‘Worth Its Weight In Gold’: Roma Hero Jan Ziolkowski Sends Polish Media Into A Frenzy
Jan Ziolkowski scored the goal that put Roma into the last 16 of the Europa League.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 30 January 2026
Jan Ziolkowski has been hailed by the Polish media after the Roma defender scored a dramatic Europa League goal against Panathinaikos.
Ziolkowski’s first Giallorossi strike rescued a 1-1 draw in Athens and helped Roma secure automatic qualification.
The 20-year-old has had an up-and-down start in Rome, sometimes playing, sometimes watching, and occasionally being substituted early.
However, Ziolkowski repaid Gian Piero Gasperini’s faith after starting him against Rafa Benitez’s side in Greece.
Jan Ziolkowski: Scorer of a goal ‘worth its weight in goal’
Roma had to deal with an early setback, Gianluca Mancini being sent off after 15 minutes, leaving Ziolkowski to organise a stretched back line.
Panathinaikos then took the lead in the second half, and Roma’s top-eight place was began to slip away as Bologna snuck in.
In the 80th minute, Ziolkowski stayed forward for an attack and remained inside the box as Roma delivered from wide.
Niccolo Pisilli’s cross dropped kindly after a Panathinaikos error, and Ziolkowski reacted first, diving to head past goalkeeper Alban Lafont.
Roma through to last 16 after Ziółkowski equaliser 😲#UEL pic.twitter.com/BjGXyaw9vH
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 29, 2026
The Polish talent’s goal led to Roma finishing eighth on goal difference and reaching the last 16 of the competition.
Sport.pl wrote: “Ziolkowski is Roma’s hero in the Europa League! He’ll remember this day for the rest of his life.”
They also hailed his “devastating header” as he made Roma the only Italian team to have qualified automatically for the last 16 of any European competition this term.
Meanwhile, Transfery said Ziolkowski’s goal was “worth its weight in gold”. And Futbol.pl also described the player as Roma’s “hero”.
Gian Piero Gasperini hails “truly beautiful goal”
Jan Ziolkowski was praised by Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini after the game.
“He did brilliantly, he scored a truly beautiful goal,” he told reporters in his post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, Ziolkowski expressed his delight with his first goal for Roma as he praised the team for their efforts.
🇵🇱 AS Roma defender Jan Ziolkowski wins Revelation of the Year Award in Poland after his recent performances.
AS Roma, very happy with their summer investment. pic.twitter.com/jq7v6vL9zc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2026
“I’m very happy with this first goal, and I hope it’s not the last, but just the beginning,” he said.
“I had some opportunities in the first half that I didn’t capitalize on.
“I work hard with the staff, including on heading, and today it went well – I was in the right place at the right time.
“We didn’t show our best football, but we all fought until the end, giving our all on the pitch. I hope our fans appreciated it.”
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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