Czech Republic midfielder Michal Sadilek made history at the 2026 World Cup by scoring early against South Africa, the first World Cup appearance of his career. The 27-year-old former Twente and PSV Eindhoven player had missed the previous European Championship after an unusual accident in Austria.
Sadilek was supposed to play at Euro 2024, but he fell from a tricycle during a training camp in Austria and injured his leg. Former player Milan Luhovy called it “an amateur move,” saying, “It cost him and the club a lot of money. This was unprofessional and illogical behavior, what was he thinking? It is amateurish.”
After the bizarre injury, Sadilek returned to the national team in March and became an important player. He is described as an advanced midfielder who regularly joins the attack and is valued at about 8 million euros. This season he scored only two goals, while starting seven Champions League matches.
Sadilek was also in PSV Eindhoven’s squad alongside Eran Zahavi, though the two never played together. The Guardian described him as an “adventurer from the very beginning,” noting that he chose to play in the Netherlands at a young age instead of joining his brother in Czech academies, and calling him fearless.
