Czech Midfielder Scores at World Cup After Missing Euro With Tricycle Injury

Michał Sadílek made history for the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup, scoring in the early stages against South Africa. The 27-year-old midfielder, formerly of Twente and PSV Eindhoven, was playing in his first World Cup appearance. The match report did not give the final score.

Sadílek had been set to play at the previous European Championship, but he was ruled out after an unusual accident at a training camp in Austria. He fell off a tricycle, injured his leg, and missed the tournament. Former player Milan Luhový called it a "mishap" and said, "It cost him and the club a lot of money. This was unprofessional and nonsensical behavior, what was he thinking? It is amateurish."

After the bizarre injury, Sadílek returned to the national team in March of last year and became an important player. He is described as a forward-thinking midfielder who likes to join attacks, and his market value is estimated at about 8 million euros. This season he scored only two goals and started seven Champions League matches.

Sadílek was also in PSV's squad alongside Eran Zahavi, though the two never played together. The Guardian described him as an adventurer from the start, noting that he chose to play in the Netherlands at a young age instead of staying in Czech academy football with his brother. The article says he is fearless.