Václav Kadlec (born 20 May 1992) is a Czech retired professional footballer who played as a forward.

Club career

Kadlec made his debut in the Czech First League on 25 October 2008 for Sparta Prague against 1. FK Příbram. He scored his first league goal at the age of 16. Kadlec had a trial at Liverpool's academy in 2007. In November 2012 Kadlec fractured his skull in a collision with Martin Nešpor during Sparta Prague's match against Mladá Boleslav. On 18 August 2013, Kadlec joined Eintracht Frankfurt for an undisclosed fee, signing a contract due to expire in the summer of 2017. After a short loan at Letná he transferred to Danish side FC Midtjylland during the 15/16 season. However, he decided to return to Sparta in the summer transfer window of 2016. He signed a four-year contract with the club. On 29 September 2016, with Sparta Prague, he scored twice in the 3–1 win against Inter Milan in Europa League. In February 2020, Kadlec announced his retirement from playing due to persistent knee problems. On 2 September 2022, Kadlec joined Viktoria Žižkov. In August 2023, Kadlec joined TJ Ligmet Milín.

Coaching career

In January 2024, Kadlec was appointed second assistant coach at Viktoria Žižkov.

International career

On 12 October 2010, Kadlec made his first appearance for the Czech Republic national team against Liechtenstein and scored on his debut, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Czech Republic national team history. He was voted the Czech Talent of the Year at the 2010 Czech Footballer of the Year awards. Later in the year he made his debut for the under-21 team, also marking it with a goal. He represented the team at the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours

Sparta Prague Czech Republic U21