Filip Panák

Filip Panák is a Czech centre-back born on 2 November 1995. He developed at FK Primus Příbor and ŠSK Bílovec before joining MFK Karviná, where he made his senior debut in the Czech second tier in 2014. Initially used as an attacking or defensive midfielder, Panák helped Karviná reach the Czech top flight and scored 127 seconds into his first appearance there. Sparta Prague recruited him in 2019, but severe complications after knee surgery kept him away from football for an extended period and included liver and kidney failure requiring dialysis. He returned during the 2021/22 season and established himself as a ball-playing defender, using his midfield background to support buildup with composed passing. In September 2024, Panák captained Sparta to a 3–0 Champions League victory over Salzburg and was named man of the match. He is currently registered with Sparta Prague II and linked with Sparta’s senior side.