Patrik Schick has won the Czech Golden Ball for the 2025/2026 season. It is the second time the Bayer Leverkusen striker has received the award.
The honour is presented by the Association of Sports Journalists. Schick first won it in the 2021/22 season. The forward expressed his gratitude in German. "This is a great honour that I deeply appreciate," Schick said.
International retirement after World Cup exit
Schick confirmed his retirement from the Czech national team following their group-stage exit at the World Cup in June. He views the development under new head coach Santi Denia positively. The Leverkusen player did not rule out a possible return.
Career roots and current role
The striker began his professional career at Sparta Prague and Bohemians Prague 1905. He scored 16 goals for Bayer Leverkusen in the previous Bundesliga campaign. This season, he is the club's top scorer with four goals in four appearances. Leverkusen sit fifth in the table with seven points from four matches.
Schick and Bayer Leverkusen next face sixth-placed FSV Mainz 05 away on October 10. The team's recent form reads three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five outings. Their most recent victory was a 2-0 home win against RB Leipzig, with Schick scoring in the 44th minute.
Further reading: sueddeutsche.de
