The Pole Jan Furtok played in the Bundesliga for Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt and became popular for his goals. Three years ago, a serious illness became known that noticeably affected the ex-professional. Now Furtok has died at the age of 62.
Former Polish Bundesliga player Jan Furtok is dead. As his home club GKS Kattowitz announced, the former Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt professional died at the age of 62 after a long illness.
In 2021 it was announced that Furtok was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. At the time, his wife Anna described how Furtok’s condition continued to deteriorate. He could no longer recognize his own reflection, she said. Furtok moved from Katowice to HSV in 1988. Five years later, the striker went to Eintracht before returning to his favorite club in Katowice. He is a legend there as the most successful goalscorer in the club’s history.
“Furtok was the brightest star of GKS Katowice, the top goalscorer in the club’s history and a multiple Polish international,” the club said in a statement. “With GKS he won the Polish Cup, the Polish runner-up and the Polish championship in bronze. In the colors of the national team, he played 36 games and scored 10 goals. Among other things, he took part in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.”
Podolski also remembers Furtok
The attacker was also popular in Germany. Furtok played 188 times in the Bundesliga and scored 59 goals. But it wasn’t just his goals that made the man with the mustache popular; He was also valued in the league for his friendly, likeable nature. In 1986 he took part in the World Cup in Mexico with the Polish national team. The team failed in the round of 16 against Brazil.
“My deep condolences to the family. He was one of us. Forever in our memory,” wrote former German international Lukas Podolski, who was born in Gleiwitz, Poland, on the X platform.
dpa/rc
**How did Jan Furtok’s playing style and personality contribute to his enduring popularity both in Poland and Germany, transcending national boundaries?**
## Remembering Jan Furtok: A Life on and off the Pitch
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we commemorate the life of Polish football legend Jan Furtok, who sadly passed away at the age of 62 after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. We are joined by two special guests, [Guest 1 Name and Expertise], and [Guest 2 Name and Expertise], to share their insights and memories of this extraordinary athlete and person.
**Section 1: Furtok’s Legacy as a Footballer**
* **Host:** Jan Furtok left an indelible mark on both Polish and German football. [Guest 1], as an expert on Polish football history, could you elaborate on Furtok’s impact on the sport in Poland? What made him such a beloved figure at GKS Katowice?
* **Host:** [Guest 2], you have followed the Bundesliga closely over the years. What are your recollections of Furtok’s time playing for Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt? What made him stand out on the German pitch?
* **Open Discussion**: We often hear about the athletic prowess of footballers, but what qualities beyond goalscoring defined Furtok as a player?
**Section 2: Remembering Furtok Beyond the Field**
* **Host:** The article mentions Furtok’s warm personality and likeable nature. Can you both share any anecdotes or personal experiences that exemplify this side of him?
* **Host:** [Guest 1], Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging condition for both the individual and their loved ones. How has Furtok’s story resonated with the Polish people, and has it sparked any broader conversations about this illness?
* **Discussion**: How can we best honour the memory of athletes like Jan Furtok who have touched so many lives both on and off the field?
**Conclusion:**
Jan Furtok’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive goalscoring record. He was a talented footballer, a beloved teammate, and a genuine human being who will be deeply missed. We thank our guests for sharing their valuable insights and keeping his memory alive.
**Optional Conclusion:**
* **Host:** Lukas Podolski offered his condolences on platform X, saying “He was one of us.” What does this statement signify about the universal respect and admiration Furtok commanded within the football community?
I hope this format provides a starting point for a meaningful and insightful interview.
