Marcin Bułka: Poland’s Towering Goalkeeper at NEOM S.C.

Introduction

Marcin Bułka is a Polish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for NEOM S.C. in the Saudi Pro League. He is known for his great height, strong shot-stopping ability and impressive performances during his time with OGC Nice in France.

Born on 4 October 1999 in Płock, Poland, Bułka developed at Chelsea’s academy before joining Paris Saint-Germain. His career later included loan periods with Cartagena, Châteauroux and Nice.

His biggest breakthrough came during the 2023–24 season. He became Nice’s first-choice goalkeeper, kept 17 league clean sheets and helped the club achieve the best defensive record in Ligue 1. Nice supporters also voted him their player of the season.

As of July 2026, Bułka remains a NEOM S.C. player and wears shirt number 99. The Saudi Pro League lists him as a 1.99-metre goalkeeper from Poland.

Marcin Bułka Quick Facts

Detail	Verified information
Full name	Marcin Bułka
Date of birth	4 October 1999
Age	26 years old as of July 2026
Birthplace	Płock, Poland
Nationality	Polish
Profession	Professional footballer
Position	Goalkeeper
Height	1.99 metres
Preferred foot	Right
Current club	NEOM S.C.
Shirt number	99
Former major clubs	Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and OGC Nice
National team	Poland
Famous for	Shot-stopping, height and penalty saves

Who Is Marcin Bułka?

Marcin Bułka is one of the most recognised Polish goalkeepers of his generation.

He first attracted attention as a teenager because major European clubs were interested in his potential. He eventually joined Chelsea and trained in one of England’s strongest youth systems.

Bułka did not make a competitive senior appearance for Chelsea, but the experience helped him understand professional football at a high level. He trained around talented young players and learned the technical and physical demands placed on modern goalkeepers.

His career then took him to France, Spain and Saudi Arabia. The journey was not always simple, but regular training, loan moves and patience eventually helped him become an established first-choice goalkeeper.

Early Life and Football Development

Bułka was born in Płock, a city in central Poland.

He began playing football in his local area and developed through clubs including Stegny Wyszogród and MDK Król Maciuś Club Płock.

He later joined FCB Escola Varsovia, a football academy in Poland connected with FC Barcelona’s development system. His performances there attracted attention from major European clubs.

Goalkeeping requires courage, fast reactions and strong concentration. Bułka showed these qualities while he was still young. His height also made him an interesting prospect because it allowed him to cover a large area of the goal.

In 2016, he moved to England to join Chelsea’s academy.

Development at Chelsea

Chelsea gave Bułka the opportunity to train in a professional environment and compete in English youth football.

He spent approximately three years in the club’s academy. During that period, Chelsea’s youth teams enjoyed success in domestic competitions, including the FA Youth Cup and the Under-18 Premier League.

Bułka did not reach Chelsea’s senior starting team. Competition for places was extremely strong, and the club already had experienced international goalkeepers.

However, his time in London was still important. It helped him improve his positioning, distribution, communication and ability to deal with pressure.

Many talented players need several moves before finding regular senior football. The journey of Yacine Adli from the Paris Saint-Germain academy to Saudi football provides another example of how patience and adaptation can shape a professional career.

Joining Paris Saint-Germain

Bułka left Chelsea in 2019 and signed for Paris Saint-Germain.

The move placed him inside another major European club. PSG had an experienced squad filled with international players and regularly competed for domestic and European trophies.

Bułka made his senior PSG debut during the 2019–20 season. He was also part of the wider squad when Paris Saint-Germain won Ligue 1 and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

However, regular playing time remained difficult to find. Goalkeepers often have fewer opportunities than outfield players because most teams use one main goalkeeper for a large part of the season.

To gain more senior experience, Bułka began a series of loan moves.

Loan Periods at Cartagena and Châteauroux

In September 2020, Bułka joined Spanish club Cartagena on loan.

The move gave him experience in Spanish football, where teams often expect goalkeepers to remain calm with the ball and help begin attacks from defensive areas.

