Czech midfielder who played for top European clubs like Chelsea and Birmingham City, known for his skillful playmaking and set pieces.
Ji Jarok is renowned for his illustrious career as a professional football player and manager, boasting an impressive array of trophies and accolades across various leagues and countries. With a playing career spanning over a decade, Jarok etched his name in the history books, winning six league titles with Sparta Prague, a Russian Premier League title with CSKA Moscow, and a Premier League title with Chelsea, among others.
Born on October 27, 1977, in Ústà nad Labem, Czech Republic, Jarok began his footballing journey with Sparta Prague, where he spent the majority of his youth career. After a two-year loan spell at Slovan Liberec, Jarok established himself in the first team at Sparta, catching the eye of CSKA Moscow, who signed him for a then-Russian record of approximately €3.5 million in 2003.
Jarok's impressive performances at CSKA Moscow led to his transfer to Chelsea in 2005, where he won the Premier League title and the League Cup. His time at Chelsea was marked by notable appearances, including the League Cup final against Liverpool, which Chelsea won 3-2.
Jarok represented the Czech national team, earning 23 caps between 2000 and 2005. Although he never scored for the national team, his contributions to the team's defense and midfield were invaluable.
After hanging up his boots, Jarok transitioned into management, taking charge of clubs in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Russia. His managerial career, which began in 2020, has been marked by a commitment to developing young talent and fostering a strong team ethos.
Ji Jarok's remarkable career, both as a player and manager, has cemented his status as a Czech footballing icon. His dedication, passion, and commitment to the sport have inspired generations of footballers, and his achievements continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
53 Years Old
A Czech professional footballer who won numerous titles with Juventus and the Czech national team, including the 2003 Ballon d'Or.
54 Years Old
Czech footballer who played as a midfielder and won the European Championship with Czechoslovakia in 1976, earning 35 caps for the national team.
52 Years Old
A skilled and versatile midfielder who played for top clubs like Liverpool and Porto, known for his exceptional free kicks and goalscoring ability.
53 Years Old
Czech footballer and manager who played for Slavia Prague and managed the Czechoslovakia national team, known for his contributions to the country's football history.
53 Years Old
A towering striker with a prolific goal-scoring record, known for his aerial ability and powerful headers. He won the Golden Boot at Euro 2004.
49 Years Old
A skilled left-back who played for top European clubs like AC Milan and won numerous titles, including two Champions League trophies.
45 Years Old
Czech midfielder who played for top-tier clubs like Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, earning 105 caps for the national team. Known for his pace, skill, and versatility on the pitch.
44 Years Old
Czech professional footballer who played as a midfielder and won several titles with Liverpool and Galatasaray, including the Champions League.