Krystian Bielik

Early career

Bielik started playing football for his hometown club, Górnik Konin before being spotted by Lech Poznań scouts in 2012, and later joining their developmental academy. He won the Polish U-17 Championships with the club in early 2014. However, in July 2014, Bielik joined Lech's archrivals, Legia Warsaw for 50,000 zł (£9,000), and on 24 August, he made his Ekstraklasa debut against Korona Kielce.

Arsenal

Arsenal completed a reported £2.4 million deal for the 17-year-old Bielik on 21 January 2015; the fee was officially undisclosed. Bielik made his senior Arsenal debut in the League Cup fourth round on 27 October 2015, replacing fellow debutant Glen Kamara after 60 minutes of a 3–0 loss at Sheffield Wednesday. He was a member of the Arsenal under-21 team that reached the 2015–16 U21 Premier League Division 2 play-off final, held at the Emirates Stadium in May 2016, in which they beat Aston Villa U21 3–1.

Birmingham City (loan)

On 31 January 2017, Bielik joined EFL Championship club Birmingham City on loan until the end of the 2016–17 season. He made his debut in the starting eleven for the visit to Preston North End on 14 February, and played the whole match as Birmingham lost 2–1. His next appearance was ten days later, as a substitute after centre-back Paul Robinson was sent off with Birmingham 2–0 up away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Bielik partnered Ryan Shotton in central defence as Birmingham conceded once but, thanks in part to…

Bielik was named in Poland's squad for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, but did not play. He was called up for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, at which he scored twice in three matches. Bielik received his first call-up to Poland's senior team for UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers in September 2019. On 6 September 2019, he debuted as a substitute against Slovenia at the 70th minute, ending in a 2–0 loss. Bielik started three days later in a goalless draw against Austria. After leaving Derby on loan at the start of the 2022–23 season to enhance his chances of playing international football, Bielik was named in Poland's squad for the 2022 World Cup. He played in all four of Poland's matches at the tournament as they reached the round of 16, in which they lost to eventual runners-up France. He played twice more for his country that season, but not at all in 2023–24, and was omitted from Poland's squad for Euro 2024.

Bielik can play either as a centre back or as a defensive midfielder. He is known for his technique, passing ability and also his aerial dominance.

Club

As of match played 15 August 2026

International