David Jurásek

Defender · Czechia · #14

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	David Jurásek
Date of Birth	21 August 2000
Age	25
Place of Birth	Kroměříž, Czech Republic
Nationality	Czechia
Height	6' 0"
Position	Defender
Jersey Number	#14
Current Club	Benfica
International Caps	16
FIFA Rating	78
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is David Jurásek?

David Jurásek is a dynamic left-footed defender representing Czechia at the highest level, poised to make his FIFA World Cup debut in 2026. At 25 years old, standing 6'0" and playing as a versatile left-back or defensive midfielder, Jurásek brings composure, progressive passing, and defensive solidity to the pitch—qualities that have made him one of Benfica’s most promising young talents and a cornerstone of Czechia’s resurgence in international football. His inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad marks a pivotal moment not only for his career but for Czech football, signaling a generational handover on the defensive flank as the nation bids to return to the tournament after nearly two decades of absence.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on August 7, 2000, in Kroměříž, a historic Moravian town in the Czech Republic, David Jurásek grew up in a family deeply connected to sport and community values. Kroměříž, often called the "Pearl of Haná," is known for its Baroque architecture and vibrant cultural life, but for young David, it was also the place where football first took root. His father, Josef Jurásek, was a local coach and former amateur footballer, who coached youth teams in the region and instilled in his son a disciplined, technical approach to the game. His mother, Věra Jurásková, worked in education, emphasizing perseverance and education—values that Jurásek has cited as foundational to his professionalism.

From an early age, Jurásek played in the local streets and pitches of Kroměříž, developing a natural left-footed comfort that would define his future career. He idolized Pavel Nedvěd, the 2003 Ballon d’Or winner and Czech legend, admiring not only his skill but his relentless work ethic and leadership. Nedvěd’s success inspired Jurásek to pursue football with seriousness, and by age seven, he began training with TJ Kroměříž, the town’s senior club, which operated youth academies. His technical ability and spatial awareness stood out immediately, drawing comparisons to other Czech left-backs like Theodor Gebre Selassie. The close-knit community and family support system allowed Jurásek to grow both as a player and a person, shaping the quiet confidence and humility that now characterize his public persona.

Youth Career

Jurásek’s development accelerated when he joined 1. FC Slovácko’s youth academy at age 14, a club in Uherské Hradiště, about 100 km from Kroměříž. Though smaller than some Czech powerhouses, Slovácko’s youth setup was known for developing technically gifted players and emphasizing positional play—traits that suited Jurásek’s strengths. He progressed rapidly through the under-17 and under-19 teams, and by 2017, at age 16, he made his first appearance for the club’s senior side in the Czech First League.

His senior debut came on May 12, 2018, in a 1–0 loss at Dynamo České Budějovice, where he played the full 90 minutes at left-back. The performance earned him praise from coach Jindřich Trpišovský, who would later become a key mentor. Jurásek’s ability to read the game, make forward runs, and deliver accurate crosses caught the eye of scouts across Europe, particularly in Portugal, where Benfica and Sporting CP were known for acquiring promising Eastern European talents.

Professional Club Career

Jurásek’s professional ascension began in earnest during the 2020–21 season, when he became a regular starter under Trpišovský at Slovácko. The club, then in a rebuilding phase, relied heavily on young players, and Jurásek rewarded their faith by providing both defensive stability and attacking thrust from the left flank. He played 27 league matches that season, contributing two goals and four assists—numbers modest by elite standards but impressive for a 20-year-old debutant in a physically demanding league. Slovácko finished 6th in the Czech First League, securing a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, a remarkable feat for the club.

His breakout campaign came in 2021–22, when he transitioned to FC Baník Ostrava, one of Czechia’s most historic clubs. Baník offered a higher-profile stage, and Jurásek thrived under managers Radek Drulák and later Luboš Urban. He made 33 league appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most promising young full-backs. His standout performance came in a 4–2 derby win over FC Ostrava, where his overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses set up two goals. That season, he was named to the Czech First League Team of the Season (young player category).

In June 2022, after months of speculation, Jurásek completed a move to Benfica B, the club’s reserve team competing in Liga Portugal 2. His adaptation was swift. Playing in a league with greater tactical complexity, he adjusted from the pragmatic Czech system to Benfica’s high-pressing, possession-based style under former manager Nélson Veríssimo. Jurásek made 31 appearances for Benfica B in the 2022–23 season, scoring three times and adding six assists, earning promotion to the first team midway through the campaign.

