West Ham United midfielder Tomáš Souček has won his third Czech Golden Ball Award.
The Golden Ball award is an esteemed accolade in Czech football which is bestowed annually to the country’s best footballer. A committee comprising the nation’s sports journalists meticulously assesses the players’ performances throughout the season to determine the deserving recipient.
The 28-year-old midfielder is the Captain of the Czech Republic National Team, and has been a key player for both club and country this season. Souček featured 36 times for West Ham United in the Premier League, scoring twice.
In the triumphant UEFA Conference League campaign, Souček played eleven times, scoring in the 3-0 away victory over Danish side Viborg in the play-off round.
For his country, Souček featured ten times, and will likely do so again later this week when the Czech Republic take on the Faroe Islands on Saturday 17 June in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying.
Souček also clinched the award in 2020 and 2021, and this year staved off competition for the award from Fiorentina’s midfielder Antonín Barák, who finished just a point behind him in the standings.
Souček caps off a memorable week by winning the Czech Golden Ball award 🇨🇿
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 13, 2023
Well in, Tomáš! 👏 pic.twitter.com/MQSS9BBbu3
The award caps off a fantastic week for the midfielder, who spoke about how proud he was to have won the Europa Conference League in his home city of Prague last week!
“This is incredible," the midfielder said whilst looking out over the crowd that had gathered to celebrate with the team as they paraded with the trophy through East London.
"There are so many fans here that have been waiting for a very long time and we are so happy that we have been able to win the trophy for them.
"When I signed for West Ham, I didn’t quite realise how many fans that we have and how passionate they are. I’m so happy to be a part of the West Ham family, it’s an honour for me to be able to celebrate with everyone here and play in front of them.
"It was so special for me to win a trophy back in my country. I have been playing at that Stadium for a long time previously in my career, so to go back there and win a trophy with West Ham was something I never thought would happen.
"Even just to be able to celebrate in my City was amazing. All of the team went out after the game to celebrate. I was in charge of the venue because I know Prague and it was brilliant to be able to celebrate all together.
"We really hope that winning this trophy will inspire us in Europe next season. Now that we’re going to have another opportunity to be playing in the Europa League next season, I hope that it will be another positive one next season."
Everyone at West Ham United congratulates Tomáš on winning his third Golden Ball.
