22 December 2023
Exactly twenty years ago today, Pavel Nedved etched his name in the football history books by winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
It was December 22, 2003 and the "Czech Fury" was awarded this extraordinary prize by the jury of the French magazine France Football. It was just the second time in history that a Czech player was awarded the prize, Pavel's recognition coming 41 years after compatriot Josef Masopust won the "World Player of the Year" accolade, given to him by the British magazine World Soccer.
For Nedved, it was widely deserved recognition for what had been demonstrated throughout the calendar year. A recognition resulting from the performances of the Czech player who never gave up on the pitch.
Added to his tireless perseverance, he then combined excellent technique, but above all, a limitless engine that produced sublime goals and sensational assists that powered the team forward.
On this last point, even if there was no need, Pavel gave us further proof of his undoubted value: on 6 January 2004 at the then "Delle Alpi" Stadium, he celebrated his Ballon d'Or prize by gifting Juventus three points against Perugia with a right-footed rocket from almost thirty meters out to secure the 1-0 win.
A three-point goal.
A sensational goal.
A Ballon d'Or goal.
This fine strike, among many others, can be enjoyed below:
