Radek Bejbl (born 29 August 1972) is a Czech former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He notably played four seasons with Atlético Madrid and played in the UEFA Euro 1996 final with the Czech Republic national team.

Club career

Early career

Bejbl started his careers with Lokomotiva Nymburk and Mladá Boleslav. He made his league debut for Slavia Prague on 8 October 1990 in the 3–1 Czechoslovak First League win against Vítkovice, appearing as a substitute for Milan Šimůnek. Bejbl stayed with Slavia for six years, culminating in winning the Czech First League in 1996.

Spanish and French leagues

In summer 1996, Bejbl moved to Spain and signed with Atlético Madrid. He appeared in 33 matches in his first season in La Liga and eventually helped the Colchoneros to consecutive Copa del Rey finals (both lost). Bejbl missed the 2000 Copa del Rey final after the Czech national team refused to release him from international duty. He left the club in 2000, after it suffered relegation. Subsequently, Bejbl signed with RC Lens in the French Ligue 1, staying at the club for two seasons. During his time at Lens he played in defence as well as his usual position in midfield.

Later career

In 2002 Bejbl returned to former team Slavia for three additional campaigns. Bejbl spent two years in Austria with SK Rapid Wien, playing 27 Bundesliga games in his second year to help to a fourth-place finish and qualification to the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Aged 35, he returned to his country signing a one-year contract for one final season with Slovan Liberec. He finished his professional career in 2008 and went on to become a youth coach for Prague side Viktoria Žižkov.

International career

Bejbl played two matches for Czechoslovakia before the nation split. He played 56 matches and scored three goals for Czech Republic, participating at UEFA Euro 1996 and Euro 2000. In the former competition, he started in all the games as the nation reached the final, netting in a 2–1 group stage win against Italy.