Bartłomiej Drągowski
Bartłomiej Drągowski (born 19 August 1997) is a Polish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Panathinaikos FC in the Greek Super League and represents the Poland national team.[1] Standing at 1.91 metres (6 ft 3 in) tall, he is known for his right-footed distribution and shot-stopping ability, having debuted professionally at age 16 with Jagiellonia Białystok in Poland's Ekstraklasa.[1][2] Drągowski began his youth career at MOSP Jagiellonia Białystok before signing a senior contract with the first team in 2013, making his league debut on 27 May 2014 in a 4–4 draw against Korona Kielce.[3][2] In the 2014/15 Ekstraklasa season, he established himself as the league's best goalkeeper, earning recognition as the discovery of the season, which led to interest from clubs like Chelsea and Juventus.[2] He amassed over 60 appearances for Jagiellonia before transferring to Serie A side Fiorentina in July 2016 for a reported €2.5 million fee.[3] At Fiorentina, Drągowski served as a backup initially but gained experience through a loan to Empoli in 2019, where he played 14 matches in Serie A.[3] He joined Spezia on a permanent basis in August 2022 for €2.45 million, making 49 appearances across all competitions during his tenure, including a loan to Panathinaikos in early 2024.[3] In July 2024, he signed a four-year contract with Panathinaikos for €1.5 million, where he has since become the first-choice goalkeeper, contributing to clean sheets in key matches.[3] On the international stage, Drągowski has earned three caps for Poland since his senior debut on 7 October 2020, including his most recent appearance on 9 October 2025 against New Zealand, primarily featuring in friendlies and Nations League fixtures.[4]Early life and background
Birth and family
Bartłomiej Drągowski was born on 19 August 1997 in Białystok, Poland.[5] He was born into a local family, the son of Dariusz Drągowski, a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs including Jagiellonia Białystok and Siarka Tarnobrzeg.[2] No other prominent athletic history in the family has been documented. Drągowski grew up in Białystok, a northeastern Polish city with a strong football culture fostered by the presence of Jagiellonia Białystok, the region's most successful club since its founding in 1920.[6] Influenced by his father's background in professional football, he joined Jagiellonia's youth academy.[7]Youth development
Bartłomiej Drągowski began his structured football training in the youth system of Jagiellonia Białystok, joining the MOSP Jagiellonia junior setup in the 2010/11 season at age 13.[8] He progressed steadily through the academy ranks, featuring for the club's junior teams in the 2011/12 campaign before advancing to the senior youth level in the Młoda Ekstraklasa during 2012/13.[8] In the 2013–14 season, Drągowski gained valuable experience with Jagiellonia's reserve side, Jagiellonia II, where he made 16 appearances in lower-tier competitions, building his match readiness ahead of first-team opportunities.[9] His rapid development within the academy, supported by his local Białystok roots and family background in football, positioned him as a promising talent.[2]Personal life
Relationships
Bartłomiej Drągowski has been in a long-term relationship with Agnieszka Abram, a Polish model from Białystok, since their teenage years.[10] The couple married in June 2022 in a ceremony near Białystok, with celebrations held at a venue in Lipowy Most.[11][12] Abram has frequently supported Drągowski at his matches, accompanying him during his time in Italy and maintaining a visible presence in his personal life.[13] As of November 2025, the couple has two sons, the first born on December 31, 2021, and the second, named Wincent, in December 2023; they keep their family life relatively private while sharing occasional updates on social media.[14][15][16] Their life is now centered in Athens following his transfer to Panathinaikos in 2024.[17] Drągowski maintains close ties to his family in Poland, including his parents, former footballer Dariusz Drągowski and Justyna Drągowski, with whom he stays connected through visits during international breaks.Interests and residence
He enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking in Polish forests when visiting home, and maintains a personal fitness routine that extends beyond his professional football training.[18] As of 2025, Drągowski resides in Athens, Greece, with his wife Agnieszka and their sons, where he has been adapting to local culture by exploring Greek cuisine and learning basic phrases in the language; he previously lived in Florence during his time at Fiorentina and in La Spezia while at the club.[19][5][20]Club career
