Pavel Nedvěd was a tireless, two-footed midfielder whose engine and ferocious shooting made him one of the finest players of his era. The Czech first announced himself with Lazio, where he won a Serie A title, before moving to Juventus and inheriting the creative mantle in Turin.
Nicknamed ‘The Czech Cannon’ for his thunderous strikes, he was crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2003, a rare honour for a wide midfielder. He came agonisingly close to the European Championship with the Czech Republic, whose run to the Euro 96 final he helped inspire, and remained a symbol of relentless commitment throughout a distinguished career.