Czech footballers have a rich footballing heritage and their influence has been felt across many European domestic leagues. The Czech Republic or Czechia, as it is also known, as well as the former Czechoslovakia, prior to the division of the Czech and Slovak Federative Republic (CSFR) in 1993, have a proud history when it comes to football.
As a nation, the Czechs have won the same number of international honours as the Netherlands and England, playing in one more World Cup final than the latter. Over the last few decades, Czech players have featured in some of the best and most successful teams in Europe.

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Below is a list of the 15 best players to have come from the nation.

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Vladimir Smicer

Career Span: 1992-2009

Vladimir Smicer is one of the more decorated players that his country produced, winning 11 trophies at club level. He represented the Czech Republic at multiple major tournaments and played a role in the side that reached the final of Euro ’96. Liverpool became the defining club of his career, with six years on Merseyside.
Despite representing his country in two major tournaments, the best moment of his career came in a Liverpool shirt. Smicer played a starring role in the famous 2005 Champions League final, scoring the Reds’ second goal in their astonishing comeback against AC Milan before calmly converting his penalty in the shootout that sealed the match, and the title.

International Stats
Caps	80
Goals	27

Patrik Schick

Career Span: 2014-Present

Goals and big moments have seen Patrik Schick rise to become the standout figure of Czech football’s current generation, and he’s the only active player that features on this list. After developing in his homeland before struggling in Serie A, prolific spells at RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen then followed, where he’s averaging more than a goal every two matches in all competitions. Schick was also part of Leverkusen’s incredible unbeaten Bundesliga winning season under Xabi Alonso.
Euro 2020 took his reputation to another level, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer and producing the Goal of the Tournament with a magnificent strike from the half-way line against Scotland. After more than a half-century of caps, he remains the focal point of the Czech national team as his career continues to grow.

Patrik Berger

Career Span: 1991-2010

Patrik Berger’s long hair and rocket-like left foot made him one of the most recognisable Czech players of the late 1990s and early 2000s. His display at Euro ’96, where he scored in the final against Germany, was enough to convince Liverpool to bring him to Anfield from Borussia Dortmund, and he quickly became a fan favourite there, so much so that he elected to retire from international football at just 28 to focus on playing for his club.
Berger was part of the side that won a remarkable cup treble in 2001 and racked up plenty of memorable goals along the way. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard called him “the best left-footed striker of a ball I have seen,” tall praise from someone who wasn’t afraid of a screamer or two himself.

International Stats
Caps	42
Goals	18

Tomas Ujfalusi

Career Span: 1996-2014

Reliability was the hallmark of Tomas Ujfalusi’s career, and it made him one of Czech football’s most important figures during the 2000s. Comfortable at both centre-back and right-back, he built a strong reputation in Europe with Hamburg, Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid. After winning the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup at Atletico, he tasted more domestic success with Galatasaray, where he won the first league title of his career.
He won more than 75 caps for his country and played a major role in the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2004. Ujfalusi never attracted the same headlines as the team’s attacking stars, but his defensive quality made him just as vital to his nation.

11

Milan Baros

Career span: 1998-2020

Like Vladimir Smicer, Milan Baros was part of the Liverpool team that overcame a three-goal deficit against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final to eventually win on penalties. He was also the top scorer in Euro 2004, a tournament the Czechs lost in the semi-finals to eventual winners Greece.

In a long and distinguished career with the national side, Baros scored 41 goals in 95 internationals. In a career which spanned 22 years, Baros finished his career with 11 major trophies and 177 goals in all club competitions. The forward may not have been the most clinical striker the world has ever seen, but he played a bigger part in all the teams he featured for. Whether it be his tireless work rate or underrated hold-up play, Baros was always involved.

10

Miroslav Kadlec

Career span: 1983-2002

Defender Miroslav Kadlec spent the vast majority of the 1990s at Kaiserslautern, where he won two Bundesliga titles in 1991 and 1998. Blessed with a sweet strike, he was also responsible for the penalty kick that took the Czechs to the final of Euro ’96, their first major final as the Czech Republic.

Kadlec slotted home the sixth penalty of the shootout at Old Trafford to take down a France side that would go on to win the World Cup just two years later. He is the only defender to feature on this list, proving just how rare it was for the nation to produce such a talented player in the backline.

9

Antonin Puc

Career span: 1925-1941

Antonin Puc was a prolific striker who scored 34 times in 63 appearances for the Czechoslovakian national side. This included the opening goal of the 1934 World Cup Final against Italy. It was a late equaliser that saw the match go to extra-time, although the Italians eventually won 2-1.

He was also a goal machine at club level for Slavia Prague, playing in European competition regularly in the Mitropa Cup, a continental club tournament that predates the Champions League as we know it. Puc held the record for most goals for his country until 2005 when Jan Koller surpassed his tally.