He later moved to Châteauroux in France.

These loan periods were not the most famous part of his career, but they helped him experience senior matches, different coaching methods and new football cultures.

Young goalkeepers often develop more slowly than young forwards or midfielders. They must learn how to organise defenders, judge crosses, make quick decisions and remain confident after mistakes.

Every match gave Bułka another chance to develop those skills.

Breakthrough at OGC Nice

Bułka joined OGC Nice on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021.

His first season included an important opportunity in the Coupe de France. Nice used him throughout its run in the competition.

His most memorable performance came against his parent club, PSG, in the round of 16. The match ended without a goal and went to a penalty shootout.

Bułka saved two penalties as Nice eliminated Paris Saint-Germain. He later played in the Coupe de France final, where Nice lost 1–0 to Nantes.

The goalkeeper’s cup performances convinced Nice to activate its purchase option and complete a permanent transfer in 2022.

Shoulder Injury and Recovery

The 2022–23 season was difficult for Bułka.

He appeared in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa Conference League before suffering a dislocated left shoulder. The injury ended his season early and interrupted his progress.

Goalkeepers place heavy pressure on their shoulders when diving, falling and reaching for high balls. A serious shoulder injury can therefore require careful treatment and a long recovery programme.

Bułka returned and earned a much larger role during the following season.

His recovery showed strong patience and mental strength. Other footballers have also rebuilt their careers after major physical setbacks. Sergio Canales’ remarkable injury comebacks show how professional athletes can continue succeeding after difficult rehabilitation periods.

Outstanding 2023–24 Season

The 2023–24 campaign changed Bułka’s career.

Nice made him its main goalkeeper, and he responded with the strongest season of his professional journey.

He kept 17 clean sheets in Ligue 1 and helped Nice achieve the best defensive record in France’s top division. A clean sheet means the goalkeeper and defence completed the match without allowing the opposing team to score.

Bułka also produced one of his most famous performances against Monaco in September 2023. He saved two penalties during the match and helped Nice earn a 1–0 victory.

His performances earned him the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for September 2023.

Nice supporters later voted him Aiglon of the Season. He received 49% of the supporters’ vote, showing how important he had become to the club and its fans.

Final Season With Nice

Bułka remained Nice’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2024–25 season.

He made 40 appearances in all competitions, including 34 Ligue 1 matches. He was the club’s most-used player during the campaign.

His time at Nice helped him move from a young reserve goalkeeper into an established international player.

He became known for making saves in important moments, controlling his penalty area and using his height effectively when dealing with crosses.

The French club also gave him regular experience against some of Europe’s leading attackers.

Poland National Team Career

Bułka represented Poland at several youth levels before joining the senior national team.

He became a senior Poland international in November 2023. His call-up followed his impressive early performances during the 2023–24 season with Nice.

He was later selected for Poland’s UEFA Euro 2024 squad. The tournament gave him experience inside a major international competition alongside established Polish players.

Although competition among Poland’s goalkeepers has remained strong, Bułka’s inclusion showed that the national-team coaches viewed him as an important option.

His long-term challenge is to compete for regular appearances and establish himself as one of Poland’s leading goalkeepers.

Transfer to NEOM S.C.

NEOM S.C. officially announced Bułka’s signing from OGC Nice on 4 July 2025.

The move took him from Ligue 1 to the Saudi Pro League. NEOM had recently earned promotion and was building a squad capable of competing in the country’s top division.

The club highlighted his experience in France, his international status and his strong 2023–24 campaign when announcing the transfer.

His move also placed him alongside several players with experience in major European leagues.

As of July 2026, the official Saudi Pro League profile lists Bułka as NEOM’s number 99 goalkeeper.

Injury and First Saudi Pro League Season

Bułka’s first season in Saudi Arabia was heavily disrupted by a serious knee injury.

The setback limited his opportunities and required another long rehabilitation period.

