 after extra time. Fabiański almost cost the game for Arsenal, he failed to stop Robbie Keane
's long range effort, despite getting a hand to the shot. After the game, he revealed that he was disappointed. He had a solid game in his second match of the season replacing the injured Manuel Almunia
one week later in a Champions League 3–1 away win against FK Partizan
. He saved Cléo
's second penalty of the game in the second half to deny FK Partizan
a lifeline. He later turned Ivica Iliev
's effort around the post from point-blank range just before the final whistle. Arsène Wenger
later commented that Fabiański had a "faultless" game and they finally saw the player who they usually see in training. He kept his first clean sheet in a win over Manchester City
where he made many saves in a game that ended 3–0. He was later named man of the match, on an Arsenal.com poll, after a brilliant display to keep Arsenal in the game. After the City game, Wenger admitted that he could well become the club's number one goalkeeper, after impressive displays in the games since the Partizan match.
On 7 November 2010, Fabiański was widely criticised for an error that lead to the only goal as Arsenal lost at home to Newcastle. However, he produced a strong display to keep a clean sheet in the next Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers
, in which he managed to prevent a draw with a last-minute save, and then initiating a counter-attack with a long throw of the ball that lead to another Arsenal goal. After the Wolverhampton match, Arsenal played Everton
, where Fabiański received the man of the match award from Sky Sports. Arsène Wenger has publicly stated that Łukasz Fabiański can become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Fabiański was injured for Arsenal's crucial match with Manchester United
but returned for the equally important match with London rivals Chelsea
, making many crucial saves in helping Arsenal to win 3–1. On 5 January 2011, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury as he was warming up with the help of Wojciech Szczęsny
which ruled him out for the rest of the 2010-11 season.
. Fabianski issued a warning to Szczęsny that he is ready to challenge both him and Arsenal's third keeper Vito Mannone
for the number 1 spot.
on 29 March 2006. He was also reserve goalkeeper for the squad in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
, held in Germany. During the qualifying campaign for the UEFA Euro 2008, he made one appearance, playing all 90 minutes in Poland's 2–2 away draw against Serbia
on 21 November 2007. In September 2008, Fabiański replaced the suspended Artur Boruc
for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Slovenia. He also played in another qualifying match against San Marino
in April 2009. His other caps have been in friendlies.
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
footballer who plays for English Premier League side Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
and the Polish national team
Poland national football team
The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...
as a goalkeeper.
Early career
Born in Kostrzyn nad OdrąKostrzyn nad Odra
Kostrzyn nad Odrą is a town in western Poland, at the confluence of the Oder and Warta rivers, on the border with Germany. Located in the Lubusz Voivodeship, in Gorzów County, it had 19,952 inhabitants as of 2007.- History :...
, after starting his career with Polonia Słubice, Fabiański joined the noted independent football academy MSP Szamotuły when he was 14 years old, where he honed his footballing skills. Fabiański then was signed in the 2004-05 season by Lech Poznań
Lech Poznan
Lech Poznań is a Polish football club based in Poznań, Poland. The club is named after Lech, the legendary founder of Polish nation.The club was established in 1922 as Lutnia Dębiec, later changing its name several times. From 1933 until 1994, the club was closely linked to Polish State Railways...
.
Legia Warszawa
In the winter of 2005, Fabiański was signed by Legia WarszawaLegia Warszawa
Legia Warszawa is a professional football club based in Warsaw, Poland. It was founded in March 1916 in the area of Maniewicze in Volhynia as the football club of the Polish Legions...
, where he competed with Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc is a Polish footballer who plays for Serie A club Fiorentina as a goalkeeper. On 20 October 2008, Boruc was one of 55 players shortlisted for the FIFPro World XI Player Awards.-Pogoń Siedlce:...
for a place in the team. After Boruc was sold to Celtic
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
, Fabiański took over as starting goalkeeper in the 24 July 2005 game against Arka Gdynia
Arka Gdynia
Morski Związkowy Klub Sportowy Arka Gdynia is a Polish professional football club, based in Gdynia, Poland, that plays in the Polish 1 Liga. The club was founded as Klub Sportowy Gdynia in 1929. Its activities were interrupted between 1939–1945 due to the German occupation of Poland...
