Vladimír Šmicer is a Czech former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He started his senior career at Slavia Prague, the only Czech club he ever played for. In 1999, Šmicer moved to England where he played for Liverpool, winning multiple honours. He is perhaps best remembered at Liverpool for his long-range goal in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final victory against Milan. At Liverpool he also won an UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001 as well as the 2003 League Cup.
Šmicer in 2024
2005 UEFA Champions League final
The 2005 UEFA Champions League final was the final match of the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, Europe's primary club football competition. The showpiece event was contested between Liverpool of England and Milan of Italy at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey on 25 May 2005. Liverpool, who had won the competition four times, were appearing in their sixth final, and their first since 1985. Milan, who had won the competition six times, were appearing in their second final in three years and tenth overall.
Match programme cover
The Steven Gerrard plinth outside Anfield inscribed with 86 minutes (the time of his strike for Liverpool against Olympiacos) and the commentary: "Oh, you beauty! What a hit son! What a hit!"
The Atatürk Olympic Stadium held the final
Milan captain Paolo Maldini scored in the first minute of the match