Szymon Sobczak

Szymon Sobczak (born 7 December 1992) is a Polish professional footballer who plays as a striker for I liga club Arka Gdynia.

Early life
Sobczak was born in 1992 in Poland. He is a native of Zakopane, Poland.

Career
Having spent most of his youth career with Wisła Kraków, Sobczak started his senior career with Ekstraklasa club Górnik Zabrze. In 2012, he was sent on loan to I liga club Bruk-Bet Termalica Nieciecza. In 2013, he moved on loan to third-tier outfit Calisia Kalisz. In 2014, he left Górnik on loan again, this time joining ROW 1964 Rybnik, before moving there on a permanent basis following his loan spell. In 2015, he moved to MKS Kluczbork for a brief period, before joining Stal Mielec in early 2016. After spending a year-and-a-half in Mielec, Sobczak moved to Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała. In 2018, he returned to Stal. In early 2019, he joined Stomil Olsztyn. In 2020, he signed for Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok. In 2021, he moved to Zagłębie Sosnowiec. He was regarded as one of the club's most important players.

On 30 June 2023, Sobczak returned to his maiden club Wisła Kraków on a one-year deal, with an extension option. Initially a back-up striker, he earned a regular spot in the starting line-up in November, and enjoyed a run of good form the following month, scoring thrice in three league games, which earned him Player of the Month honours.

He was named in the starting line-up for the 2023–24 Polish Cup final against Pogoń Szczecin on 2 May 2024; the game ended with Wisła winning 2–1 after extra time. In the 2023–24 season, he recorded 10 goals and six assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, as Wisła decided not to extend his contract.

On 25 June 2024, he signed a two-year deal with fellow I liga club Arka Gdynia.

Style of play
Sobczak mainly operates as a striker. He has been described as a player who "plays well with his head, can go lower to play and shoot from distance".

Honours
Stal Mielec
 * II liga: 2015–16

Wisła Kraków
 * Polish Cup: 2023–24

Individual
 * I liga Player of the Month: December 2023