Milan Baroš, the celebrated Czech forward, will receive a farewell match on September 26th in Ostrava, his hometown club Baník Ostrava announced on Monday. The event, six years after his retirement, will allow fans a final opportunity to celebrate the career of a player who was instrumental in both club and international success. Tickets go on sale Tuesday.
“I’ve had this in my head for years, since the complete of my career,” Baroš said, according to Baník Ostrava’s website. “I couldn’t say goodbye the way I wanted to then, due to COVID restrictions. Now I can.” Baroš concluded his professional career in 2020, hampered by Achilles tendon problems after a third stint with Baník Ostrava at the age of 38.
The 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool has invited a host of former teammates from both club and international duty to participate in the celebratory match. A star-studded guest list is expected, including Steven Gerrard, Emile Heskey, Djibril Cissé, Jerzy Dudek, Emmanuel Eboué, Jan Koller, Tomáš Rosický, Petr Čech, Karel Poborský, and Vladimír Šmicer.
???? Milan Baroš chystá na září v Ostravě rozlučku. Lístky jdou do prodeje už v úterý.
???? https://t.co/soEJUgpQMz pic.twitter.com/TEuHjO24D5
— FC Baník Ostrava (@fcbanikostrava) March 23, 2026
Baroš is the second-highest goalscorer in Czech Republic national team history, with 41 goals, trailing only Jan Koller. He enjoyed a particularly successful Euro 2004, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. Beyond Baník Ostrava and Liverpool, his club career included spells with Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Lyon, Galatasaray, Antalyaspor, Slovan Liberec, and Mladá Boleslav.
The match represents a significant moment for both Baroš and the city of Ostrava, where his football journey began. For fans of a certain generation, Baroš embodies a golden era of Czech football, and this farewell match is a chance to honor that legacy. The presence of so many prominent former teammates underscores his impact on the game and the respect he commands within the football community.
While the specifics of the match format remain unconfirmed, the event is expected to be a celebration of Baroš’s career, rather than a highly competitive fixture. The focus will undoubtedly be on providing fans with a memorable send-off for a player who consistently delivered on the biggest stages. The match will be held at the Městský stadion ve Vítkovicích in Ostrava.
Baroš’s career was marked by a blend of skill, determination, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. His Champions League triumph with Liverpool in 2005 remains a highlight, but his contributions to the Czech national team, particularly at Euro 2004, cemented his status as a national hero. He was known for his pace, powerful shooting, and ability to find space in the penalty area.
The invitation to former teammates like Gerrard and Heskey speaks to the strong relationships Baroš forged throughout his career. These players were key figures in Liverpool’s success, and their presence in Ostrava will add another layer of prestige to the occasion. The inclusion of Czech legends like Koller, Rosický, and Čech further emphasizes the significance of this event within Czech football culture.
The sale of tickets, beginning Tuesday through Ticketlive, is expected to generate significant interest. Given Baroš’s popularity and the caliber of guests attending, the match is likely to be a sell-out. Fans eager to witness this historic occasion are encouraged to purchase tickets promptly.
Following the farewell match, Baroš is expected to remain involved in football, potentially in a coaching or ambassadorial role. While his playing days are over, his passion for the game and his commitment to Czech football are likely to continue. The legacy he leaves behind will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Czech footballers.
Baník Ostrava will provide further details regarding the match schedule and any associated events in the coming weeks. Fans can stay updated through the club’s official website and social media channels. The club is anticipating a significant influx of supporters from across the Czech Republic and potentially from abroad, eager to pay tribute to one of their most celebrated sons.
The farewell match is scheduled for September 26th, offering fans ample time to plan their travel and secure tickets. Ostrava, located in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic, is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. The city is known for its industrial heritage and its vibrant cultural scene.
As Milan Baroš prepares for his final appearance on the pitch, the football world reflects on a career filled with memorable moments and significant achievements. This farewell match is not just a celebration of a player, but a tribute to a generation of Czech football and a testament to the enduring power of the lovely game.