8

Karel Poborsky

Career span: 1991-2007

Right-winger Karel Poborsky was an extremely tricky customer, who plied his trade for European giants, including Benfica, Lazio and Manchester United, for whom he won the Premier League. But it is arguably for the national team that he is best known.

Poborsky is his nation’s second all-time appearance maker, playing for the Czechs in three European Championships. Poborsky was instrumental in helping the nation reach the final of Euro ’96, scoring a memorable lob to defeat Portugal. Despite ending up on the losing side, Poborsky was named Man of the Match in the Euro ’96 final against Germany. That’s quite some achievement to boast.

7

Jan Koller

Career span: 1994-2011

At six foot eight, there was no mistaking talismanic striker Jan Koller. While defenders couldn’t help but notice him, they could rarely stop him. He remains the Czech Republic’s all-time top scorer with 55 goals in 91 games.

Although extremely powerful in the air, Koller was adept with his feet too, scoring all manner of goals as demonstrated during his five years at Borussia Dortmund. He won the Bundesliga during that five-year spell, netting 79 goals and contributing 32 assists.

6

Oldrich Nejedly

Career span: 1924-1956

Oldrich Nejedly cemented his name into Czech footballing history when he scored a hat-trick in the nation’s 3-1 win over Germany in the 1934 World Cup semi-final. He would finish the tournament as top scorer with five goals and would go on to score 28 international goals in just 44 appearances.

Nejedly made a habit of scoring crucial goals, scoring the equaliser in the quarter-finals of the 1938 World Cup against Brazil, in what was known as the battle of Bordeaux. Sadly, Nejedly broke his leg as two Brazilians were sent off during the contest.

5

Tomas Rosicky

Career Span: 1998-2017

Elegance and technical brilliance defined Tomas Rosicky’s game, earning him the nickname “Little Mozart” for his creativity and vision. He made his name at Sparta Prague before moving to Borussia Dortmund, where he won the Bundesliga title and grew into one of Europe’s most exciting attacking midfielders. A £7 million switch to Arsenal followed, bringing flashes of real quality even though injuries frequently got in the way during his time in England.

For his country, Rosicky was the heartbeat of the Czech side for well over a decade, first appearing at Euro 2000 and helping them reach the semi-finals of Euro 2004. Shortly after representing his country in the 2006 World Cup, he was named captain following Pavel Nedved’s retirement, but missed Euro 2008 through injury. However he did lead his side out twice at a major tournament in 2012 and 2016. Rosicky holds a unique record as the oldest, and youngest player to represent his country at a World Cup or European Championship, racking up 105 caps from the ages of 19 to 35.

4

Josef Masopust

Career span: 1950-1970

Josef Masopust spent the vast majority of his career at Dukla Prague and was a key part of the Czechoslovakian side that made the 1962 World Cup final. The midfielder played an integral part in helping his country make the final where they faced Brazil in Santiago.

Unfotunately, his team would be on the losing side despite Masopust opening the scoring. Brazil would fight back to win the World Cup. Nevertheless, Masopust’s form that year saw him beat Eusebio to win the 1962 Ballon d’Or and cement his place in the history of the game.

3

Antonin Panenka

Career span: 1967-1993

Antonin Panenka’s name will forever be etched into football history courtesy of his penalty that gave the Czech’s the European Championship trophy in 1976. With the final against west Germany ending 2-2, penalties would decide the outcome of the tournament for the first time.

Panenka was the final penalty taker and with the trophy on the line, chipped the ball down the middle of the goal past a diving Sepp Maier to win the Euros. Few Czech players will leave a legacy on the game quite like Panenka. Many football fans will even know his name without being aware it’s associated with the player himself, that’s an ever-lasting legacy.

2

Petr Cech

Career span: 1999-2019

Petr Cech dominated the penalty area at Stamford Bridge for more than a decade after making his Chelsea debut in 2004. He holds the Premier League record for the most clean sheets, with 202. Nobody has made more appearances for the international team, amassing 124 caps. A collision against Reading in 2006 left Cech needing two metal plates fitted on his skull, resulting in him wearing a head-guard for the rest of his career.

A hugely authoritative, yet composed figure, his long spell in west London was littered with trophies, including four Premier League titles and the 2012 Champions League, which saw Cech save Arjen Robben’s penalty in normal time and two spot kicks in the shoot-out on a historic night in Munich.

Back in 2009, WWE Magazine published a feature boldly titled “Tomorrow’s Champions”, highlighting 10 rising stars they believed would carry the company into a new era. Some of these Superstars were already gaining TV exposure, while others were bubbling under the surface, seen internally as the next big thing.

It was a mix of exciting in-ring performers, second-generation wrestlers, and fan-favourites beginning to catch fire. As with any list of predictions, some followed through on their potential, and others fizzled out or took unexpected turns.