According to the official Saudi Pro League record, he completed the 2025–26 league season with six appearances and 26 saves. He did not receive a yellow or red card during those matches.

He remained listed in NEOM’s squad for the 2026–27 campaign as of July 2026.

Returning to full fitness and competing for the starting position are likely to be major parts of his next stage.

Marcin Bułka’s Playing Style

Bułka’s height is one of his clearest physical strengths.

At 1.99 metres, he can reach high shots and challenge attackers for crosses. His size also helps him reduce the visible target when an attacker is shooting from close range.

His main qualities include:

• Strong shot-stopping
• A large physical presence
• Good reach on high shots
• Confidence during penalty situations
• Ability to cover a wide area of the goal
• Calmness in important matches
• Experience playing the ball from defensive positions

His penalty saves against Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco helped build his reputation.

However, modern goalkeepers need more than the ability to stop shots. They must communicate clearly, pass accurately and make fast decisions when their team is under pressure.

Bułka’s experience in England, France, Spain and Saudi Arabia has exposed him to several tactical styles.

Major Achievements

Bułka’s verified career achievements include:

• English youth titles during his time in Chelsea’s academy
• Ligue 1 champion as part of the Paris Saint-Germain squad
• UEFA Champions League finalist with PSG in 2019–20
• Coupe de France finalist with OGC Nice in 2021–22
• Two penalty saves against PSG in the Coupe de France
• Seventeen Ligue 1 clean sheets during the 2023–24 season
• Best defensive record in Ligue 1 with Nice in 2023–24
• Ligue 1 Player of the Month for September 2023
• OGC Nice Aiglon of the Season for 2023–24
• Senior Poland international
• Selection for Poland’s UEFA Euro 2024 squad

Why Is Marcin Bułka Famous?

Bułka is famous because of his rise from academy football to becoming one of Ligue 1’s leading goalkeepers.

His 2023–24 season brought him international attention. Seventeen clean sheets, two saved penalties against Monaco and the best defensive record in France made him an important part of Nice’s success.

He is also remembered for eliminating PSG from the Coupe de France while playing for Nice on loan.

His height, penalty-saving record and career across several major clubs have helped him build a strong public profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Marcin Bułka?

Marcin Bułka is 26 years old as of July 2026. He was born on 4 October 1999.

Where was Marcin Bułka born?

He was born in Płock, Poland.

How tall is Marcin Bułka?

The Saudi Pro League officially lists him at 1.99 metres, which is approximately 6 feet 6 inches.

What position does Marcin Bułka play?

He plays as a goalkeeper.

Which club does Marcin Bułka play for?

As of July 2026, he plays for NEOM S.C. in the Saudi Pro League.

What is Marcin Bułka’s shirt number?

He wears shirt number 99 for NEOM S.C.

Did Marcin Bułka play for Chelsea?

He developed in Chelsea’s academy between 2016 and 2019 but did not make a competitive senior first-team appearance.

Did Marcin Bułka play for Paris Saint-Germain?

Yes. He joined PSG in 2019 and made senior appearances for the French club.

Did Marcin Bułka play at Euro 2024?

He was included in Poland’s official UEFA Euro 2024 squad.

What was his best season?

His strongest completed season was 2023–24 with OGC Nice. He kept 17 league clean sheets and was voted the club’s player of the season.

Conclusion

Marcin Bułka’s football journey has included major academies, difficult loan periods, serious injuries and an impressive breakthrough in France.

He developed at Chelsea, entered senior football with Paris Saint-Germain and gained experience through loans before finding stability at OGC Nice.

His outstanding 2023–24 season proved that he could perform as a first-choice goalkeeper at a high level. Seventeen clean sheets, important penalty saves and recognition from Nice supporters made that campaign the defining period of his career so far.

His move to NEOM opened a new chapter, although injury disrupted his first Saudi season.

At 26, Bułka still has many possible years ahead of him as a professional goalkeeper. His next goal will be to remain healthy, regain regular club football and continue competing for opportunities with the Poland national team.