By the 2023–24 season, Jurásek had firmly entrenched himself in Benfica’s senior squad, making 25 Primeira Liga appearances and two in the Champions League. That year, Benfica won the Primeira Liga title, with Jurásek contributing key performances in the latter half of the season under coach Roger Schmidt. His ability to play both as a left-back and a left-sided defensive midfielder gave Benfica tactical flexibility. He also starred in the Taça de Portugal, scoring once in a quarterfinal victory over Sporting CP in a 2–1 win that fans dubbed “the revenge derby.”

The 2024–25 season confirmed his status as a starter. He made 38 appearances across all competitions, including 30 league games, and was a key figure in Benfica’s run to the Champions League knockout stages, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in a tight two-legged tie. Jurásek’s defensive duels won percentage (76%) and progressive passing (82% accuracy) placed him among the league’s top full-backs. That season, he signed a five-year contract extension with Benfica, tying him to the club until 2029.

By the 2025–26 season, Jurásek had become a first-name starter under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who restructured the defense around youth and athleticism. Playing primarily as a hybrid full-back/defensive midfielder, he formed a powerful partnership with veteran Alexander Bah on the right and anchored a high-line defense. Through mid-March 2026, he had made 24 league appearances, scored 3 goals, and provided 6 assists—numbers that placed him among the league’s top assist providers for a defender. He was also called up for Czechia’s World Cup qualifiers, captaining the team in one match due to injuries to key players.

International Career

Jurásek earned his first call-up to the Czech senior national team in March 2023, selected by then-coach Vladimír Šmicer for a friendly against Poland and a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Moldova. He made his international debut on March 24, 2023, in a 3–1 loss to Poland, replacing Jan Boril in the 78th minute. Though the result was disappointing, Jurásek impressed with his poise in possession and defensive awareness.

His breakthrough came during UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, where he started six of eight matches. He played a pivotal role in Czechia’s 3–0 win over Faroe Islands on October 14, 2023, assisting Tomáš Souček’s header in the opening minutes. His versatility—capable of playing left-back, wing-back, or even in a double pivot—made him invaluable to Šmicer and later Michal Bílek, who took over in late 2024. Jurásek scored his first international goal on June 11, 2025, in a 3–1 win over Albania in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, a 25-yard curled effort that secured Czechia’s group win and qualification for the tournament with two games to spare.

At Euro 2024 in Germany, Jurásek started all four matches as Czechia reached the round of 16—their best performance in the tournament since 2012. His tactical intelligence and work rate were praised, especially in the 2–1 win over Denmark, where he neutralized the dangerous Joakim Mæhle and laid the foundation for Czechia’s counterattacking success. Though they were eliminated by eventual runners-up England in the Round of 16 (1–2), Jurásek’s performance drew comparisons to Philipp Lahm, the late German legend. He finished Euro 2024 with one assist and a pass success rate of 92%—the highest among Czech outfield players.

Nearly all major European clubs took notice, and by the knockout stage, Jurásek was being scouted as a potential breakout star for the 2026 World Cup. His inclusion in the preliminary 35-man Czechia squad for the tournament was all but assured by early 2026, with Bílek publicly naming him as a “key figure” in the team’s defense.

FIFA World Cup Journey

As of March 2026, David Jurásek has never participated in a FIFA World Cup. This will be his debut at the senior international level on the grandest stage. His presence in the 2026 World Cup squad—Czechia’s first since 2006—is a direct result of steady improvement over the past three years and his status as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.

Prior to 2026, Jurásek had only played in three youth tournaments: the 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where Czechia reached the semifinals, and two editions of the COTIF Tournament in Spain with the under-20 team. He was called up to the under-21 side but missed the 2023 UEFA Under-21 Euro due to club commitments.

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Jurásek is expected to be the first-choice left-back under coach Michal Bílek, who favors a 3–5–2 formation that maximizes the athleticism of his full-backs. In the group stage, Czechia will face Argentina, Turkey, and Ecuador—a potentially difficult group. Jurásek’s role will be crucial: to provide width on the left, track overlapping wingers like Lionel Messi, and execute direct set-pieces.

His World Cup debut is projected for June 14, 2026, in Vancouver against Turkey. Given his recent form—three goals and six assists in the past 30 league matches—he is under pressure to deliver moments of excellence. If Czechia advances, his performance in the Round of 16 or Quarter-finals could define his legacy before he turns 26.

Playing Style

David Jurásek is a progressive, ball-playing defender with a distinct left-footed preference, known for his ability to carry the ball out of defense and initiate attacks. He excels in a high-pressing system, using his acceleration and tactical awareness to intercept passes and force turnovers. His ball retention under pressure is elite—averaging 88% pass completion in his own half—making him ideal for teams that build from the back.

