Former Czech Republic international and UEFA Europa League top scorer Libor Kozák has completed a sensational transfer to SK Praga Praha, bringing his decorated professional career to the fifth tier of Czech football in the regional championship (krajský přebor).
A Star Arrival in Vysočany
SK Praga Praha secured the signature of the experienced 36-year-old forward ahead of their campaign in the fifth tier, according to reports from Fotbal Praha. Kozák joins a club that recently earned promotion to the regional championship alongside Braník, who notably added former Slavia Prague veteran Milan Škoda to their frontline.
Club president Končický confirmed that Kozák visited the facilities and agreed to a one-year contract. “He came to take a look, liked the facilities, and everything fell into place,” Končický told Fotbal Praha. “He wants to give it a try with us, we agreed on a year.” The club president added that the primary expectation for the newcomer is straightforward goalscoring. “That’s why we signed him,” Končický said.
Balancing Professional Duties in Sparta
Kozák officially announced his retirement from top-flight professional football in 2025 and subsequently returned to AC Sparta Praha, where he currently works as an assistant coach for the reserve team under Luboše Loučka and serves as an individual development coach for young strikers. Balancing his coaching responsibilities with playing in the fifth tier required specific scheduling accommodations.
According to Fotbal Praha, Kozák will manage a limited training workload of one session per week. SK Praga Praha also adjusted the kickoff times for their home fixtures to ensure their star striker can participate in as many matches as possible while juggling his duties at Sparta and caring for his son.
“It might be a lower level than I used to play, but it’s still a big pitch, and there will be young guys running around,” Kozák stated on the club’s official Instagram profile, as cited by Fotbal Praha. “It’s a challenge for me in its own way. I’m looking forward to it. If my health holds up, I believe I’ll enjoy it. And that’s my biggest goal.”
A Storied Career Across Europe
Kozák’s footballing journey spans multiple top European leagues and domestic honors. He began his senior career at SFC Opava before securing a high-profile move to Italian giants Lazio in 2008. He made his Serie A debut in 2009 and lifted the Coppa Italia twice with the Roman club. During the 2012–13 season, Kozák enjoyed his most prolific international campaign, finishing as the top scorer in the UEFA Europa League with eight goals.
Following his success in Italy, he transferred to Aston Villa in the English Premier League. His subsequent career included spells with Bari, Livorno, Slovan Liberec, Puskás Akadémia, Slovácko, Zlín, and Arezzu. He returned to Czech domestic football with AC Sparta Praha between 2019 and 2021, winning the domestic cup in 2020. At the international level, he earned nine caps for the Czech Republic national team, scoring two goals.
Tactical Integration and Team Expectations
Despite adding a player with Serie A, Premier League, and European experience, club leadership has tempered expectations regarding an immediate push for higher promotions. Končický stated that the club is not aiming for back-to-back promotions, noting that finishing comfortably in the golden middle of the table will satisfy their objectives for the season.
Head coach Pavel Kovacsik faces a pleasant tactical puzzle regarding how to deploy his attacking resources. Existing first-choice striker Tomáš Birma is fully fit and ready for the new season. Because SK Praga Praha traditionally operates with a single central forward supported by an auxiliary attacker, Kovacsik must determine how Kozák and Birma will share responsibilities on the pitch.
Next Fixture and Schedule
SK Praga Praha will debut in the fifth tier on Sunday, August 17, at 17:00 local time (UTC+2), hosting SK Střešovice at their home ground in Vysočany. Kozák has expressed excitement about meeting local supporters and experiencing the atmosphere of grassroots Czech football. “I’m already looking forward to the first match, I’m curious about the fans, I hope they come,” Kozák said, as reported by Fotbal Praha. “Pragovka is back in the regional championship after a very long time, which is a big attraction.”
Worth a look
