Tomáš Ujfaluši is a former Czech professional footballer born in 1978.
He began his professional career with SK Sigma Olomouc in 1996 before moving to Hamburger SV in 2000.
Ujfaluši played for several top clubs, including Atlético Madrid and Galatasaray, winning multiple league titles.
Biography
Early Life
Tomáš Ujfaluši was born in 1978 in the Czech Republic, where he began his football journey at a young age. He started his professional career with SK Sigma Olomouc in 1996, quickly establishing himself as a talented defender. His early years laid the foundation for a successful career in football, showcasing his skills as both a central defender and a right-back.
Career
Ujfaluši's career took off when he joined Hamburger SV in December 2000, where he played until 2004. During his time in Germany, he made a significant impact in the Bundesliga. He then moved to Italy, signing with ACF Fiorentina, where he played from 2004 to 2008, making nearly 150 appearances but without winning any silverware. In 2008, he transferred to Atlético Madrid, where he won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2010. His journey continued in Turkey with Galatasaray from 2011 to 2013, where he helped the team secure two Süper Lig titles. Ujfaluši returned to his roots in 2013, signing with AC Sparta Prague for a brief stint before retiring.
International Career
On the international stage, Ujfaluši represented the Czech Republic, earning 78 caps from 2001 to 2009. He played in the UEFA Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he was notably sent off against Ghana. His international career ended controversially after a defeat against Slovakia, which led to criticism of his off-field activities. Despite the ups and downs, Ujfaluši's contributions to Czech football are well-remembered, and he even captained the national team during his tenure.
Legacy
Ujfaluši's legacy includes winning six major titles across his club career and being recognized in Fiorentina's All-time XI. His journey through various top leagues in Europe and his international appearances have solidified his status as a notable figure in Czech football history.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Ujfaluši joined German side Hamburger SV in December 2000, taking the number 30 shirt and signing a four-and-a-half year contract. In 2004, Ujfaluši signed a four-year contract with Italian side Fiorentina for a fee of approximately €6.3 million.
Atlético Madrid
After nearly 150 official appearances for the Viola (albeit without silverware), being mainly used as a centre-back by coach Cesare Prandelli, Ujfaluši joined Atlético Madrid as a free agent. On 19 September 2010, during injury time of a 1–2 league loss against Barcelona at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, Ujfaluši made a late challenge on Lionel Messi, injuring his right ankle. The defender received a straight red card for his foul, and was subsequently banned for two games by the Spanish League's disciplinary committee.
Galatasaray
On 20 June 2011, aged 33, Ujfaluši signed for Süper Lig club Galatasaray, for a €2 million transfer fee. He was an undisputed starter in his first season, being sent off in the final game of the campaign – a goalless away draw against Fenerbahçe – as Gala won a record-equalling 18th league title. Ujfaluši left Galatasaray at the end of 2012–13 due to a long injury.
Sparta Prague
Ujfaluši returned to the Czech Republic and signed a one-year contract with Sparta Prague in August 2013, taking the number 3 shirt. He made his competitive debut for Sparta Prague in September 2013 in a Czech Cup third round match against Zlín of the second league. After a few months…
Ujfaluši debuted for the Czech senior squad during a friendly match against Macedonia in 2001. He represented the country at the UEFA Euro 2004 by appearing in four matches for the semifinalists and 2006 FIFA World Cup, being sent off in the latter tournament against Ghana in an eventual group stage exit. After nine years with the national team, during which he eventually gained captaincy, Ujfaluši ended his international career on 8 April 2009 after being criticised for visiting a restaurant, accompanied by five other players, following the Czech Republic's defeat against Slovakia earlier on 1 April in a World Cup qualification.
- Club
- Hamburger SV (2000–2004)
- Club
- Atlético Madrid (2008–2011)
- Club
- ACF Fiorentina (2004–2008)
- Club
- SK Sigma Olomouc (1996–2000)
- Club
- Galatasaray S.K. (2011–2013)
- Club
- AC Sparta Prague (2013–2013)
- Club
- Czech Republic national under-21 football team (1997–1999)
- Club
- Czechia men's national football team (2001–2009)
- Club
- Czech Republic national under-20 football team (1997–1997)
- League
- Bundesliga
- National team
- Czech Republic
Legacy
Hamburger SV
DFB-Ligapokal: 2003 Atlético Madrid
UEFA Europa League: 2009–10 UEFA Super Cup: 2010 Galatasaray
Süper Lig: 2011–12, 2012–13 Turkish Super Cup: 2012 Individual
Fiorentina All-time XI
Clubs
- SK Sigma Olomouc1996–2000
- Czech Republic national under-20 football team1997–1997
- Czech Republic national under-21 football team1997–1999
- Hamburger SV2000–2004
- Czechia men's national football team2001–2009
- ACF Fiorentina2004–2008
- Atlético Madrid2008–2011
- Galatasaray S.K.2011–2013
- AC Sparta Prague2013–2013
Played together with
Aaron HuntHamburger SV · 2015
Abdul Kader KeïtaGalatasaray S.K. · 2009–2010
Abdullah ErcanGalatasaray S.K. · 2003–2004
Abel BalboACF Fiorentina · 1999–2000- Abel BalboACF Fiorentina
Abel ResinoAtlético Madrid · 1986–1995- Abel XavierGalatasaray S.K. · 2002–2003
- Abel XavierGalatasaray S.K. · 2003–2003
Achille PicciniACF Fiorentina · 1934–1938
Adam HložekAC Sparta Prague · 2018–2022
Adam JánošAC Sparta Prague · 2012–2015- Adam JánošAC Sparta Prague · 2016
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Tomáš Ujfaluši is a Czech former professional footballer. He operated as either a central defender or a right-back. Initially beginning his career with Sigma Olomouc in 1996, he played in Germany, Italy (four), Spain (three), and Turkey (two) – winning six major titles between Hamburger SV, Atlético Madrid and Galatasaray – respectively. Ujfaluši earned 78 appearances for the Czech Republic, representing the country at the 2006 World Cup and two European Championships.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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