Czech · Prague, Czech Republic · Born 10 November 1973Patrik Berger is a Czech former footballer and Liverpool cult hero who scored in the final of Euro 1996 and won multiple trophies during seven seasons at Anfield.
At Euro 1996, Patrik Berger scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in the final against Germany, his tournament form earning him a £3.25 million move to Liverpool, where he went on to collect the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and League Cup in the club's historic 2001 treble. He began his senior career with Slavia Prague, making 90 league appearances and scoring 24 goals, before a season with Borussia Dortmund in Germany, where the club won the Bundesliga title, though Berger featured mostly from the bench. Berger's performances for the Czech Republic at Euro 1996 in England, where the team reached the final as surprise contenders, transformed his career: he scored the opening goal from the penalty spot in the final against Germany, a match the Czechs ultimately lost to a golden goal in extra time. His tournament form prompted Liverpool to sign him for £3.25 million that August, and he made an explosive start at Anfield, scoring twice against Leicester City and twice more in a memorable 5-1 win over Chelsea in his first month. Berger spent seven seasons at Liverpool, becoming a fan favourite known for his surging runs and powerful left foot, and won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and League Cup as part of Liverpool's historic 2001 treble, adding a second League Cup in 2003. He went on to play for Portsmouth, Aston Villa, and Stoke City before returning to the Czech Republic with Sparta Prague to close out his career. He earned 44 caps combined for Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, scoring 18 goals, and retired in January 2010 due to persistent injury.
Scoring in the Euro 1996 final and becoming a cult hero at Liverpool during the club's 2001 treble-winning season
How They Played
Energetic, explosive attacking midfielder known for surging runs and a powerful left-footed shot
Lasting Impact
One of the most popular foreign players in Liverpool history, remembered for his explosive early performances and powerful left foot
Career Honours
- UEFA European Championship runner-up (1996), scored in the final
- FA Cup winner (2001, Liverpool)
- UEFA Cup winner (2001, Liverpool)
- League Cup winner (2001, 2003, Liverpool)
- UEFA European Under-16 Championship winner (1990)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Slavia Prague | 1991–1995 | — |
| Borussia Dortmund | 1995–1996 | — |
| Liverpool | 1996–2003 | — |
| Portsmouth | 2003–2005 | — |
| Aston Villa | 2005–2008 | — |
| Sparta Prague | 2008–2010 | — |
Czech Athletes