, which ended 0–0. He helped Legia win the Polish league championship in the following 2005–06 season.
In the 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons, his performances led to him being awarded the "Football Oscar" for the best goalkeeper in the Polish Ekstraklasa.
Arsenal
On 8 May 2007, Fabiański underwent medical tests in London after ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
agreed an undisclosed fee with Legia Warszawa, with the move confirmed on 11 May 2007 by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
. Fabiański formally signed for Arsenal on 26 May 2007 with a long-term contract. He made his debut for Arsenal in the League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
against Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
and was captain for the game. Arsenal won that game 3–0, with two goals from Eduardo
Eduardo da Silva
Eduardo Alves da Silva , commonly known as Eduardo, sometimes nicknamed as Dudu, is a Brazilian-born Croatian footballer who plays for Ukrainian Premier League club Shakhtar Donetsk and the Croatia national team...
and another from Denilson
Denílson
Denílson is a Portuguese given name.It may refer to these Brazilian footballers:* Denílson Custódio Machado , retired attacking midfielder* Denílson de Oliveira Araújo , Brazilian midfielder, 2002 FIFA World Cup winner...
. Thus far his two most notable appearances for Arsenal have been the 5–1 defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
in the 2007–08 League Cup semi final and the first leg of the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League second round match with F.C. Porto. Fabiański received criticism for conceding soft goals in the Porto match as he scored an own goal and was blamed for the 2nd goal after picking up a backpass from Sol Campbell and Porto scored from the resulting free kick. Fabiański played the last 4 games for Arsenal in the 2009-10 season as number 1 goalkeeper Manuel Almunia suffered a wrist injury. He was criticised for conceding soft goals in the defeats to Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
and Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
, however Fabiański was able to keep clean sheets in the games at home to Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
and Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
.
2010–11 season
Fabiański started the 2010–11 season as the second choice goalkeeper. On 21 September 2010, he made his first start of the season in a Carling Cup match against neighbours TottenhamTottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
at White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Tottenham, London, England. Built in 1899, it is the home of Tottenham Hotspur and, after numerous renovations, the stadium has a capacity of 36,230....
which Arsenal won 4–1 after extra time. Fabiański almost cost the game for Arsenal, he failed to stop Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane
Robert David "Robbie" Keane is an Irish association football player who plays as a striker for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer and captains the Irish national football team....
's long range effort, despite getting a hand to the shot. After the game, he revealed that he was disappointed. He had a solid game in his second match of the season replacing the injured Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia Rivero is a professional footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Arsenal.-Early career:Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Almunia started his senior career with Osasuna's reserve team in 1997, playing two seasons with the team in Segunda División B...
one week later in a Champions League 3–1 away win against FK Partizan
FK Partizan
Fudbalski klub Partizan is a professional football club based in Belgrade, Serbia. In its long history, FK Partizan won as many as 37 trophies. The club is the holder of 23 national championships, 12 national cups and 1 national supercup, and has also won the Mitropa Cup in 1978...
. He saved Cléo
Cleo
Cleo is a given name that is short for Cleopatra or Cleophalus and an alternate spelling of Clio. It is a Greek prefix often translated to mean 'pride', 'fame' or 'glory'.Cleo may refer to:-People:...
's second penalty of the game in the second half to deny FK Partizan
FK Partizan
Fudbalski klub Partizan is a professional football club based in Belgrade, Serbia. In its long history, FK Partizan won as many as 37 trophies. The club is the holder of 23 national championships, 12 national cups and 1 national supercup, and has also won the Mitropa Cup in 1978...
a lifeline. He later turned Ivica Iliev
Ivica Iliev
Ivica Iliev is a Serbian footballer who plays for Wisla Krakow.-Club career:...
's effort around the post from point-blank range just before the final whistle. Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
later commented that Fabiański had a "faultless" game and they finally saw the player who they usually see in training. He kept his first clean sheet in a win over Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
where he made many saves in a game that ended 3–0. He was later named man of the match, on an Arsenal.com poll, after a brilliant display to keep Arsenal in the game. After the City game, Wenger admitted that he could well become the club's number one goalkeeper, after impressive displays in the games since the Partizan match.