Jagiellonia Białystok
Bartłomiej Drągowski, an academy product of Jagiellonia Białystok, extended his professional contract with the club in August 2015 until 2019.[21] He had already made his senior debut the previous year, on 27 May 2014, at the age of 16, in a 4–4 Ekstraklasa draw against Korona Kielce, becoming one of the youngest goalkeepers to feature in the Polish top flight.[2] Over his time in the first team from 2014 to 2016, Drągowski made 64 appearances across all competitions, conceding 74 goals while keeping 20 clean sheets, establishing himself as the club's primary goalkeeper by the age of 18.[5] Drągowski's breakthrough came during the 2014–15 Ekstraklasa season, where he featured in 29 league matches, playing a key role in Jagiellonia's third-place finish—the club's best league position in over a decade. His performances that year, including an 81% save success rate and 10 clean sheets in league play, earned him the Ekstraklasa Goalkeeper of the Season award, as well as recognition as the league's Discovery of the Season.[22] In the following 2015–16 campaign, he continued as the undisputed number one, appearing in 34 league games and contributing to a more stable defensive record despite the team finishing 11th. Among his notable early matches was his first clean sheet on 22 September 2014, a 0–0 away draw against Górnik Łęczna, where he made several key saves to secure the point.[23] Another highlight came in the 2015–16 Polish Cup, where his penalty save during the quarterfinal against Arka Gdynia helped Jagiellonia advance with a 2–0 extra-time victory, though the team was later eliminated in the semifinals.[24] Drągowski's rapid rise attracted international interest, culminating in his transfer to Fiorentina on 4 July 2016 for a reported €2.5 million fee, marking a significant sale for Jagiellonia and one of the highest for a Polish under-21 goalkeeper at the time.[25]Empoli (loan)
In January 2019, Bartłomiej Drągowski joined Empoli on loan from Fiorentina for the remainder of the 2018–19 Serie A season, without an option to buy.[26] He quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making 14 appearances and recording 3 clean sheets while conceding 24 goals overall.[27] His performances provided crucial support in Empoli's battle against relegation, though the team ultimately finished 18th and dropped to Serie B. Drągowski initially faced the demands of adapting to Serie A's tactical intensity and defensive focus, but he delivered several key displays.[7] A highlight came on 15 April 2019, when he set a Serie A record with 17 saves in a 0–0 draw at Atalanta—the most by any goalkeeper in a single match since Opta began tracking data in 2004–05—despite facing 47 shots from the hosts.[28] This effort, including multiple high-quality stops, earned widespread recognition for his shot-stopping ability under pressure.[29] Throughout the loan, Drągowski was noted for his quick distribution and confidence in building play from the back, qualities that aligned well with Empoli's possession-oriented approach amid their survival push.[30] Despite his contributions, the loan concluded without extension, and he returned to Fiorentina at the end of June 2019.Fiorentina
Bartłomiej Drągowski joined ACF Fiorentina from Jagiellonia Białystok in July 2016 for a transfer fee of €2.5 million, signing a five-year contract until June 2021. He began his tenure as the backup goalkeeper to Marco Sportiello, appearing in just seven Serie A matches across his first three seasons (2016–17 to 2018–19), primarily in cup competitions and as a substitute. Over his full spell at the club from 2016 to 2022, Drągowski made 81 appearances in Serie A.[5][31][32][27] Upon returning from a loan at Empoli in the second half of the 2018–19 season, Drągowski broke into Fiorentina's first team during the 2019–20 campaign, starting 31 Serie A matches and helping secure nine clean sheets amid the club's mid-table position. His role solidified in 2020–21, where he started 36 league games, achieving 12 clean sheets and contributing to another mid-table finish for the Viola, though the team struggled defensively overall with 55 goals conceded.[27] Drągowski faced increasing competition for the starting goalkeeper position, particularly from Pietro Terracciano, who emerged as the preferred choice under managers Cesare Prandelli and Vincenzo Italiano. In the 2021–22 season, he made only seven Serie A appearances early in the campaign before shifting to a bench role, totaling around 24 outings across all competitions as Fiorentina improved to a seventh-place finish.[27][33] Drągowski's contract was extended beyond its initial 2021 expiry to June 2023, but he left Fiorentina in August 2022 on a permanent transfer to Spezia for €2.45 million. He earned a reputation as a fan favorite among supporters for his acrobatic saves and shot-stopping ability, exemplified in high-profile matches such as the April 2021 Serie A clash against Juventus.[5][34][7][35]Spezia
