PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Štěpán Chaloupek |
| Date of Birth | 8 March 2003 (Age: 23) |
| Place of Birth | Meziboří, Czech Republic |
| Nationality | Czech |
| Height | 1.88–1.90 m / 6 ft 2 in–6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | SK Slavia Prague |
| Previous Clubs | Teplice |
| International Caps | 6+ |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (1 appearance) |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | €10–15M |
The Frozen Moment
The Seoul World Cup Stadium. June 12, 2026. The Czech Republic were making their return to the World Cup, and Štěpán Chaloupek, the 23-year-old centre-back from Meziboří, was handed a starting role in the tournament opener against South Korea.
For 90 minutes, he battled on the biggest stage of his career. But it was not to be—the Czechs fell 2-1, and Chaloupek was dropped from the lineup for the remaining group matches against South Africa and Mexico. The team exited with a single goal and a disappointing group-stage finish.
Yet the World Cup, however brief, was only the latest milestone in a remarkable rise. Just two years earlier, Chaloupek had been playing for Teplice, a mid-table Czech club, before being poached by Slavia Prague for just €1 million. Now, he had represented his country at a World Cup and was attracting interest from clubs across Europe—including Lazio, Benfica, and Premier League sides.
The boy from Meziboří had arrived.
Origins
Štěpán Chaloupek was born on 8 March 2003 in Meziboří, Czech Republic. His football journey began in his hometown with SFK Meziboří, where he played from 2009 to 2015.
At the age of 12, he moved to Teplice, joining the club’s youth system. He rose through the ranks, becoming captain of the under-19 team. His rapid development caught the attention of the regional football academy, where he spent two important years of his youth development.
Chaloupek made his senior debut in the 2021-22 season, first appearing in the Czech Cup in August 2021 before making his Czech First League debut in November 2021 against Sparta Prague. He became a regular starter for Teplice in the 2022-23 season.
The Professional Forge
Teplice (2022-2024):
Chaloupek established himself at Teplice over three seasons. In the 2022-23 season, he made 20 league appearances (17 starts), and in 2023-24, he featured 31 times (28 starts), scoring 3 goals. At the end of the 2023-24 season, he was awarded Teplice’s Player of the Year.
Slavia Prague (2024-Present):
In January 2024, Chaloupek signed a four-year contract with Czech champions Slavia Prague, effective from 30 June 2024. The transfer fee was approximately €1 million.
His first season at Slavia (2024-25) was transitional—he made 17 league appearances, mostly from the bench, as Slavia won the league title. But the 2025-26 season was his breakthrough. He made 27 league appearances (20 starts), scoring 7 goals—a remarkable return for a centre-back—and providing 1 assist. Across all competitions, he made 42 appearances, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists. His goal-scoring ability from set-pieces and penalties became a standout feature of his game.
In the 2025-26 Champions League, he scored against Pafos, showcasing his ability on the European stage. His performances earned him a recall to the senior national team.
Transfer Interest (2026):
Following the World Cup, Chaloupek became a target for several European clubs. Lazio reportedly made an offer, with negotiations centered around a fee of €10-15 million. Benfica, Hull City, Ipswich Town, and Roma were also linked. Slavia Prague, however, were in no rush to sell—Chaloupek’s contract runs until 2030.
The Anatomy of His Game
Chaloupek is a right-footed centre-back defined by his physical presence, aerial ability, and goal-scoring instincts.
In Possession:
Chaloupek is comfortable in possession, contributing to build-up play with progressive passing. His technical ability is complemented by a rare goal-scoring instinct for a centre-back.
Out of Possession:
At 1.88 metres, Chaloupek is an imposing figure, strong in the air and effective in duels. He averaged a 7.35 FotMob rating in the 2025-26 season. His defensive stats include 12 clean sheets in 28 league appearances. However, his World Cup debut—a 5.7 rating—showed that he is still learning to adapt to the highest level.
Psychological Edge:
Chaloupek has demonstrated rapid development and resilience. From Teplice’s Player of the Year to a World Cup starter in just two years, his rise has been meteoric. His ability to score crucial goals from set-pieces shows his confidence and leadership.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: 2025/26 Season Snapshot
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Czech First League | 27 | 20 | 1,815 | 7 | 1 | 12 | 7.35 |
| All Competitions | 42 | — | — | 9 | 5 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5.7 |
TABLE B: Career (First League)
| Season | Club | Apps | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Teplice | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | Teplice | 20 | 17 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Teplice | 31 | 28 | 3 | 1 |
| 2024-25 | Slavia Prague | 17 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025-26 | Slavia Prague | 27 | 20 | 7 | 1 |
| 2026-27 | Slavia Prague | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | — | 105 | 78 | 10 | 2 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic U21 | 13 | 0 | — |
| Czech Republic Senior | 6+ | 0 | 2026 World Cup Participant |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | Group Stage |
What these figures reveal is a player whose trajectory has been extraordinary. From 59 appearances for Teplice to 105 career First League appearances and a World Cup call-up, his development has been swift. His 9 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26 is exceptional for a centre-back. His market value has risen from €1 million to €10-15 million.
The Present Tense
Štěpán Chaloupek is 23 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a Slavia Prague player and a Czech Republic international.
The Slavia Story:
Chaloupek joined Slavia in July 2024 and has won two league titles with the club. He has become a key player, with his goal-scoring from set-pieces making him a valuable asset. His contract runs until 2030, and Slavia reportedly value him at €10-15 million.
The World Cup Campaign:
Chaloupek was selected in the Czech Republic’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 31 May 2026. He started the opening match against South Korea but was dropped for the subsequent matches against South Africa and Mexico. The Czechs were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Chaloupek made his senior debut for the Czech Republic in November 2025 against Gibraltar. He has earned 6 caps and represented his country at the 2026 World Cup.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Chaloupek is defined by his rapid rise and his commitment to giving back to his community. In May 2026, he visited the Regional Football Academy of the Ústí Region—the academy where he spent two key years of his youth development—to inspire young players and share his experiences.
His journey from Meziboří to Teplice to Slavia Prague and the World Cup is an inspiration to young Czech footballers. His visit to the academy was marked by an open discussion with current students about his path to the top, the challenges of professional sport, and the pride of wearing the national team shirt.
The Verdict from the Camp
Vladimír Cifranič, Czech Republic U19 Coach (2024):
“His progress in recent years has been remarkable. He is a physically strong defender with excellent aerial ability and goal-scoring instincts.”
Transfer Market Reports (August 2026):
Slavia Prague have set a valuation of approximately €10 million for Chaloupek, and he has attracted interest from Lazio, Benfica, Hull City, and Ipswich Town. Lazio have reportedly made an offer, with negotiations ongoing.
Where Next?
Štěpán Chaloupek is 23 years old and has attracted significant transfer interest following his breakthrough season and World Cup appearance. His contract with Slavia Prague runs until 2030, but with Lazio reportedly making an offer and Benfica, Hull City, and Ipswich Town also interested, a move could materialise in the coming months.
For the Czech Republic, Chaloupek represents the future of the defence. With 6 caps and a World Cup appearance, he is positioned to become a regular fixture for the national team.
From Meziboří to Teplice, from Slavia Prague to the World Cup, Štěpán Chaloupek’s journey is a story of rapid development, resilience, and extraordinary achievement. The boy who began his career in a small Czech town is now a World Cup player—and one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders.
