PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vladimír Coufal |
| Date of Birth | 22/08/1992 (Age: 33) |
| Place of Birth | Ostrava, Czech Republic |
| Nationality | Czech |
| Height | 1.74 m / 5 ft 8.5 in |
| Weight | 76 kg |
| Position | Right-Back / Right Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #34 (Hoffenheim) |
| Current Club | TSG Hoffenheim |
| Previous Clubs | Slavia Prague, West Ham United |
| International Caps | 45+ |
| International Goals | 2+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2028 |
| Market Value | €3M |
The Frozen Moment
The Jeju World Cup Stadium was electric. June 11, 2026. Czech Republic and South Korea were locked in their World Cup opener—the nation’s first appearance at the tournament in 20 years.
Vladimír Coufal had been a constant presence on the right flank, his tireless running and relentless energy a hallmark of his game. In the 58th minute, he delivered a cross that found its target, providing the assist for the Czech Republic’s goal in a 2-1 defeat. At 33 years old, he was one of the team’s elder statesmen, a veteran of seven seasons in the Premier League who had made the move to the Bundesliga to keep his World Cup dream alive.
Just two years earlier, he had been a mainstay at West Ham United, making over 120 Premier League appearances and becoming a fan favourite at the London Stadium. But when the offer from Hoffenheim came, he took it—a new challenge in Germany, a fresh start, and the chance to play at a World Cup.
The boy from Ostrava, who had risen through the ranks of Slavia Prague and conquered the Premier League, was now leading his country on the biggest stage of all.
Origins
Vladimír Coufal was born on August 22, 1992, in Ostrava, Czech Republic. His football journey began in the youth ranks of Slavia Prague, where he developed the foundations of his game.
He made his senior debut for Slavia Prague in the 2012-13 season, gradually establishing himself as a reliable presence at right-back. By the 2016-17 season, he had become a regular starter, making 23 league appearances. Over his time at Slavia, he won three Czech First League titles and three Czech Cups, building a reputation as one of the most consistent defenders in the country.
His performances in Czech football earned him a move to the Premier League in 2020, when West Ham United signed him for a reported £5 million.
The European Forge
Slavia Prague (2012-2020):
Coufal made 125 league appearances for Slavia Prague, scoring 7 goals. He won three Czech First League titles and three Czech Cups, establishing himself as one of the best right-backs in the country. His domestic success opened the door to a move to England.
West Ham United (2020-2025):
Coufal made 128 Premier League appearances for West Ham, scoring 0 goals and providing 19 assists. He was a key player in the Hammers’ setup, becoming a fan favourite for his tireless work rate and defensive discipline. He made 72 starts in his first two Premier League seasons and was a key part of the West Ham team that finished sixth in 2020-21 and reached the Europa League semi-finals in 2021-22.
TSG Hoffenheim (2025-Present):
In August 2025, Coufal made the move to the Bundesliga, signing for TSG Hoffenheim on a free transfer. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he made 34 appearances (all starts), accumulating 3,018 minutes of football. He recorded 1 goal and 8 assists in the league. He also featured in the DFB-Pokal, making 1 appearance.
International Career:
Coufal made his senior debut for the Czech Republic in 2017 and has earned over 45 caps for his country. He has scored 2 goals for the national team. He was a key player in the Czech Republic’s successful World Cup qualifying campaign and was named in the squad for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s first appearance in the tournament in 20 years.
The Anatomy of His Game
Coufal is a right-back defined by his tireless work rate, defensive discipline, and crossing ability. At 33, he remains one of the most reliable defenders in European football.
In Possession:
Coufal is a composed passer who contributes to build-up play. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he provided 8 assists in 34 appearances. His crossing ability is a key part of his game—he recorded 20 crosses in the World Cup group stage. He is capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box, making him a valuable asset in attacking phases.
Out of Possession:
Coufal’s defensive work is his defining attribute. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he recorded 105 clearances and won 172 duels. He has a duel success rate of 55.8%, winning 172 of 308 duels contested. He is a reliable defender who reads the game well and makes crucial interceptions and clearances.
