Pavel Nedvěd ran like a man who had forgotten the match had a final whistle, and he struck the ball as if it owed him money. The Czech midfielder was pure energy at Juventus, and in 2003 it earned him the Ballon d'Or, ahead of Thierry Henry and every other star of the day.
For a player from a small football country to win it was a serious achievement. It also came with a cruel footnote.
The final he missed
Nedvěd dominated the 2003 Champions League semi-final, then picked up a suspension and had to watch the final from outside the team. Juventus lost without him.
The rest of the record:
- Two Serie A titles with Juventus, where he became one of the most loved players in the club's history
- 91 caps for the Czech Republic
- A run to the Euro 2004 semi-finals, with Nedvěd leading his country
He ran more, tackled harder and shot harder than almost anyone on the pitch, which made him one of the most complete midfielders of his time. Talent from a small nation, a Ballon d'Or to show for it and proof that ability does not need a big passport.
Tomorrow: number 19.
