Alkmaar, Netherlands – Matěj Šín, the 21-year-old Czech midfielder, is quickly adjusting to life in the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar, balancing professional football with continued studies in finance. As his team prepares for a Europa Conference League tie against Sparta Prague, Šín is reflecting on his career trajectory, financial gains, and the challenges of playing abroad.
Šín made the move from Baník Ostrava to AZ Alkmaar last summer and is finding his footing in a new league, with new teammates, and a new country. While he acknowledges a recent shift in his role under a new manager, he remains focused on contributing to Alkmaar’s success. The upcoming Conference League clash against Sparta Prague holds particular significance for the young player.
Facing Familiar Foes: Šín’s Return to Prague
The draw for the Europa Conference League Round of 16 pitted AZ Alkmaar against Sparta Prague, a matchup Šín welcomes. “It’s appealing to me because I had success against Sparta in the past,” Šín said in an interview with Football Club, as part of their “Football and Investment” series. The first leg will be played in Prague on March 12th, with the return leg in Alkmaar on March 19th. This presents a welcome opportunity for Šín to showcase his talent on Czech soil.
Balancing Football and Finance
Šín isn’t just focused on his football career; he’s as well continuing his education in finance at the VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. This dedication to academics highlights his long-term planning and desire for independence beyond his playing days. “During my playing career, I ideally want to save enough money to be independent afterward, so I can do the work I want and not be forced to do something I don’t want to,” Šín explained.
A Significant Pay Increase
The move to the Netherlands has brought a substantial increase in Šín’s earnings. While Czech league salaries are rising with new ownership groups, the financial gap between the Czech First League and the Eredivisie remains considerable. “It varies, of course. As new owners come into the Czech league, salaries are increasing. But for me, my salary is three to four times higher compared to my contract with Baník,” Šín revealed. This represents a significant financial step forward for the young player.
The Cost of Living and Dutch Taxes
Despite the increased income, Šín is mindful of the higher cost of living in the Netherlands. He noted that prices for goods and services are significantly higher than in the Czech Republic. He also acknowledges the impact of Dutch taxes, which take a larger percentage of his gross income – 40% or more – compared to the Czech Republic. “I haven’t been tempted to splurge because I found out that everything here in Holland costs two or three times as much as in the Czech Republic. I also live alone now, not with my parents. It adds up, but I still have more money left over than at Baník,” he said.
Šín’s Journey with AZ Alkmaar
Matěj Šín joined AZ Alkmaar in August 2025, according to Transfermarkt. He has been a regular contributor in Dutch competitions and the Europa Conference League, though his role has become somewhat less prominent recently under the new manager. He is currently listed as an attacking midfielder, but can also play centrally or on the right wing. Šín’s market value is currently estimated at €4.00 million.
AZ Alkmaar advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Noah 4-0 in the second leg of their playoff tie, following a 1-0 defeat in Armenia. The team, currently fifth in the Dutch Eredivisie, is a regular participant in European competitions.
Facing a Familiar Opponent in Sparta Prague
According to iSport.cz, Sparta Prague will host AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie on March 12th, with the return leg taking place in Alkmaar on March 19th. This will be Sparta’s first competitive match against AZ Alkmaar. The winner of this tie will face either Lech Poznań or Shakhtar Donetsk in the quarter-finals.
Šín’s experience against Sparta Prague in the past adds an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup. He’ll be hoping to replicate that success and aid AZ Alkmaar advance to the next round of the competition. The stakes are high, as both teams aim to progress further in the Europa Conference League and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Europa Conference League continues to provide a platform for emerging talents like Matěj Šín to showcase their skills on the European stage. His story is one of ambition, financial prudence, and a commitment to both his sporting and academic pursuits. As he prepares to face Sparta Prague, Šín embodies the modern footballer – a dedicated athlete and a forward-thinking individual.
Next up for AZ Alkmaar is the first leg of their Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie against Sparta Prague on March 12th. Fans can follow the match and receive official updates through the UEFA Europa Conference League website and AZ Alkmaar’s official channels.
