[2] He played primarily as a striker or winger,[3] representing clubs in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Spain, England, Greece, and Qatar.

[10] On 29 August 2008, Racing loaned Smolarek to Bolton Wanderers for the season, with a view to signing him permanently.

[12] On 3 January 2009, Smolarek scored his first, and only, goal for Bolton in the FA Cup 3rd Round match away to Sunderland[13] but at the end of the season the club decided not to make his loan permanent.

[14] Despite some interest from Bundesliga clubs at the start of the 2009–10 season,[15] Smolarek signed on 14 December 2009 with Kavala until 30 June 2012.

[19] A Polish international since 2002, Smolarek was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup but failed to score any goals.

He was Poland's and Group A's top scorer in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying scoring nine goals, beating Cristiano Ronaldo.