PZPN

Representing Poland are brothers Miłosz and Mikołaj Ziętek, who have been the country's top eFootball players for many years. The elder brother, Mikołaj, previously held the title of European team runner-up, while the younger, Miłosz, was the individual world runner-up in 2023. The squad was managed by PZPN eFootball project coordinator Jarosław Radzio. He vividly remembered the 2022 FIFAe World Cup final, where the White and Reds were forced to concede defeat to Brazil in FIFA 21, losing 1–2. Now, competing in eFootball, they seized this second chance for a historic victory.

FIFAe is the official world championship organised by FIFA. This year’s finals were held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To reach the final tournament, teams had to advance through their respective continental preliminaries. From Europe, Italy, Turkey, and Poland emerged from a notoriously difficult qualification process. In the group stage, the White and Reds faced Japan, Mexico, Jordan, Morocco, and the defending champions, Indonesia. The first day proved difficult, ending with a record of two wins, one draw, and two losses. However, the second day, featuring the return fixtures, saw an absolute masterclass. The Poles won all five matches, including the crucial final game against group leaders Indonesia, to top their group.

The quarter-final against Turkey was a true thriller! Despite going two goals down, the Ziętek brothers displayed incredible character. They forced extra time and scored the decisive ‘golden goal’ from a corner kick, securing their progress. The semi-final against Saudi Arabia was a completely different affair. It was a match defined by tactical discipline and numerous chances that neither side could initially convert. After a long goalless stalemate, the Polish duo proved more clinical than the tournament hosts, winning 2–0 to seal their place in the final.

Standing in their way for the title was a formidable Italian side. Ettore Giannuzzi, known as 'Ettorito', a legend of the game, had vowed to retire if he won the tournament. The arena was packed mainly with local fans, though a small contingent of Polish supporters ensured their vocal backing was heard.

The first leg of the final tie saw the Poles launch wave after wave of attacks from the very first action. The White and Reds played flawless football, yet found the back of the net only once. Late in the match, the Italians managed to equalise, leaving the second leg to decide the World Champions. The second encounter was a much tighter affair. Emotions reached fever pitch, evidenced by the players' heart rates, which were monitored via sensors and broadcast live. In the 41st minute, Poland took the lead and held it until the final whistle. Poland were crowned FIFAe World Cup champions, making the Ziętek brothers the first brothers in history to win the title in this competition.

“It’s something incredible; I’m still lost for words. For a long time, we trained hard, competing against the best players in the world. The victory itself, and the knowledge that we are the ones who claimed the FIFAe World Cup 2025 title, is indescribable. On top of that, our photo will go into the arena’s ‘Hall of Fame’ to be seen by all players competing in future FIFAe finals,” said Mikołaj 'Ostrybuch' Ziętek.

“We sacrificed a lot over the last few months to prepare properly for this tournament, and we are proud that it paid off. The level of this tournament was the highest I have ever seen, and I still can't believe we’re the ones holding the trophy!” added his brother, Miłosz 'Zilo' Ziętek.

PHOTOS: FIFA