Czech · Cheb, Czech Republic · Born 30 August 1972Pavel Nedvěd, nicknamed 'Furia Ceca' (the Czech Fury), is a Czech former footballer who won the 2003 Ballon d'Or, becoming only the second Czech player to win the award after Josef Masopust.
When Pavel Nedvěd won the 2003 Ballon d'Or, he became only the second Czech footballer to claim the award, following Josef Masopust's victory in 1962, and the crowning recognition for a season in which he drove Juventus to the Serie A title and the Champions League final. He began his career with Rudá Hvězda Cheb and Škoda Plzeň before joining Sparta Prague, making his league debut in 1991 and quickly establishing himself as a rising talent in Czech football. Nedvěd's performance at Euro 1996 in England, where he was a key driving force as the Czech Republic reached the final, earned him a transfer to Lazio in Rome, where he won the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. In 2001, he made a then-record transfer to Juventus, where he became one of the club's most beloved foreign players, helping the team win back-to-back Serie A titles in 2002 and 2003 and reach the 2003 Champions League final, which he missed through suspension. That 2002-03 season, in which Nedvěd scored 14 goals and provided key assists across competitions, earned him the 2003 Ballon d'Or, making him only the second Czech player, after Josef Masopust in 1962, to win the award. Nicknamed 'Furia Ceca' (Czech Fury) by Juventus fans for his relentless running and energy, he earned 91 caps for Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic combined, scoring 18 goals, and captained his country from 2000 before retiring from international football after Euro 2004. He played for Juventus until 2009, retiring after 19 years as a professional, and later returned to the club as a board member and director.
Winning the 2003 Ballon d'Or, only the second Czech player to win the award
How They Played
Relentless, high-energy midfielder known for tireless running, two-footed shooting, and tactical versatility
Lasting Impact
Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation and one of the greatest Czech footballers of all time
Career Honours
- Ballon d'Or winner (2003)
- 3x Serie A champion (Lazio, Juventus)
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup winner (1999, Lazio)
- UEFA Champions League runner-up (2003, Juventus)
- European Championship runner-up (1996, with Czech Republic)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Sparta Prague | 1990–1996 | — |
| Lazio | 1996–2001 | — |
| Juventus | 2001–2009 | — |
Czech Athletes