Even when she was playing in Poland, Gabriela Grzywińska was considered a great talent, one of the greatest hopes of women's football in our country. Today he fully confirms it, because he is doing great. The problem is that in Russia. The Pole joined Zenit Saint Petersburg before the war in 2021. It was a golden opportunity at that time, because the local league was considered very strong.
Maciej Rybus ignored the tragedy. But not only him
Unfortunately, as we well know, in February 2022, the Putin regime attacked Ukraine, unleashing a war that continues to this day. Our eastern neighbor is suffering more and more destruction every day, and many people are dying in the conflict. Many foreign players, not only in football but also in other disciplines, left Russia immediately after the aggression as a sign of protest. However, Grzywińska decided to follow Maciej Rybus's path.
The former Polish representative stayed in Russia, explaining, among other things, family reasons. For this, he was massively condemned by public opinion and officially excluded from our staff. Grzywińska's case was less publicized because Rybus is much more popular. Additionally, unlike the soccer player he took part in the celebration of Russian Victory Day (celebration of the anniversary of the end of World War II) with a nationalist symbol attached to his clothes.
Grzywińska is a star in Saint Petersburg. And only there
This does not change the fact that 28-year-old Grzywińska was not particularly bothered by the ubiquitous death in Ukraine. The Pole stayed in Saint Petersburg and over time became a big star. She won, among others: the national championship in 2022, and last season the striker was the top scorer of the Super League (19 goals). Theoretically, it would potentially be a great reinforcement for the team that has just advanced to Euro 2025. But wait! No one intends to treat Grzywińska differently than Rybus.
This was confirmed by the coach of the Polish team, Nina Patalon, in an interview with TVP Sport. Grzywińska will not be called up to our national team as long as she plays in Russia. Not only because playing in the aggressor's country means parting with honor, but also because the level of competition there is currently unknown.
– Is the Russian league today as much of a market as it was before, that is the first thing. Everyone left from there. It is difficult for me to determine the level of these competitions. Today it is also very difficult to watch them because access is limited. Looking through the prism of players who were “born” in this national team, I think Gabrysia would have a big competition to win to stay in the team, said Patalon.