In August 2022, Bartłomiej Drągowski joined Spezia on a permanent transfer from Fiorentina for a reported fee of €2.5 million, signing a three-year contract until June 2025.[36] As the club's primary goalkeeper, he quickly established himself in the starting lineup during the 2022–23 Serie A season, making 35 league appearances and recording 6 clean sheets while conceding 54 goals. His performances were instrumental in Spezia's fight against relegation, finishing 17th in the regular season standings with 36 points. Spezia entered a single relegation playoff match against Hellas Verona on 11 June 2023 at a neutral venue, where Spezia lost 1–3, resulting in the club's demotion to Serie B.[37][38] Over the full 2022–23 campaign, including the playoff, he made 37 appearances across all competitions.[39] The following season in Serie B (2023–24), Drągowski continued as Spezia's first-choice keeper, appearing in 13 matches before departing on loan in January 2024, contributing to 2 clean sheets in limited action.[40] Spezia finished 15th, avoiding further relegation. In total, Drągowski amassed 50 appearances for Spezia over 18 months, showcasing solid shot-stopping in a challenging defensive environment.[40] Drągowski adapted positively to life in the Liguria region, settling in La Spezia and expressing satisfaction with the coastal environment despite the team's on-field difficulties.[41] His contract with Spezia extended through 2025, but the mid-season loan to Panathinaikos marked the end of his tenure at the club.[5]Panathinaikos
In January 2024, Bartłomiej Drągowski joined Panathinaikos on a six-month loan from Spezia, marking his first move outside Italy.[17] During this period, he made 12 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper and contributing to the team's defensive solidity. A highlight was his role in the Greek Cup final on 25 May 2024, where Panathinaikos defeated Aris 1–0 at the Panthessaliko Stadium, securing the club's first major trophy in over a decade; Drągowski kept a clean sheet in the match. Following the successful loan, Drągowski completed a permanent transfer to Panathinaikos on 1 July 2024 for a fee of €1.5 million, signing a four-year contract until June 2028. He continued wearing jersey number 69, becoming a pivotal figure in the squad.[42] As of November 2025, he has amassed approximately 70 appearances for the club across all competitions, including 25 clean sheets, underscoring his reliability in goal.[43] In the 2024–25 season, Drągowski played a key role in Panathinaikos' title challenge, helping the team maintain a strong position in the Super League standings while adapting to the high-pressing style prevalent in Greek football.[44] His command in the box and distribution skills were praised for fitting the tactical demands, particularly during European engagements like the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, where he featured in crucial matches.[45] In the ongoing 2025–26 season, he has continued as the first-choice goalkeeper, contributing to early successes in the Super League and European competitions as of November 2025. His market value stood at €3 million as of November 2025, reflecting his resurgence and impact at the club.[5]International career
Youth international career
Drągowski debuted for the Poland U15 national team in 2011. He went on to accumulate 36 caps in total across multiple age groups, comprising 1 appearance for the U15s, 6 for the U16s, 8 for the U17s, 10 for the U19s, 5 for the U20s, and 6 for the U21s.[9] A highlight of his early youth career came during the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers, where he played in 3 matches for Poland, showcasing his potential as a reliable shot-stopper.[46] In June 2017, he was named in the Poland U21 squad for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, though the team failed to qualify. Later, during the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign and finals, Drągowski earned 6 caps for the U21s, including appearances in the tournament group stage. By 2018, Drągowski had established himself as Poland's primary youth goalkeeper, receiving acclaim for his exceptional reflexes during friendlies against formidable opponents such as the Germany U21 side.[2] He transitioned to the senior national team in 2020, having not secured any major youth international honors during his developmental phase.[47]Senior international career
