On this day in 2003, Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved beat Thierry Henry and Paolo Maldini to the Ballon d’Or.
The Czech midfielder had been in stunning form in the 2002-03 season, scoring 14 goals in 45 games across all competitions.
That was the best return of his career in Italy, and the second-best of his entire career following his 19 goal season for Sparta Prague in 1995-96.
Nedved helped Juve to win the Scudetto by seven points from Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan, but it was arguably in Europe where his influence was most apparent.
On this day in 2003, Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved beat Thierry Henry and Paolo Maldini to the Ballon d’Or.
The Czech midfielder had been in stunning form in the 2002-03 season, scoring 14 goals in 45 games across all competitions.
That was the best return of his career in Italy, and the second-best of his entire career following his 19 goal season for Sparta Prague in 1995-96.
Nedved helped Juve to win the Scudetto by seven points from Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan, but it was arguably in Europe where his influence was most apparent.
His 15 games brought five goals, including a crucial away goal at Camp Nou in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-final tie with Real Madrid, Nedved was arguably the best player on the park for the second leg in Turin.
Having provided a crucial cross for David Trezeguet’s opener, it was ‘the Czech Fury’ who put the game to bed with the third goal.
Gianluca Zambrotta launched a long ball over the top and Nedved surged beyond the Merengues defence to power a half-volley past Iker Casillas.
Zinedine Zidane made it 3-1 though, and Juve had to avoid the concession of another goal or they’d be eliminated on away goals.
With his side under pressure, Nedved dropped into central midfield and as the minutes ticked away he tackled Zidane in central midfield.
The ball broke to Steve McManaman, and Nedved chased after the Englishman.
When the former Liverpool man cut inside though, the Czech stuck out a leg and while there wasn’t much contact, McManaman went down.
Referee Urs Meier brandished a yellow card and Nedved sank to his knees, his famous blonde locks obscuring his face – he would miss the final through suspension.
There are still Juventini who contend to this day they’d have beaten Milan in that match had Nedved been fit.
As it was a dull 0-0 was decided on penalties, and the Rossoneri lifted their fifth European Cup.
Nedved would have seen it as scant reward, but his performances were recognised as he was awarded the 2003 Ballon d’Or.
He received a total of 45 votes, 27 of them for first place, for a total of 190 points to easily beat Henry on 128 and Maldini on 123.
“I did not even dream of winning such an award,” Nedved insisted afterward.
“I heard about the nominees and being among them, but I did not believe in my chances too much. For me, Thierry Henry is the best forward in the world now. If I had voted I would have voted for Thierry and for the other players on the podium.”
Nedved would finish second in the voting in the following season – Milan’s Andriy Shevchenko won – having led the Czech Republic to the semi-finals of Euro 2004.