Jacek Ziober, Montpellier's European Hero of the 1990s, Dies at 60

Jacek Ziober, Polish winger for Montpellier in the early 1990s, died on Tuesday following a long illness, at the age of 60. MHSC announced the news in an official statement.

“It is with infinite sadness that MHSC learned of the death of Jacek Ziober at the age of 60. An attacker for the Paillade in the early 90s, the Polish international played 110 matches in the club’s colours and scored 22 goals. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones,” wrote the club, chaired by Laurent Nicollin.

A native of Lodz and named Poland’s best player in 1990, Ziober joined Montpellier from his training club the season following MHSC’s French Cup victory. He thus took part in the club’s European adventure in the Cup Winners’ Cup, a competition in which he scored the opening goal of the campaign, against PSV Eindhoven.

Montpellier eliminated PSV (1-0, 0-0) and then Steaua Bucharest (5-0, 3-0) before losing in the quarter-finals to Manchester United (1-1, 0-2). Memories that Ghislain Printant, then the club’s goalkeeper coach, wanted to recall publicly: “What sad news. So many memories Jacek, our European adventure, Eindhoven, Bucharest, Manchester, your kindness and quick adaptation under Henryk (Kasperczak). RIP Jacek. Strength to your whole family. Condolences.”

On the international stage, Ziober also wore Poland’s shirt on 46 occasions, scoring 8 goals for his national team.