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Wilimowski's 4-goal 1938 feat sparks split Polish honor poll

6/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ernest Wilimowski scored four goals in Poland’s 6-5 loss to Brazil at the 1938 World Cup in France.
The haul gave him the highest goals-per-game ratio of any World Cup player.
After 1939 invasion he became citizen Ernst Willimowski and scored 14 goals for 1860 Munich as they won 1942 German Cup.
A 2023 poll showed 57 % of readers support honoring Wilimowski in Polish football history, versus 43 % opposition.

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Story summary

Ernest Wilimowski scored four goals in Poland’s 6-5 loss to Brazil at the 1938 World Cup in France.
The haul gave him the highest goals-per-game ratio of any World Cup player.
After 1939 invasion he became citizen Ernst Willimowski and scored 14 goals for 1860 Munich as they won 1942 German Cup.
A 2023 poll showed 57 % of readers support honoring Wilimowski in Polish football history, versus 43 % opposition.