On 7 November 2010, Fabiański was widely criticised for an error that lead to the only goal as Arsenal lost at home to Newcastle. However, he produced a strong display to keep a clean sheet in the next Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
, in which he managed to prevent a draw with a last-minute save, and then initiating a counter-attack with a long throw of the ball that lead to another Arsenal goal. After the Wolverhampton match, Arsenal played Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
, where Fabiański received the man of the match award from Sky Sports. Arsène Wenger has publicly stated that Łukasz Fabiański can become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Fabiański was injured for Arsenal's crucial match with Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
but returned for the equally important match with London rivals Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
, making many crucial saves in helping Arsenal to win 3–1. On 5 January 2011, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury as he was warming up with the help of Wojciech Szczęsny
Wojciech Szczęsny
Wojciech Tomasz Szczęsny is a Polish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Arsenal and the Poland national football team. He is the son of former Polish goalkeeper Maciej Szczęsny....
which ruled him out for the rest of the 2010-11 season.
2011–2012 season
Fabianski began the season as backup to his Polish rival Wojciech SzczęsnyWojciech Szczęsny
Wojciech Tomasz Szczęsny is a Polish footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Arsenal and the Poland national football team. He is the son of former Polish goalkeeper Maciej Szczęsny....
. Fabianski issued a warning to Szczęsny that he is ready to challenge both him and Arsenal's third keeper Vito Mannone
Vito Mannone
Vito Mannone is an Italian footballer who plays for Arsenal, as a goalkeeper and is a 'homegrown' player in Arsenal's official . He has made 9 appearances for Arsenal, the most notable of which was his Man of the Match display against Fulham in the 2009/2010 season that earned his side all 3...
for the number 1 spot.
Career statistics
- Statistics accurate as of 20 September 2011
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total Apps Clean sheets Conceded Goals Apps Clean sheets Conceded Goals Apps Clean sheets Conceded Goals Apps Clean sheets Conceded Goals Apps Clean sheets Conceded Goals Arsenal Arsenal F.C.Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...2007–08 2007-08 in English footballThe 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...3 2 2 0 0 0 5 2 8 0 0 0 8 4 11 2008–09 6 2 10 6 3 4 3 2 2 3 2 0 18 9 16 2009–10 4 2 5 2 0 4 2 0 4 2 0 3 10 2 16 2010–11 14 3 9 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 0 7 20 3 16 2011–12 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 Total 27 9 26 8 3 8 13 4 17 10 2 10 58 18 61
International career
Having represented Poland regularly at under-21 level, Fabiański's performances for Legia Warszawa saw him soon making his debut for the senior international team in a friendly against Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia national football team
Saudi Arabia national football team is the national team of Saudi Arabia and is controlled by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation...
on 29 March 2006. He was also reserve goalkeeper for the squad in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
, held in Germany. During the qualifying campaign for the UEFA Euro 2008, he made one appearance, playing all 90 minutes in Poland's 2–2 away draw against Serbia
Serbia national football team
The Serbia national football team represents Serbia in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia, the governing body for football in Serbia. Serbia's home ground is Stadion Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade and their last head coach was Vladimir Petrović...
on 21 November 2007. In September 2008, Fabiański replaced the suspended Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc
Artur Boruc is a Polish footballer who plays for Serie A club Fiorentina as a goalkeeper. On 20 October 2008, Boruc was one of 55 players shortlisted for the FIFPro World XI Player Awards.-Pogoń Siedlce:...
for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Slovenia. He also played in another qualifying match against San Marino
San Marino national football team
The San Marino national football team is the national football team of San Marino, controlled by the San Marino Football Federation...
in April 2009. His other caps have been in friendlies.
External links
- Arsenal.com profile
- Lukasz Fabianski's national team stats on the website of the Polish Football AssociationPolish Football AssociationThe Polish Football Association is the governing body of football in Poland. It organizes the Polish football leagues , the Polish Cup, the Polish SuperCup, the Polish League Cup, and the Polish national football team...