When you say “Poborský’s lob”, most Czech fans know exactly what it means. At the 1996 European Championship in England, he beat the Portuguese goalkeeper with an incredible lob, which not only earned him a place in the team of the tournament but also secured him a lasting spot in the hearts of fans and the history of European football. Karel Poborský was a cornerstone of the Czech national team, its captain and one of the best wingers Czechia has ever had.
From Třeboň All The Way To Old Trafford
Karel Poborský was born in 1972 in Jindřichův Hradec but grew up in South Bohemian Třeboň, where he also started playing football. From the local club, he moved to České Budějovice, then to Viktoria Žižkov and finally to Sparta Prague. He came into the spotlight during Euro 1996, where Czechia reached the final. Poborský was among the best players of the tournament – and his iconic lob against Portugal was seen around the world.After the tournament, he joined Manchester United, where he played alongside legends such as Cantona, Schmeichel and Beckham. After a year, he moved to Portuguese side Benfica, then to Lazio Rome in Italy. In 2002, he returned to Czechia, playing for Sparta and later Slavia Prague.
A True Leader Of The National Team
He played 118 matches for the national team, which is the second-highest number in the history of the Czech national team after Tomáš Rosický. He scored 8 goals and was part of the team’s greatest achievements – the silver medal at Euro 1996, the quarter-finals at Euro 2004, and the participation in the 2006 World Cup.Poborský was known not only for his speed and technique but also for his fairness and humility. In 2006, he ended his international career, and a year later, his club career as well. He later served as chairman of the board at Dynamo České Budějovice, held various positions within the FAČR and UEFA, and also became co-organiser of the largest youth tournament in Czechia.
In The Footsteps Of Karel Poborský
To follow Poborský’s story, head to Třeboň, a spa town set in a romantic landscape full of ponds, where young Karel began his phenomenal career. Stop by the nearby stadium in České Budějovice, where Poborský launched his professional path.Karel Poborský’s favourite place is the South Bohemian countryside, which he himself calls home – a place where he can “switch off his mind”. And you can enjoy it too! The best way is from the saddle of your bike along the popular cycling routes between the South Bohemian ponds.