Drągowski received his first senior call-up to the Poland national team in October 2020 for the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League and associated friendlies. He made his debut on 7 October 2020, starting in a 5–1 friendly victory against Finland and playing the full 90 minutes. Selected as a backup to Wojciech Szczęsny, he was included in Poland's squad for UEFA Euro 2020 but did not appear in any of the three group stage matches.[4] Drągowski earned his second cap on 8 June 2022, starting in a 6–1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Belgium and completing the full match. However, a serious ankle dislocation suffered on 13 November 2022 during a Serie A game for Spezia ruled him out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he had been named in the preliminary squad.[48] After recovering from the injury, Drągowski has received occasional call-ups for UEFA Nations League fixtures and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, primarily as a reserve behind Łukasz Skorupski, resulting in limited playing time. His third international appearance came on 9 October 2025, when he substituted in for the second half of a 1–0 friendly win over New Zealand. As of November 2025, he remains in contention for further selection in the World Cup qualifying campaign, supported by consistent performances in goal for Panathinaikos.[49][50]Career statistics
Club statistics
Bartłomiej Drągowski has amassed 288 club appearances across all competitions as of November 2025, during which he has kept 81 clean sheets while conceding 398 goals.[51] His career statistics highlight a progression from domestic Polish football to prominent roles in Italy's Serie A and Greece's Super League, with consistent involvement in cup and European fixtures.[52] In Serie A specifically, he has conceded 196 goals over 129 appearances for Empoli, Fiorentina, and Spezia combined.[27] The following table summarizes his club statistics by club, including appearances (apps), clean sheets (CS), and goals conceded (GC) across all competitions. Data encompasses league matches, domestic cups, and European games where applicable.| Club | Appearances | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jagiellonia Białystok | 69 | 23 | 94 |
| Empoli (loan) | 14 | 3 | 24 |
| Fiorentina | 86 | 20 | 125 |
| Spezia | 49 | 10 | 79 |
| Panathinaikos | 70 | 25 | 76 |
| Total | 288 | 81 | 398 |
International statistics
Bartłomiej Drągowski has earned three caps for the Poland senior national team as of November 2025, all in UEFA Nations League matches and friendlies, with no goals scored. He has maintained two clean sheets while conceding one goal across 225 minutes played, underscoring his role as a reliable backup goalkeeper without starts in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship.[53] His international debut occurred on 14 October 2020, starting in a 3–0 UEFA Nations League victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he secured a clean sheet with zero goals conceded in 90 minutes. His second cap came on 14 June 2022 in a 0–1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Belgium, during which he played the full 90 minutes and conceded one goal. Drągowski's most recent appearance was on 9 October 2025, substituting in at halftime for a 1–0 friendly win against New Zealand and preserving the clean sheet with no goals conceded in 45 minutes.| Competition | Appearances | Minutes Played | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Nations League | 2 | 180 | 1 | 1 |
| Friendlies | 1 | 45 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 225 | 2 | 1 |
Honours
Club honours
Drągowski has achieved limited success at the club level, with one major team trophy and a notable individual accolade to his name.[54] Panathinaikos- Greek Cup: 2023–24 (member of the squad for the final, a 1–0 victory over Aris Thessaloniki)[54][55]
- Ekstraklasa Goalkeeper of the Season: 2014–15 (Jagiellonia Białystok)[2]