Quick Facts
Biography
Radoslav Kováč (Czech pronunciation: [ˈradoslaf ˈkovaːt͡ʃ]; born 27 November 1979) is a retired Czech footballer who last played for Sparta Prague. He plays both in midfield and in defence. He previously played for Sigma Olomouc, Sparta Prague, Spartak Moscow, West Ham United, FC Basel and Slovan Liberec. On 6 January 2010, he announced his retirement from international football after representing the Czech Republic U21 and the senior team for nine years.
Club career
Early career
Having come through the ranks of Sigma Olomouc, Kováč joined Sparta Prague in 2004. In July 2005, he moved to Russia, where he signed for Spartak Moscow. During a Moscow derby against Lokomotiv Moscow on 20 July 2008, Kováč received a yellow card for tackling a fan who invaded the pitch.
West Ham United
On 30 January 2009, he moved on loan to West Ham United for the remainder of the 2008–09 season. He made his debut for West Ham on 25 February 2009 in a 2–0 FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough. His first goal for West Ham came in their 3–1 away defeat to Everton on 16 May 2009.
Kováč signed a permanent contract with West Ham United on 11 August 2009 on a three-year contract. He scored his first goal of the 2009–10 season against Portsmouth in the 89th minute on 26 December, playing 90 minutes in a 2–0 win at Upton Park. At the end of the 2010/2011 season, with twelve months left on his contract and after 62 league and cup appearances, Kováč left West Ham United.
Basel
In July 2011 Kováč joined reigning Swiss Super League champions F.C. Basel for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract. He made his debut for his new club on 16 July 2011 in the Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf in the 1–1 away draw against BSC Young Boys. At the end of the 2011–12 season he won the Double, the League Championship title and the Swiss Cup with Basel. Kováč scored his first goal for Basel in the 1–1 away draw against Sion on 4 August 2012.
International career
Kováč made his debut on 9 October 2004 in a 1–0 friendly win against Romania. Kováč appeared for his nation in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008. With the Czech Republic failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Kováč announced his retirement from international football in January 2010, in order to focus on his club career.
International goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 March 2007 | Liberec, Czech Republic |  Cyprus | 1–0 | Win | UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying |
| 2 | 19 November 2008 | Serravalle, San Marino |  San Marino | 3–0 | Win | 2010 World Cup qualifying |
Honours
Basel
- Swiss Super League champion: 2012
- Swiss Cup winner: 2012
- Uhrencup Winner: 2011