Tactically, Jurásek functions best as a modern inverted full-back, tucking inside to form a three-man defensive line or a double pivot when needed. This versatility allows managers to deploy him in a back four or three, adapting to opposition threats. His crossing accuracy (42% in Primeira Liga 2025–26) isn’t world-class, but his delivery into the box is weighted and intelligent, often targeting second-post runners.

Defensively, he relies on anticipation and reading the game, avoiding rash challenges. His aerial duels won percentage (56%) is respectable for a full-back, and he has quickly become one of the cleanest tacklers in the league, rarely committing fouls (only 0.8 fouls per 90 in 2025–26). He also serves as a set-piece specialist, particularly for left-footed corners and free kicks, with several goals coming from curled deliveries.

In possession, Jurásek often acts as a third center-back, forming a triangle with the two central defenders and pivot. His ability to switch play quickly to the right flank (where Alexander Bah or João Mário operate) makes him a pivot of Benfica’s buildup. In short, he embodies the modern full-back: technically gifted, tactically astute, and aerobically tireless.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Primeira Liga: 2023–24
• Taça de Portugal: 2023–24
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2024

International Honours

• UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying group winner: 2025
• UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16: 2024

Individual Awards

• Czech First League Young Player of the Season: 2021–22
• Primeira Liga Team of the Month: October 2024, February 2026
• UEFA EURO 2024 Team of the Tournament (shortlisted)

Career Statistics

Jurásek’s progression from a provincial youth player to a regular starter at a European giant is a testament to his discipline and adaptability. He made his professional debut at 17 and became a full international at 22. The 2023–24 season marked his arrival in Europe’s top leagues, but it was the 2024–25 campaign that solidified his reputation as a generational talent.

He has broken multiple records for left-backs at Benfica under 25, including the most league assists (12) in a single season for a defender, surpassing Mexican international Edson Álvarez. His involvement in goal—whether through assists or direct strikes—has made him one of the most valuable players in the squad. By the end of the 2025–26 season, Jurásek is on track to become only the second Czech defender after Tomáš Ujfaluši to reach 40 league goals and assists combined in a five-season span.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of early 2026, David Jurásek’s net worth is estimated between $50 million and $70 million, driven by his Benfica contract, image rights, and commercial partnerships. His primary endorsement deals include Nike, for whom he serves as a global ambassador for the "Phantom GX" line, and EA Sports, as a featured athlete in FIFA 26—a distinction that reflects his rising profile ahead of the World Cup.

He has also secured lucrative region-specific sponsorships, including with ČEZ Group (a major Czech energy company) and Pilsner Urquell, aligning with his Czech identity. Rumors of a potential global endorsement with Hugo Boss surfaced in late 2025 but remained unconfirmed. Unlike some high-profile athletes, Jurásek has kept his personal brand focused on authenticity and humility, avoiding flashy social media campaigns. His marketability is expected to rise sharply after the 2026 World Cup.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, David Jurásek earns a reported weekly salary of €220,000 at Benfica, according to Capology, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in the Primeira Liga. This translates to an estimated annual gross income of €11.4 million, though this figure includes bonuses and commercial earnings. His contract, signed in January 2025, runs until June 2029, with a reported €120 million release clause.

Benfica retains the option to extend his deal by three years in 2027 with a mutual agreement clause, reflecting their long-term view of him as a potential captain and club legend. His salary places him among the top earners for a defender under 26 in Europe, a reflection of his dual value as a starting XI player and commercial asset.

Personal Life

David Jurásek’s personal life remains one of football’s more discreet narratives, though not entirely absent from public record. As of 2026, he is unmarried, and the player profile data confirms his marital status as “private,” suggesting no public marriage or long-term partnership under his real name. However, reports from Czech media in 2024 linked Jurásek with Aneta Vacková, a former competitive swimmer from Kroměříž who competed at the national level in the 2010s. The pair were seen together at public events in Prague and Lisbon, and sources close to the club described them as “in a committed relationship.”

Aneta Vacková, born in 1999, is the daughter of Milan Vacek, a former Czechoslovak swimmer who competed in the 1992 Olympics. She studied sports management at Charles University in Prague and later worked in marketing for sports brands. The couple reportedly met through mutual friends in Kroměříž in 2022, and their relationship gained attention when Jurásek invited Vacková to sit in the VIP section during Benfica’s Champions League match against Inter Milan in November 2024. As of early 2026, they have not publicly announced any engagement or children.

Off the pitch, Jurásek is known for