Pavel Nedved comes out of retirement aged 45 as Czech legend signs for hometown club Skalna alongside vice-chairman duties for Juventus

  • 45-year-old Nedved has signed for amateur side Skalna in Czech homeland
  • He will play for them when duties as Juventus vice-chairman allow 
  • Nedved retired eight years ago, having spent eight successful years at Juve
  • Midfielder, who was capped 91 times for his country, won Ballon d'Or in 2003
  • His son, Pavel Jr, is also on the books at Skalna, so they could play together 

Czech legend Pavel Nedved has delighted fans by coming out of retirement in his homeland at the age of 45.

The former Lazio and Juventus midfielder, who won 91 caps for his country and won the Ballon d'Or in 2003, has signed for amateur side FK Skalna.

Nedved grew up in the town, so his decision to register with the club at the end of August has brought his glittering career full circle.

Czech legend Pavel Nedved signs for amateur club FK Skalna in his home town 

Czech legend Pavel Nedved signs for amateur club FK Skalna in his home town 

Skalna posted a photograph of Nedved's contract on their Facebook page

Skalna posted a photograph of Nedved's contract on their Facebook page

Nedved will play for the amateur side when free of Juventus vice-chairman duties

Nedved will play for the amateur side when free of Juventus vice-chairman duties

He is currently vice-chairman at Juventus, but the Italian champions have permitted Nedved the chance to play in the occasional match.


Intriguingly, Nedved's son, Pavel Jr, is also on the books at Skalna, so we could well see lad and dad line up together at some stage this season.

A post on Skalna's Facebook page featured a photograph of the contract and Nedved signing it.

A statement said: 'After hard, long and challenging negotiations between the bosses of Skalna and Juventus, they have managed to sign Pavel Nedved.

'The clubs have agreed to publish terms. However, it is not yet clear when Pavel will join the team and when he will play in one of the championship games, as he is busy as Juventus vice-president.'

The 45-year-old celebrates as Juventus thrash Torino 4-0 in Serie A on Saturday night

The 45-year-old celebrates as Juventus thrash Torino 4-0 in Serie A on Saturday night

Nedved is vice-chairman at Juventus, whom he played for from 2001 until 2009

Nedved is vice-chairman at Juventus, whom he played for from 2001 until 2009

Nedved spent his younger career playing for Prague clubs Dukla and Sparta in his homeland, before signing for Lazio in 1996.

He helped the Rome side to the Serie A title, two Italian Cups and the European Cup Winners' Cup during five seasons with them.

Nedved made the switch to Juventus in 2001, going on to win two more league titles and also reach the final of the 2003 Champions League, where they lost on penalties to Milan.

He burst onto the international scene when the Czech Republic reached the final of Euro 96 and he would go on to play in three more major tournaments, scoring 18 goals in his 91 appearances.

Nedved was awarded the Ballon d'Or award when at Juventus back in 2003

Nedved was awarded the Ballon d'Or award when at Juventus back in 2003

The Czech midfielder celebrates scoring against his former club Lazio for Juventus in 2002

The Czech midfielder celebrates scoring against his former club Lazio for Juventus in 2002

He won 91 caps for the Czech Republic, scoring 18 goals and playing in four tournaments

He won 91 caps for the Czech Republic, scoring 18 goals and playing in four tournaments