Psychological Edge:
Coufal’s mental resilience and leadership are his defining characteristics. At 33, he is one of the elder statesmen in the Czech Republic squad and brings a wealth of experience from seven seasons in the Premier League. His move from West Ham to Hoffenheim was driven by a desire to keep his World Cup dream alive, and he has delivered on the biggest stage.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 34 | 34 | 3,018 | 1 | 8 | 7.09 |
| DFB-Pokal | 1 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 3 | 3 | 270 | 0 | 1 | — |
| TOTAL | 38 | 38 | 3,288+ | 1 | 9 | — |
TABLE B: Career (Top Leagues)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Hoffenheim | Bundesliga | 34 | 1 | 8 |
| 2024/25 | West Ham | Premier League | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | West Ham | Premier League | 31 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | West Ham | Premier League | 25 | 0 | 4 |
| 2021/22 | West Ham | Premier League | 28 | 0 | 5 |
| 2020/21 | West Ham | Premier League | 34 | 0 | 7 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 174 | 1 | 26 |
TABLE C: International Record (2026 World Cup)
| Stage | Opponent | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Crs | Int | TklW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | South Korea | 90 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Group Stage | South Africa | 90 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| Group Stage | — | — | 0 | 0 | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | — | 270 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 2 | 1 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2020 | Slavia Prague | 3 league titles, 3 cups |
| 2020 | West Ham Transfer | Signed for £5m |
| 2020-21 | Europa League Semi-Final | With West Ham |
| 2025 | Hoffenheim Move | Free transfer |
| 2025/26 | Bundesliga Regular | 34 appearances, 8 assists |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | Started against South Korea |
What these figures reveal
is a player who has consistently performed at the highest level across three different leagues. Coufal has made over 170 top-flight appearances, won six trophies at Slavia Prague, and become a key player for the Czech Republic. At 33, he is entering the twilight of his career but remains a reliable and consistent presence.
The Present Tense
Vladimír Coufal is 33 years old and in the twilight of his career. He is a Hoffenheim player, a Czech Republic international, and a World Cup starter.
The Hoffenheim Story:
Coufal joined Hoffenheim in August 2025 and has become an integral part of the team. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, he made 34 appearances (all starts), accumulating 3,018 minutes of football. He recorded 1 goal and 8 assists in the league. He is under contract until 2028.
The World Cup Campaign:
Coufal was named in the Czech Republic’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup—the country’s first appearance in the tournament in 20 years. He started all three of the Czech Republic’s group matches, accumulating 270 minutes of tournament football. He provided an assist against South Korea, delivering the cross for the Czech Republic’s goal. He was a key leader in the squad, bringing his experience from seven seasons in the Premier League.
International Record:
Coufal has 45 caps and 2 goals for the Czech Republic. He made his senior debut in 2017 and has been a regular in the national team setup since. He has won the Czech First League and Czech Cup three times each with Slavia Prague.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Coufal’s journey is one of steady progression and dedication. He spent eight years at Slavia Prague, winning six trophies before making the move to the Premier League. His decision to leave West Ham for Hoffenheim was driven by a desire to continue playing at the highest level and to represent his country at the World Cup.
At 33, he is one of the elder statesmen of the Czech Republic squad. His experience and leadership were vital to the team’s World Cup campaign.
The Verdict from the Camp
Bundesliga Official Website:
Coufal comes into the 2026 World Cup as one of Czechia’s leaders as they participate in the showpiece for the first time in 20 years. At 33 years of age, he is one of Czechia’s elder statesmen.
Statistic:
Coufal made 174 top-flight appearances across the Premier League and Bundesliga, recording 1 goal and 26 assists.
Statistic:
Coufal provided 8 assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances in the 2025-26 season.
Statistic:
Coufal won six trophies with Slavia Prague before moving to England.
Where Next?
Vladimír Coufal is 33 years old and under contract with Hoffenheim until 2028. He has established himself as a reliable Bundesliga defender and a key player for the Czech Republic.
For the Czech Republic, he is a veteran leader. His World Cup experience, his leadership, and his consistency make him an invaluable asset for the national team. At 33, he has many years ahead of him and could continue to be a key figure for the national team for the next cycle.
From Ostrava to Slavia Prague, from West Ham to Hoffenheim, and from a Premier League stalwart to a World Cup starter, Vladimír Coufal’s journey is a story of dedication, consistency, and a refusal to be defined by age. The warrior who left a Premier League legacy for a World Cup dream has fulfilled his ambition on the biggest stage of all.
