Biography
Who is Jakub Kiwior?
Early life and youth career
Jakub Piotr Kiwior began his path in football as a young child with the club PUKKS Chrzciciel Tychy. In 2007, he moved to UKS Grom Tychy. By 2012, he joined GKS Tychy, where he progressed through their youth system and eventually trained with their senior squad. His development continued internationally when he moved to the academy of Belgian club Anderlecht in 2016, staying there until 2018.
Professional club debut
In 2018, Jakub moved to the Slovak club Železiarne Podbrezová. He made his professional debut on 16 February 2019 against Nitra in the Fortuna Liga. He played the full match during a 3–1 victory. Later that year, in August 2019, he transferred to Žilina. His debut for the new club occurred on 10 August 2019 in an away match against Ružomberok, where he came on as a substitute to help secure a 3–2 win.
During his time at Žilina, he gained experience in the starting lineup and recorded his first assist on 9 November 2019. Even when the club faced financial difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic, Kiwior remained with the team. He also spent time playing for the club's reserve side in 2. Liga.
Rise in Serie A and Premier League
On 31 August 2021, Jakub Kiwior signed a four-year contract with the Italian Serie A side Spezia Calcio. He made his debut against Inter Milan on 1 December 2021. His manager Thiago Motta often used him as a defensive midfielder due to his ball control abilities. He made 39 appearances for the club before his career advanced to the Premier League.
In January 2023, he transferred to Arsenal in a deal reported at £20 million. He made his debut for the London club on 9 March 2023 in the Europa League against Sporting. He scored his first goal for Arsenal on the final matchday of the 2022–23 season against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In April 2025, he became a regular starting centre-back alongside William Saliba following an injury to Gabriel Magalhães.
Move to Porto and international career
In September 2025, Jakub joined the Portuguese club Porto on a season-long loan. By 1 July 2026, he completed a permanent transfer to the club for a €17 million fixed fee. He helped Porto win the Primeira Liga title during the 2025–26 season and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 2026. He also earned individual recognition as part of the Primeira Liga Team of the Season for 2025–26.
Jakub has represented Poland at youth levels and made his senior international debut on 11 June 2022 against the Netherlands in a 2–2 draw. He was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024, starting in all matches for Poland during both tournaments. On 16 June 2023, he scored his first international goal in a 1–0 friendly victory against Germany.
Personal life
Jakub Kiwior is married to Claudia Kowalczyk. The couple married in 2023.
Birthday and age
Jakub Kiwior was born on February 15, 2000, which makes Jakub 26 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Jakub shares the date with 66 other famous people.
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