Rudolf Skácel

Who is Rudolf Skácel?

Rudolf "Rudi" Skácel is a professional footballer who last played for SK Slavia Prague. He has been capped at international level by the Czech Republic. He is generally deployed as a left sided midfield player but has proven himself to be versatile, having also played as a central attacking midfielder and a left back.

Skácel began his career with FC Hradec Králové before joining Gambrinus liga side Slavia Prague, where he caught the attention of French giants Olympique de Marseille. However, he struggled to establish himself in the first-team during his time with L'OM and was loaned out to Panathinaikos and Heart of Midlothian. The latter loan spell saw him establish himself as a fan favourite, culminating in him scoring in the 2006 Scottish Cup Final as the Jambos emerged victorious. He then went on to Southampton where he spent three years, including a six-month loan spell with Hertha BSC. before being released. A brief return to Slavia Prague and a short spell with Larissa followed, before he returned to Hearts. His second spell at the Edinburgh club proved to be just as successful as he ended both seasons as the club's top scorer and scored two goals in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final en route to another cup victory.