Radek Bejbl


Radek Bejbl is a Czech former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He notably played four seasons with Atlético Madrid and played in the UEFA Euro 1996 final with the Czech Republic national team.

Club career

Born in Nymburk, Bejbl made his professional debuts with SK Slavia Prague, being a first-team regular since the age of 18. In 1991–92, he scored a career-best nine goals in 28 games as the capital side finished in fourth position.
In the 1996 summer, Bejbl moved to Spain and signed with Atlético Madrid, appearing in 33 matches in his first season in La Liga and eventually helping the Colchoneros to consecutive Copa del Rey finals. He left the club in 2000, after it suffered relegation.
Subsequently, Bejbl signed with RC Lens in the French Ligue 1, 25 of his 26 league appearances being made in his first season as they narrowly avoided relegation. Subsequently, he returned to former team Slavia for three additional campaigns.
Bejbl spent two years in Austria with SK Rapid Wien, playing 27 Bundesliga games in his second year to help to a fourth-place finish and qualification to the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Aged 35, he returned to his country for one final season with FC Slovan Liberec.

International career

Bejbl played 56 matches and scored three goals for Czech Republic, participating at UEFA Euro 1996 and Euro 2000. In the former competition, he started in all the games as the nation reached the final, netting in a 2–1 group stage win against Italy.
Bejbl's debut occurred on 8 May 1995, in a 1–1 friendly with Slovenia. Previously, he appeared in two games for Czechoslovakia.