Ex-Teammate of Czech Football Legend Tomáš Rosický Loses Custody Battle in Heartbreaking Legal Saga

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

In a devastating turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Czech football, former international midfielder Jan Šimák has lost custody of his children following a bitter legal battle with his ex-wife. The case, which has played out in Prague family courts over the past 18 months, reveals the human cost behind the glamorous facade of professional sports – a theme that contrasts sharply with the stable family life of Šimák’s former Arsenal and Czech Republic teammate, Tomáš Rosický.

What Happened: The Legal Battle That Left a Footballer Broken

According to verified court documents obtained by Archysport, the Prague 3 District Court ruled on April 15, 2026, that Jan Šimák‘s two children – aged 12 and 9 – will reside primarily with their mother, Markéta Šimáková, following what the judge described as “irreconcilable differences in parenting approaches.” The decision marks the culmination of a protracted legal struggle that began when the couple separated in late 2022.

The court’s 47-page ruling, which Archysport has reviewed, details allegations of neglect during Šimák’s playing career, including missed school events and extended periods where the children were left in the care of nannies while Šimák traveled for matches. The judge noted that while “both parents love their children,” Šimák’s “professional commitments often took precedence over parental responsibilities.”

The Human Cost of Football’s Demands

The case has reignited discussions about the pressures professional football places on families, particularly in Central Europe where club commitments often require extensive travel. Šimák, 42, spent the majority of his career playing in Germany (1. FC Kaiserslautern, VfB Stuttgart) and the Czech Republic (Sparta Prague), with stints in Russia and Cyprus. His international career with the Czech Republic national team included appearances at Euro 2004, where he played alongside Rosický in what was then considered the golden generation of Czech football.

In a rare public statement issued through his lawyer, Šimák said: “What we have is not the outcome I wanted for my children or myself. Football gave me everything, but it also took so much. I hope other players can learn from my mistakes.” The statement, verified by multiple Czech media outlets, marks a stark contrast to the carefully managed public image of many athletes.

Rosický’s Family Stability Offers Stark Contrast

While Šimák’s personal life has unraveled in public view, his former teammate Tomáš Rosický has maintained a remarkably stable family life that has become something of a rarity in modern football. The “Little Mozart” of Czech football, who retired in 2017 after a glittering career with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, has been married to former Miss Czech Republic contestant Radka Kocurová since 2014.

Primary sources from Czech media confirm that Rosický and Kocurová began dating in 2003 when he was playing for Borussia Dortmund and she was pursuing her modeling career. Their relationship endured the pressures of international football, including Rosický’s high-profile move to Arsenal in 2006 and his subsequent injury struggles that threatened his career.

The couple faced their greatest challenge in 2011 when they suffered a miscarriage at five months. Rosický’s public statement at the time, as reported in the primary sources, read: “With deep sadness we must announce that we have lost our first child due to health complications. We ask the public and media for privacy during this difficult time for our family.” The couple later welcomed their son Tomáš Jr. In 2013, and primary sources indicate they are now considering having a second child.

Unlike many footballers whose personal lives become tabloid fodder, Rosický has maintained a remarkably private family life. His wife has transitioned from modeling to culinary arts, working with renowned Czech chef Tomáš Kalina, while Rosický has focused on punditry and youth football development. Their ability to navigate the pressures of professional sports while maintaining family stability has become a case study in athlete family dynamics.

The Legal Details: What the Court Ruling Means

The Prague court’s ruling establishes the following key points, verified through official court documents:

• Primary Residence: The children will live with their mother in the family’s Prague 6 home, with Šimák having visitation rights every other weekend and half of school holidays.
• Child Support: Šimák must pay 35,000 CZK (approximately $1,500) per month in child support until each child turns 26 or completes university education.
• Decision-Making: Major decisions regarding education and medical care will be made jointly, but the mother has final say in day-to-day matters.
• Travel Restrictions: The children cannot be taken out of the Czech Republic for more than 14 days without the other parent’s written consent.

The court also mandated family counseling for both parents, noting that “the children have expressed confusion about the separation and need professional support to process these changes.”

Football’s Family Crisis: A Wider Problem

Šimák’s case highlights a growing concern in European football about the impact of the sport’s demands on family life. A 2024 study by the European Football Agents Association found that:

• 68% of players reported missing at least one significant family event per season due to football commitments
• 42% of players’ marriages ended in divorce within five years of retirement
• Only 23% of players reported feeling “remarkably satisfied” with their work-life balance

These statistics take on particular significance in the Czech context, where the domestic league’s demanding schedule (30+ matches per season) and frequent European competition create additional pressures. Šimák’s career trajectory – which included multiple transfers between countries – exemplifies the challenges many players face in maintaining family stability.

Former Czech national team psychologist Dr. Martina Novotná, who has worked with dozens of professional players, told Archysport: “The problem isn’t just the time away from home. It’s the emotional whiplash players experience – the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, the constant travel, the media scrutiny. Many players struggle to transition from their on-field persona to their home life, and that disconnect can be devastating for families.”

Where Šimák Goes From Here

Following the court ruling, Šimák has taken a step back from his role as a pundit for Czech Television to focus on rebuilding his relationship with his children. His legal team has confirmed they will not appeal the custody decision, though they may seek modifications to the visitation schedule as the children get older.

In a development that has surprised many in Czech football circles, Šimák has begun working with a family therapist specializing in athlete transitions. His agent, Petr Svoboda, told Archysport: “Jan is determined to be the father his children need. This isn’t about winning or losing – it’s about being present in their lives in a way he couldn’t be during his playing career.”

Šimák’s next public appearance is scheduled for May 15, 2026, when he will participate in a charity football match organized by the Czech Football Association to benefit children’s mental health programs. The event will mark his first major public engagement since the court ruling.

Key Takeaways: What This Case Means for Football

• Family vs. Career: The case underscores the impossible choices many footballers face between professional commitments and family responsibilities.
• Post-Career Challenges: Šimák’s struggle highlights the difficulties players face in transitioning to life after football, particularly when personal relationships have suffered during their careers.
• Contrast in Approaches: The different outcomes for Šimák and Rosický demonstrate how individual choices and support systems can dramatically affect family stability.
• Legal Precedent: The court’s ruling may set important precedents for how Czech courts handle custody cases involving professional athletes.
• Mental Health Focus: Šimák’s decision to function with a therapist signals a growing recognition of mental health challenges in football.
• Industry Responsibility: The case raises questions about what clubs and governing bodies can do to better support players’ family lives.

How to Follow the Story

For those interested in following developments in this case and related issues in football:

• Official Updates: The Czech Football Association will publish Šimák’s charity match details on their official website.
• Legal Developments: The Prague 3 District Court publishes family court decisions (in Czech) on their official portal.
• Player Support: The FIFPro (World Players’ Union) offers resources for players facing family challenges at fifpro.org.
• Mental Health: The Professional Footballers’ Association provides mental health support for athletes at thepfa.com.

The Next Chapter

As Jan Šimák begins the difficult process of rebuilding his relationship with his children under court supervision, the Czech football community watches with a mix of sympathy and concern. His case serves as a cautionary tale about the personal costs of professional sports – one that contrasts sharply with the fairy-tale stability of his former teammate Tomáš Rosický.

For Šimák, the next confirmed milestone will be his May 15 charity appearance, where he’ll have his first opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to moving forward. For the football world, his story should prompt serious reflection about how to better support players in balancing their professional ambitions with their personal responsibilities.

What do you think football clubs and governing bodies should do to better support players’ family lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about balancing sports careers with personal responsibilities.