Kamiński: From Ruda Śląska Gyms to Benfica Success

The Kamiński household wasn't solely focused on football. Before Jakub learned to speed down the wing, his parents, Paweł (a former acrobatics athlete and coach) and Jolanta (a gymnast), instilled in him a discipline shaped by the Ruda Śląska gyms in Upper Silesia. This background fostered balance, focus, and intensity, qualities that define him as a winger or attacking midfielder.

When Kamiński scores, as he did against Milan in the Europa League, he often celebrates with a somersault. His path began far from major stadiums, in his hometown of Ruda Śląska, where he was born on June 5, 2002. He started at Szombierki Bytom, moving to Lech Poznań's youth academy at thirteen, a 370-kilometer journey from home. His routine involved early mornings, train travel, training sessions, and the return trip – a cycle that continued until his first-team debut in 2019. With Lech, he amassed 102 appearances and 16 goals, securing a league title in the 2021-22 centennial season and earning the award for the Ekstraklasa's best young player.

A Versatile Midfielder

The right flank is his domain. Kamiński is quick in one-on-one situations, possesses power, shows great generosity on the field, and has strong stamina. He can take on defenders, get to the byline, cut inside, or play centrally. He's also been deployed on the opposite wing and in deeper roles.

In the summer of 2022, he joined Wolfsburg. He played 78 Bundesliga matches, scoring five goals. However, after a promising first season with 33 appearances, his playing time gradually declined, marking his first career challenge where progress wasn't automatic. A loan spell at Köln in 2025-26 shifted his trajectory: 36 games, seven goals, and three assists revived Kamiński's form and convinced the German club to sign him permanently. But Benfica acted first, securing his transfer for 17 million.

Influence of Mother Jolanta

Lisbon welcomed a seasoned 24-year-old player, not an unproven prospect. Before his move, he had already accumulated 231 club appearances and 33 goals, plus 29 caps and 3 goals for the national team. He debuted for Poland in September 2021, was called up for the 2022 World Cup, and played in all four matches. His first international goal came against Wales in the Nations League.

Kamiński looked up to players like Jakub Błaszczykowski, Robert Lewandowski, and Łukasz Piszczek. The number 16 he wore in Germany was a nod to Błaszczykowski. His mother, Jolanta, passed away in March 2020 when Jakub was 17. His father, Paweł, has remained closely involved in his career.

Moments of Brilliance at San Siro

The move to Benfica rewarded his dedication and sacrifices. A significant moment arrived at San Siro on September 16, in a 2-0 Europa League victory against Milan. Kamiński assisted Dodi Lukebakio's goal and then sealed the match in the 53rd minute with a volley. This emotional night encapsulated his journey: the 370 kilometers between Ruda Śląska and Poznań, the train commutes, his parents' athletic background, the league title with Lech, his time in the Bundesliga, the difficult period at Wolfsburg, and the resurgence at Köln. Now, he's in Lisbon, under contract until 2031, with a new chapter unfolding.