Marek Jankulovski facts for kids
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Marek Jankulovski (born 9 May 1977) is a former professional footballer from the Czech Republic. He played as a defender, mostly on the left side of the field.
Marek is famous for winning the UEFA Champions League with AC Milan. He was also named the 2007 Czech Footballer of the Year. He played 77 games for the Czech Republic. He represented his country in three UEFA European Championships, the 2000 Summer Olympics, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Marek was known for being fast, tough, and hardworking. He could play in many positions on the left side. He played as a full-back, a wing-back, and a winger. He was also good at crossing the ball and making exciting runs down the left side.
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Marek Jankulovski's Football Journey
Starting Out: Baník Ostrava
Marek Jankulovski began his football career at Baník Ostrava. He joined the club in 1994 and quickly became part of the first team. At first, he played as an attacking midfielder. Later, he moved to a defender position.
In the 1999–2000 season, Marek scored eight goals. His great playing caught the eye of clubs from other countries. He played a total of 110 league games for Baník Ostrava. He scored 15 goals during his time there.
Playing in Italy: Napoli
After playing in the UEFA Euro 2000, Marek joined Napoli in Italy. He was given the number fifteen shirt. His countryman, Zdeněk Zeman, who was a coach, suggested he join the club.
Marek made his debut for Napoli on 1 November 2000. He scored his first goal for the club soon after. He scored his second goal in a big 6–2 win against Reggina. Napoli was relegated to Serie B that season. Marek made 20 appearances and scored once.
In the 2001–02 season, Marek stayed with Napoli. He continued to play in midfield and later at left-back. He scored six goals in 33 games that season.
Moving to Udinese
On 1 February 2002, Marek joined Udinese. The transfer was worth €3.5 million. He was loaned back to Napoli for a short time.
Marek quickly became a regular player for Udinese. He played as a left-back or in midfield. He scored his first goal for Udinese on 2 February 2003. He scored five goals in 29 games that season.
In the 2003–04 season, Marek continued to play well. He scored eight goals in 38 games. Udinese qualified for the UEFA Cup because of their strong performance.
The next season, Marek scored his first goal against Parma. He scored two goals in a 4–3 win against Lecce. He helped Udinese reach the semi-final of the Coppa Italia. He played 37 games and scored four goals that season.
Becoming a Star at AC Milan
In June 2005, Marek Jankulovski joined AC Milan. He had been injured, so he missed the start of the season. He made his debut for Milan on 11 September 2005.
He scored his first goal for Milan on 22 April 2006. He played 28 games and scored one goal in his first season.
In the 2006–07 season, Marek became a key player at left-back. He scored important goals, including the winning goal against Ascoli. He signed a new contract with Milan until 2011. He helped Milan reach the Champions League final. On 23 May 2007, he played in the final. Milan won 2–1 against Liverpool, making him a Champions League winner! He played 50 games and scored three goals that season.
At the start of the 2007–08 season, Marek scored in the 2007 UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla. Milan won the match. He later suffered a knee injury. He returned to play in the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup. Milan won this tournament too. He played 19 games and scored once that season. In May 2008, he was named the Czech Footballer of the Year.
In the 2008–09 season, Marek continued to be a regular left-back. He scored one goal in 38 games. He helped Milan keep many clean sheets.
The 2009–10 season saw Marek face more injuries. He played fewer games, making 16 appearances. He chose to stay at Milan even when he had less playing time. He said he did not want to betray the club.
In his final season with Milan, 2010–11, Marek faced more injuries. He made only eight appearances. Despite his injuries, he was part of the Milan team that won the Serie A title. This was Milan's first league title since 2004.
Back Home: Baník Ostrava Return
On 10 October 2011, Marek Jankulovski returned to his first club, Baník Ostrava. He had always wanted to return to his hometown club.
He played his first game back on 15 October 2011. However, he suffered a knee injury just eight minutes after coming on. This turned out to be his last professional football match. On 20 February 2012, Marek announced his retirement from football. He could not recover from his knee injury. A year later, Baník Ostrava held a special farewell match for him.
Playing for His Country: Czech Republic
Early International Games
Marek played for the Czech Republic's youth teams. He made his debut for the senior national team on 8 February 2000. It was a 2–1 victory against Mexico.
