Czech Player Profile: Pavel Nedvěd

Probably the most recognizable face in Czech Football today, Pavel Nedvěd brings with him quite a resume in addition to a pretty face.

Currently spending his days in Turino playing for Juventus in the Serie A since his move there in 2001, Nedvěd has the distinguished honor of being named European Footballer of the Year in 2003. Further to that, he’s led Juve to win the Scudetto in 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2004/05.

Nedvěd’s resume for the Czech side is equally impressive. He has scored 18 goals in 73 games for the national team and played at Euro 96, Euro 2000, and Euro 2004. Following a wicked injury in Portugal, he retired from international play in September 2004, only to return in November 2005 to lead the Czechs to victory over Norway and secure their place in the 2006 World Cup. This is the first appearance for the country known as the Czech Republic.

He is married to wife Ivana and has children Ivana (4 years old) and Pavel (1 1/2). Scratching your head yet? Well, here’s the explanation: “We’ve decided to call them so because when we’ll die, be there still a Pavel And an Ivana that love each other”. Awwww.

And most importantly, you’ll want to know these key facts about our favorite towhead from Cheb: He likes collecting wine and eating mozzarella. His idol is Myke Tyson and he enjoys playing tennis. He has stated that he hates liars. His favorite movie is Braveheart and his favorite actors are Julia Roberts and Mel Gibson. He also studied to be an accountant before turning to football. Good thing – he needs an accountant’s mind to keep track of all his goals and honors!