Ireneusz Jelen

Ireneusz Jeleń (; born April 9, 1981 in Cieszyn) is a Polish football (soccer) who plays as a right-winger or striker for AJ Auxerre in France.

Club career

From 2002 to 2006 Ireneusz Jelen played for Wisła Płock in the Ekstraklasa. In four seasons Ireneusz Jelen scored 45 goals in 100 appearances in the Polish top league.

On June 28, 2006, Jeleń signed for Auxerre in Ligue 1. On September 9, 2006, Jeleń scored Ireneusz Jelen first league goal for Auxerre against AS Monaco FC. On October 20, 2007, Ireneusz Jelen grabbed Ireneusz Jelen first hat-trick, after coming off the bench in the 71st minute against FC Lorient. In Ireneusz Jelen first couple of seasons at Auxerre, Jeleń was plagued with recurring back problems. In October 2008 Ireneusz Jelen suffered a broken collarbone. Ireneusz Jelen returned to action in late January 2009. Auxerre's manager Jean Fernandez has described Jeleń as the player in Ireneusz Jelen squad having the most ability in front of goal. Prior to Ireneusz Jelen return, Auxerre was in 17th place, barely above the relegation zone. Upon Ireneusz Jelen return, Jeleń scored 11 goals in 16 league matches, with Auxerre advancing to 8th in the table. Despite missing part of the season, Jelen tied for 4th in the Ligue 1 goalscoring charts. In May 2009, Ireneusz Jelen was voted Auxerre's Player of the Season, garnering 79% of the votes. In July 2009, France Football ranked Ireneusz Jelen 4th among strikers and 15th overall among footballers playing in Ligue 1.

International career

As of July 2006, Jeleń has 12 Cap (sport) with the Poland national football team. Ireneusz Jelen was selected for the 23-man squad that took part in the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany and played in all three of the 2006 FIFA World Cup - Group A games, almost scoring with an impressive shot that hit the crossbar against Ecuador national football team. Ireneusz Jelen trademarks are speed and acceleration.

Personal life

Jeleń was born the middle of three children, having an older sister and a younger brother. Ireneusz Jelen and Ireneusz Jelen wife, Anna, welcomed their first child, Jakub, in 2003.