Maciej Rybus: Łowicz Treatment & Poland Return Fears

maciej Rybus Returns to Poland Amidst Controversy, Participates in Charity Football Event

A wave of mixed reactions greeted Polish footballer Maciej Rybus upon his return to his home country, as he participated in the “Stars for Christmas” charity football tournament following a period playing in russia.The 36-year-old’s continued presence in Russian football, notably after the onset of the war in Ukraine, has drawn significant criticism, but his recent appearance in Poland was met with both whistles and applause as he supported a vital fundraising effort.

The initial backlash against Rybus stemmed from information surfacing on January 11th,sparking a considerable public debate. He remained in Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine,a decision that prompted widespread condemnation. In May 2024, Rybus was observed with teammates from Rubin Kazan honoring Russian soldiers on Victory Day, further fueling the controversy.

Did you know? – Maciej Rybus has represented Poland 66 times as an international footballer, primarily playing as a left-back. He previously played for clubs in Poland, Russia, and Turkey before returning to participate in the charity event.

“It’s nice to come back after – I don’t know exactly – six or seven years, when I last took part in this tournament,” Rybus stated upon his arrival. “They welcomed me really nicely. I woudl like to thank the fans here for that, as we certainly know what it could look like. But I’m at home and I hope people also appreciated that I came.” He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining contact with colleagues, noting he stays connected through social media and phone calls. Previously, he actively organized the tournament himself in Łowicz, and expressed his happiness to contribute as a player this year.

During an interview with Channel Sportowy, the 66-time Polish international revealed he had been recovering from a hernia operation for several months. “I’m pretty rusty. I didn’t touch the ball for five months as I had a hernia operation. It took me a long time to recover. Some gym training, running, but not as intense as it is indeed here,” he explained. He also addressed his time playing in the Russian media League,acknowledging its different format and rules,but expressing his longing for the game. “I missed football. Of course. Even when I played in Russia in the Media League, which has a different format and different rules, I missed this,” he concluded.

pro tip – Charity football tournaments like “Stars for Christmas” are increasingly popular ways for athletes to support critically important causes and engage with fans outside of competitive play.

the “Stars for Christmas” tournament, one of the largest charity football events in central Poland, aims to raise funds for those in need. this year’s event is dedicated to supporting Marcelinka Mucha, a young girl battling autoimmune encephalitis, a severe condition where the immune system attacks the brain.

The event began with all participants entering the arena, with Rybus appearing last. While a few whistles were audible after his name was announced, they were quickly overshadowed by applause and general enthusiasm. In 2025, the tournament raised PLN 261,000 for the treatment of Jaś Dałek, and PLN 738. The current edition continues this tradition of charitable giving.

Reader question – Do you think athletes have a responsibility to consider the political implications of playing in foreign countries, even if it impacts their careers? Share your thoughts!

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