Now, over 15 years later, we revisit those names to see how their careers actually unfolded. Some became household names and went on to win major titles. Others took different paths, found success outside WWE, or stepped away from wrestling altogether.

Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler was the definition of potential in 2009. With his athleticism, sharp charisma, and ability to deliver great matches, he looked like a future WWE Champion in waiting. He did achieve that feat in 2013, cashing in Money in the Bank to a huge reaction and briefly holding the World Heavyweight Championship. However, sustained main event pushes never truly materialised.

Ziggler remained a fixture in WWE for nearly two decades before being released in 2023. Now performing as Nic Nemeth (his real name), he has found renewed success on the independent scene and in companies like TNA Wrestling and NJPW. Still active and respected, his post-WWE career has been a creative and professional resurgence.

Tyson Kidd

A graduate of the legendary Hart Dungeon, Tyson Kidd had the pedigree and technical skill to be something special. In 2009, he was part of The Hart Dynasty, alongside Natalya and David Hart Smith, and was expected to climb the ranks. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never won a world title.

His in-ring career was cut short in 2015 following a near-fatal neck injury in a match with Samoa Joe. The injury was so severe, the procedure to fuse part of his neck vertebrae at the base of his brain carried only a 5% success rate at the time. But he overcame the survival odds and made a full recovery in terms of his quality of life.

Since then, Kidd has transitioned into a well-regarded backstage producer in WWE. He has been particularly influential in shaping the women’s division’s in-ring style. Although his wrestling career ended far too early, his impact behind the scenes continues to grow.

John Morrison

John Morrison was one of the most athletically gifted stars on the WWE roster in 2009. Known for his parkour-inspired offence and unique style, he was breaking away from the tag team ranks into a singles push. While he never captured a world championship in WWE, Morrison made waves elsewhere, including a reign as Impact World Champion under the name Johnny Impact.

He returned to WWE in 2020, reuniting with The Miz, but was released again in 2021 after a lengthy losing streak. Since then, he has wrestled internationally under a range of aliases, including Johnny Elite and Johnny Caballero and remains active today in AEW as Johnny TV.

Jack Swagger

With an All-American wrestling background, Jack Swagger looked every bit a future world champion in 2009. His attire and technical credentials drew comparisons to Kurt Angle, and his size and power had many likening him to a young Brock Lesnar, both of whom were also decorated amateur wrestlers. He did go on to win his first of two World Heavyweight Championships in 2010, after a successful Money in the Bank cash-in, but his run was short-lived, and he never fully solidified his main event status.

Swagger left WWE in 2017 and reinvented himself as Jake Hager (taken from his full name, Donald Jacob Hager Jr) in AEW, aligning with Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle. Alongside wrestling, he also competed in MMA for Bellator, going undefeated with a record of 3-0 and one no-contest. He quietly stepped away from AEW in 2024, and is reportedly focusing on other ventures, bringing a close to his unique dual-sport career.

Kofi Kingston

Kofi Kingston was a star on the rise in 2009. With his high-flying style and magnetic energy, he was already capturing the attention of fans and climbing the WWE ladder. Over the years, he became a multi-time Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Champion. His crowning achievement came at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, when he defeated Daniel Bryan to win the WWE Championship in what became known as KofiMania.

His time in WWE came to a rather abrupt and shocking end earlier this year, when he was released alongside his New Day partner, Xavier Woods.

Ted DiBiase Jr

As the son of the “Million Dollar Man,” Ted DiBiase Jr entered WWE with high expectations. He was part of The Legacy faction alongside Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton and appeared set for a major singles push. However, his momentum faded, and he left WWE in 2013 to pursue other interests.

DiBiase went on to focus on religious and charitable work, founding the Heart of David Ministry. Unfortunately, his post-wrestling life has been overshadowed by controversy. He was arrested and charged in connection with a major welfare fraud case in Mississippi, involving the alleged misuse of millions in government funds.

The Miz

In 2009, few believed The Miz would ever reach the top of WWE. A former reality TV contestant, he was underestimated from the start. Yet, over the years, he evolved into one of WWE’s most reliable performers. He became WWE Champion in 2010 and headlined WrestleMania 27, defeating John Cena. He has since achieved two Grand Slam Champion accolades and has remained a mainstay on WWE television.

Known for his consistency, mic work, and media crossover appeal, The Miz continues to be a valuable asset to WWE. Outside the ring, he is married to former WWE Superstar Maryse, who has taken time away from competition to focus on raising their two daughters. The Miz continues to balance wrestling with his growing media profile and was recently announced as the host of the revived American Gladiators, further cementing his status as a crossover star and valuable asset to WWE.

Evan Bourne

Evan Bourne, known for his breathtaking Air Bourne Shooting Star Press, was a thrilling talent in 2009. He captured the imagination of fans with his explosive style, but injuries and suspensions due to violations of WWE’s wellness policy stalled his momentum.

WWE released him in 2014, and he returned to the ring as Matt Sydal. Since then, Sydal has been in promotions like Ring of Honor, NJPW, Impact Wrestling, and AEW. Though he never reached world title level, he remains active and respected, admired for his longevity despite some terrible injuries, and his influence on the high-flying wrestling style that has become more mainstream today.

David Hart Smith

The son of the British Bulldog, David Hart Smith looked like a surefire future champion in 2009. As part of The Hart Dynasty, he held the WWE Tag Team Titles and seemed set for singles success. However, he left WWE in 2011 and reinvented himself as Davey Boy Smith Jr. overseas. He found success in NJPW and MLW, showcasing his power and technical style.

He returned briefly to WWE in 2021, but was released before appearing on television after COVID-19 led to WWE scrapping his return plans. Today, he continues to wrestle internationally and uphold the Hart family legacy and has been vocal about a potential return to WWE.

Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes was never the obvious standout back in 2009. As part of The Legacy alongside Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase Jr, he was often seen as the supporting act rather than the future headliner. But his journey has become the most remarkable of them all.

After a stop-start run in WWE that included a frustrating stint as Stardust, Cody left the company in 2016 and began to rebuild his career from the ground up. He reinvented himself on the independent scene as The American Nightmare, a deliberate contrast to his late father, Dusty Rhodes, the beloved American Dream. His rise outside WWE helped spark a wrestling revolution, culminating in the launch of All Elite Wrestling in 2019, where he served as both a founder and one of its top stars.

Then came his seismic return to WWE in 2022, which the company itself ranked as the greatest comeback in WrestleMania history. After two consecutive WrestleMania main events, Cody finally finished his story at WrestleMania 40, defeating Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. Today, he stands not only as the face of the company, but also as one of the most universally admired and popular figures in modern wrestling, a redemption arc in the truest sense, fulfilled in front of the WWE Universe.

By and large, it was a very good England performance as the Three Lions beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening World Cup fixture. Even so, the Spanish press was not impressed by the efforts of one man.

A first-half brace from Harry Kane saw England take the lead twice, only to be pegged back by a pair of fine goals, first from distance via Martin Baturina and then after a lovely move which saw Petar Musa make it 2-2 just before the break.

There will be some question marks over the defence, with those two goals conceded in the first half, but the second half was much improved as Thomas Tuchel’s men took control and won the game thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and then Marcus Rashford. Even so, the Spanish media have targeted Anthony Gordon for criticism.

England Starter Upstaged vs Croatia

Kai Pfaffenbach via Reuters

There will naturally be a high interest in Gordon’s performances this summer, as he has just completed a £69m move from Newcastle to Barcelona. Not only that, but he arrives in Spain looking likely to take over from Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan with La Blaugrana.

Against Croatia, Tuchel opted to start Gordon ahead of Rashford, but the 25-year-old did not have his most impactful game. Per SofaScore, he managed just two shots, with only one on target, before coming off at 72 minutes.

Rashford, on the other hand, was very lively as he managed to find the back of the net in his 18-minute cameo, while also having as many carries (6), and touching the ball just five times fewer (12 to 17) than the man he replaced. The Manchester United man picked up a much better 7.4 SofaScore rating as well, compared ot Gordon’s lowly 6.3 mark.

A report from The Mirror has now revealed that the Spanish media ‘destroyed’ Gordon for his World Cup performance. The overall feeling was that the ‘virtually invisible’ new Barcelona signing was completely upstaged by Rashford.

Barcelona daily La Vanguardia said: “Tuchel opted for Gordon from the start, but the new Barcelona signing was very subdued. Barca’s new signing covered a lot of ground but to no avail, having very little impact.

“He barely touched the ball and failed to complete either of his two dribbles in the first half. Tuchel’s changes worked and Rashford, in that role he played at Barca, sealed the deal.”

Fellow Barcelona outlet El Periodico struck a similar tone, saying: “Thomas Tuchel wisely substituted Anthony Gordon for Marcus Rashford, reversing the transfer plan Barcelona had devised for the upcoming season.

On Rashford’s goal, Madrid-based Las Razon said: “It was a goal with a certain intrigue, as Gordon has taken his place in the England starting line-up and his spot at Barcelona.

“But the former Newcastle player was barely involved throughout the match, while the player who spent time on loan at the Camp Nou made his presence felt in a short amount of time. It’s just one game, though; it would be premature to draw conclusions from it.”

Meanwhile, El Mundo said Rashford “showed more promise than Gordon in his limited minutes on the pitch” while Mundo Deportivo said the former Everton man made “little impact.”