Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, has a rich football culture with several professional teams competing in various leagues. In this article, we will explore how many professional football teams are based in Prague and provide some insights into these clubs and their history.
The Big Three
When it comes to professional football in Prague, there is a trio of clubs that stands out from the rest. These three teams have a long-standing rivalry and are considered the powerhouses of Prague football.
1. AC Sparta Prague
AC Sparta Prague, founded in 1893, is one of the oldest existing football clubs not only in Prague but also in the whole country. The club has a storied history and has consistently competed at the highest level of Czech football.
Their achievements include:
- 36 Czechoslovak First League titles
- 8 Czech First League titles
- 27 Czech Cup wins
Sparta Prague boasts a passionate fan base and plays their home matches at the Generali Arena, which has a seating capacity of over 19,000.
2. SK Slavia Prague
SK Slavia Prague, founded in 1892, is another historic club that has had its fair share of success over the years. Known for their red-and-white colors, Slavia Prague is Sparta’s biggest rival.
Their achievements include:
- 19 Czechoslovak First League titles
- 4 Czech First League titles
- 14 Czech Cup wins
Slavia Prague’s home stadium is the Sinobo Stadium, with a capacity of around 21,000 spectators.
3. FK Dukla Prague
FK Dukla Prague, founded in 1948, may not be as successful as Sparta and Slavia Prague, but they have still left their mark on Czech football. Dukla Prague was historically associated with the Czechoslovak Army and had a strong team during the communist era.
Their achievements include:
- 11 Czechoslovak First League titles
- 0 Czech First League titles (since the formation of the independent Czech Republic)
- 9 Czech Cup wins
Dukla Prague currently plays their home matches at the Juliska Stadium, which has a seating capacity of around 8,000.
Other Professional Teams
In addition to the big three clubs mentioned above, there are several other professional football teams based in Prague that compete in lower divisions or have recently gained promotion to higher leagues. These teams include:
- Bohemians 1905: Established in 1905, Bohemians is one of the oldest football clubs in Prague. They currently play in the Czech First League.
- Viktoria Žižkov: Founded in 1903, Viktoria Žižkov competes in the Czech National Football League after being relegated from the top division.
- Sparta Prague B: Sparta Prague also has its reserve team called Sparta Prague B, which participates in lower divisions.
- MFK Vyškov: Though not based directly in Prague, MFK Vyškov is a professional club from the nearby city of Vyškov and competes in the Czech National Football League.
These clubs, along with the big three, contribute to the vibrant football scene in Prague and provide opportunities for young talents to showcase their skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prague has a diverse football landscape with a range of professional teams competing at different levels. The big three clubs – AC Sparta Prague, SK Slavia Prague, and FK Dukla Prague – have dominated Czech football over the years.
Additionally, other teams like Bohemians 1905, Viktoria Žižkov, Sparta Prague B, and MFK Vyškov also play an important role in shaping the city’s football culture. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Prague, catching a football match can be an exciting way to experience the passion and energy of this sport in this historic city.