Vladimír Coufal is a professional footballer from the Czech Republic, known for his tireless work ethic and versatility as a right-back. Born on August 22, 1992, in Ostrava, Czech Republic, he began his football career in the youth system of Baník Ostrava, one of the country’s top clubs.
Early Career and Breakthrough:
Coufal made his professional debut with Baník Ostrava but soon moved to Slovan Liberec in 2012. His performances at Slovan Liberec helped him grow into one of the most reliable defenders in the Czech First League. During his time there, Coufal developed a reputation for his stamina, defensive solidity, and ability to support attacks, which eventually earned him a move to Slavia Prague in 2018.
Success at Slavia Prague:
At Slavia Prague, Coufal became a key player, helping the club secure two Czech league titles and a Czech Cup. His consistent performances in domestic competitions and the UEFA Champions League brought him recognition beyond the Czech Republic. During his time at Slavia, Coufal also built a strong partnership with Tomáš Souček, who would later join him at West Ham United.
Move to West Ham United:
In October 2020, Coufal made the switch to the Premier League, signing with West Ham United for a reported fee of around £5 million. His arrival was part of a wave of Czech signings that included Souček, and Coufal quickly endeared himself to the West Ham faithful. His aggressive tackling, determination, and willingness to get forward to deliver crosses became standout features of his game.
Premier League Impact:
Coufal’s impact was immediate, as he became a mainstay in West Ham’s defense, contributing significantly to the club’s push for European qualification. He helped West Ham secure a sixth-place finish in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. In the following season, he played a key role as West Ham reached the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League in 2021/22.
International Career:
Coufal made his senior debut for the Czech Republic in November 2017 in a friendly against Qatar. He has since been a regular in the national team, participating in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2020, where he helped the Czech Republic reach the quarterfinals.
Personal Playing Style:
Known for his tenacity and commitment, Coufal is a hard-working defender who excels at both defending and contributing to the attack. He is praised for his crossing ability, often delivering dangerous balls into the box, and his ability to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League. His strong work ethic, combined with his tactical awareness, has made him a valuable player for both West Ham and the Czech national team.
Recent Achievements:
In June 2023, Coufal was part of the West Ham squad that won the UEFA Europa Conference League, defeating ACF Fiorentina in the final. It was a memorable moment for Coufal, who played in front of many Czech fans as the match took place in Prague, his homeland.
Off the Pitch:
Coufal is known for his close friendship with teammate Tomáš Souček, and the two have often spoken about the importance of their Czech connection at West Ham. Coufal is a family man and has spoken in interviews about how important his wife and children are to him. His professionalism, dedication to improvement, and humility have made him a well-respected figure among teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Czechia
