When young Mateusz started his career, he was definitely not surrounded by exotic landscapes. Born in the mining region, the Pole of Gwiazdy Ruda Slaska moved to the successful Ruch Chorzow at the age of 10. After dozens of good performances, Italian and German clubs were interested in the 17-year-old, but the most convincing were the owners of Leeds United.
In the colours of the three-time English champions, he trained under the famous Marcelo Bielsa and met another Pole in the team, Mateusz Klich, who was then an important soldier of the Argentine. However, the coach's praise did not satisfy Bogusz's ambition to play regularly.
In a team fighting for promotion to the Premier League, however, it was difficult to break into the already established squad, but despite this, the coach pressured the club to keep the Pole. The latter, however, had no intention of sitting on the bench and, together with his agent, moved on loan to UD Logrones, which was made possible by the familiarity of the owners of both clubs.
He performed mediocrely in a team struggling to stay in LaLiga2, but above all, he felt he also preferred to breathe a different air. With good reason, his next stop turned out to be the eternally cheerful Ibiza.
Bogusz regained his energy and, inspired by the joyful atmosphere, unleashed his potential and ability to score spectacular goals, often from free kicks or distance. At the time, he did not yet think that the Balearic Islands were only the beginning of his sunny trail, although a long journey lay ahead.
After two successful campaigns, Bogusz was sold for one million euros to Los Angeles FC. And there his talent blossomed. With regular game time and goal after goal, he became a key player in the team. And he had someone to learn from, he told Flashscore in an exclusive interview:
"I sit right next to Hugo (Lloris) in the changing room, one seat next to him, and we have a good contact. He's a normal person, maybe a world champion, but that doesn't change the fact that he's just a human being. I feel so comfortable with him that we talk about practically everything," he said.
"When he sees something, he always hints, after training or at matches, he gives tips, but on a day-to-day basis, it's really hard for me to pinpoint one thing. I certainly don't feel like I'm sitting next to a champion, because he's just a locker room mate and I think that's what everyone appreciates him for the most."
In the same interview, he admitted that his adventure with LA FC was slowly coming to an end, as that was the plan for him from the beginning. However, he has left a lasting legacy in the form of impressive statistics: 19 goals and 12 assists in 69 games is great for an offensive midfielder.
And certainly good enough to arouse the interest of other clubs. However, when Polish journalists were lurking at airports in Europe, Bogusz surprised everyone again. He picked up some t-shirts, donned a sombrero and flew to Mexico. Signing with Cruz Azul surprised everyone; Bogusz became only the fourth Pole in the local league, but the first in 30 years!
How is he doing in Liga MX? Brilliantly! Bogusz has made a huge impression right from the start. He has won a place in the team, and in 10 games, he has a goal and two assists. In doing so, he has shown courage because blazing a trail in such remote places requires, above all, a strong mental side and resistance to stress.
And also curiosity about the world, because he is a unique footballer who not only wants to play regularly, but also in unique places. He uses his career to explore the world and other cultures. With this, he impresses more and more fans.
After years of watching various exotic leagues, Polish fans know one thing - if they are going to be waking up in the middle of the night, it is for Bogusz.