Prague – The Czech Football Association (FAČR) has announced the five finalists for the Czech Footballer of the Year award, with West Ham United midfielder Tomáš Souček aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive win. Souček, 31, will face competition from Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick, 30, alongside defenders Ladislav Krejčí, 26 and midfielders Lukáš Provod, 29, and Pavel Šulc, 25. The winner will be revealed on Monday, March 23rd, at a gala event in Prague.
This year’s nomination list mirrors the lineup from the previous year, setting the stage for a potentially historic outcome. Souček has already secured the award twice in a row and is vying for his fifth overall title, a feat that would further cement his place as one of the Czech Republic’s most decorated footballers. Schick, a winner in both 2021 and 2022, likewise returns as a strong contender. For Krejčí, Provod, and Šulc, this represents a chance to break the dominance of the established stars and claim the coveted individual honor.
The selection process involves a Football Academy comprised of top-flight league coaches, team captains, players with at least 31 national team appearances, past winners, media representatives, and FAČR officials. Their collective votes will determine the ultimate winner.
Beyond the men’s award, the gala will also recognize the top female footballer from a shortlist of Klára Cahynová, Michaela Khýrová, and Kateřina Svitková. Kamila Dubcová, the previous year’s winner, is not in contention this time around. The rising stars of Czech football will also be celebrated with the Talent of the Year award, with Adam Ševínský, Matěj Šín, and Matyáš Vojta vying for the honor.
Interestingly, the race for the Coach of the Year award will not include the current head coach of the Czech national team, Miroslav Koubek. Instead, the award will be presented to either Martin Hyský, Luboš Kozel, or Jindřich Trpišovský, with Trpišovský, the coach of Slavia Prague, having previously won the award four times, most recently in 2023. This adds another layer of intrigue to the evening’s proceedings.
The 61st annual ceremony, scheduled for 8:30 PM local time (20:30 CET) on March 23rd at the Forum Karlín in Prague, will also honor the best futsal player and induct a new personality into the FAČR Hall of Fame. For fans planning to follow the event, the FAČR website will likely provide updates and coverage throughout the evening.
Souček’s consistent performance for both West Ham and the Czech national team has made him a clear favorite. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has been crucial for his club’s success in the Premier League and for the Czech Republic’s qualification campaigns. Schick, meanwhile, has been a prolific goalscorer for Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing his clinical finishing and attacking prowess. The competition promises to be fierce, and the outcome remains uncertain.
The Czech Footballer of the Year award is a prestigious honor that recognizes the outstanding achievements of players competing at the highest level. It’s a moment to celebrate the best of Czech football and acknowledge the dedication and talent of those who represent the nation on the international stage. The upcoming ceremony is sure to be a highlight of the Czech football calendar.
Following the awards ceremony, attention will quickly turn back to the pitch. Both Souček and Schick will be expected to play key roles in their respective club’s remaining fixtures, whereas the Czech national team will be preparing for upcoming international matches. The outcome of the award may provide an extra boost of motivation for the winner as they continue to pursue success with their clubs and country.
What are your thoughts? Who do you think deserves to win the Czech Footballer of the Year award? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