In June 2000, he was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2000. He played in two matches as a substitute. The Czech Republic was eliminated from the tournament.
Olympic Games 2000
Marek was called up for the 2000 Summer Olympics. He scored a goal in a 2–2 draw against the United States. He played two more games, but the team did not get past the group stage.
He scored his first senior international goal on 1 September 2001. It was against Iceland. He scored again against Malta.
Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006
Marek helped the Czech Republic keep several clean sheets in 2002. He scored his third goal for his country in October 2002. In June 2004, he was in the squad for UEFA Euro 2004. He became the team's main left-back. The Czech Republic reached the semi-finals but lost to Greece.
After Euro 2004, Marek helped the team keep more clean sheets. He scored his seventh goal for the Czech Republic in March 2005. He played a key role in helping his country qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In May 2006, he was named in the World Cup squad. He scored a goal in the opening match against the United States. The Czech Republic was eliminated in the group stage.
Euro 2008 and Retirement
After the 2006 World Cup, Marek continued as the Czech Republic's main left-back. He scored two goals in September 2007. The Czech Republic qualified for UEFA Euro 2008. Marek played all three matches in the tournament. The team was eliminated in the group stage.
He scored his twelfth goal for the Czech Republic in August 2008. He continued to be a key player for two more years. He announced his retirement from international football after the team failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Life After Playing Football
After retiring, Marek Jankulovski became a consultant for Baník Ostrava. He also worked as a football expert for TV, covering the UEFA Champions League.
On 18 June 2018, he became the sporting director for Baník Ostrava. He worked in this role for two seasons. He left the position on 13 July 2020.
Personal Life
Marek Jankulovski's father is from Macedonia. His mother is Czech. Marek speaks both Czech and Italian. He is married to Jana Jankulovska. They have two daughters named Karolína and Kristýna.
Career Stats
- Source:
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Europe | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Baník Ostrava | 1994–95 | Czech First League | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||||
| 1995–96 | Czech First League | 9 | 1 | – | – | 9 | 1 | |||||
| 1996–97 | Czech First League | 21 | 1 | – | – | 21 | 1 | |||||
| 1997–98 | Czech First League | 26 | 3 | – | – | 26 | 3 | |||||
| 1998–99 | Czech First League | 26 | 2 | – | – | 26 | 2 | |||||
| 1999–2000 | Czech First League | 27 | 8 | – | – | 27 | 8 | |||||
| Total | 110 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 110 | 15 | ||
| Napoli | 2000–01 | Serie A | 20 | 3 | – | – | 20 | 3 | ||||
| 2001–02 | Serie B | 31 | 5 | 2 | 1 | – | – | 33 | 6 | |||
| Total | 51 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 9 | ||
| Udinese | 2002–03 | Serie A | 27 | 5 | 2 | 0 | – | – | 29 | 5 | ||
| 2003–04 | Serie A | 32 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | – | 38 | 8 | ||
| 2004–05 | Serie A | 32 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 38 | 4 | ||
| Total | 91 | 15 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 104 | 17 | ||
| AC Milan | 2005–06 | Serie A | 22 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 28 | 1 | |
| 2006–07 | Serie A | 33 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 13 | 0 | – | 50 | 3 | ||
| 2007–08 | Serie A | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 1 | |
| 2008–09 | Serie A | 31 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | – | 38 | 1 | ||
| 2009–10 | Serie A | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | 12 | 0 | ||
| 2010–11 | Serie A | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 7 | 0 | ||
| Total | 113 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 154 | 6 | ||
| Baník Ostrava | 2011–12 | Czech First League | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | ||||
| Career total | 366 | 42 | 23 | 3 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 421 | 47 | ||
International
- Games and goals for his country each year
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | 2000 | 4 | 0 |
| 2001 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2002 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2003 | 8 | 3 | |
| 2004 | 14 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2007 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 6 | 1 | |
| Total | 78 | 12 |
Awards and Trophies
- Serie A: 2010–11
- UEFA Champions League: 2006–07
- UEFA Super Cup: 2007
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
See also
In Spanish: Marek Jankulovski para niños
