by Staff Writer
Tuesday, 18th March 2025
Tomas Soucek has been named Czech Footballer of the Year for the fourth time.
An accolade that serves as a testament to his exceptional performances on the pitch and the impact he has had both West Ham and the Czech national team, Soucek's consistency, leadership and determination have made him a central figure for both and his recognition as the country's best footballer - once again - is a fitting reward for his hard work and dedication.
Having previous picked up the award in 2019, 2020 and 2023, Soucek landed the gong for a fourth time last night, with Slavia Prague’s Lukáš Provod some way behind in the voting in second place.
Soucek's journey has been a story of gradual progression. After making his professional debut in 2014 with Slovan Liberec, he moved to Slavia Prague in 2015, where his performances began to attract attention on a broader scale.
His physicality, work rate, and leadership qualities quickly became apparent, helping Slavia Prague achieve domestic success and perform admirably in European competitions. However, it was his move to West Ham United in 2020 under David Moyes that truly marked the beginning of his rise to prominence on the international stage.
At West Ham, Soucek - who is closing in on 200 appearances in a claret and blue shirt - has become one of the Premier League's most reliable midfielders. His tireless engine, ability to break up play and proficiency in the air have made him indispensable to managers Moyes and, now, Graham Potter.
Soucek's work ethic is a defining characteristic of his game, often covering immense distances to win the ball back or contribute to both defensive and offensive situations. His aerial prowess has also been a crucial factor in the team's progression, with numerous goals coming from set-piece situations.
In the 2023/24 season, Soucek’s all-around performances were integral to West Ham finishing in a competitive league position and reaching the latter stages of European competitions, eventually bowing out to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League's last eight.
His form at club level has been mirrored by his performances for the Czech national team, where Soucek has earned a reputation as one of the country's top talents. He has been a consistent presence in the national team’s midfield, where his leadership, composure on the ball, and experience have made him a key figure for coach Ivan Hašek.
The 2024 Footballer of the Year award also recognizes Soucek’s professionalism and character. Despite being a leader on the pitch, he is known for his humility and commitment to improving, both individually and as part of the team.
And that influence extends beyond just footballing ability - the midifleder's leadership qualities have made him a respected figure in the dressing room, where he leads by example and helps foster a winning mentality among his teammates.
Soucek's award as Czech Footballer of the Year 2024 also highlights the growing influence of Czech players in European football. While the Czech Republic may not be as internationally dominant as some of the top footballing nations, players like Soucek continue to make their mark in some of Europe’s biggest leagues.
The accolade further cements his place as one of the best footballers to come out of the Czech Republic in recent years - and we're very lucky to have him at West Ham.
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