Schick considers comeback – despite retiring after a disappointing World Cup
In Prague's showpiece hall, the 30‑year‑old Patrik Schick received on Monday the “Golden Ball” as the best Czech footballer of the 2025/26 season, while also leaving his international comeback open – just three months after his retirement following 56 caps and 26 goals.
Retirement after disappointing World Cup
After the disappointing World Cup with the Czech Republic, Patrik Schick drew a line under his international career. He ended it after 56 appearances and 26 goals. However, the decision is not set in stone.
The 30‑year‑old striker, who is sometimes considered injury‑prone, now directs his focus entirely on Bayer Leverkusen and club football. Under coach Carles Martinez he again demonstrates his scoring accuracy. There he can showcase his level at the highest level.
On Monday Schick was honoured in Prague with the “Golden Ball” as the best Czech footballer of the 2025/26 season. The award underlines his continued international standard. It came shortly after his return to the starting eleven of Bayer Leverkusen.
Possible comeback and national mood
Following the award ceremony Schick left a possible comeback to the national team open. “If I am fit and feel that I can give something to the national team and help it, we can talk about it again,” he said. Thus a signal of a return remains, at least prospectively.
Earlier Schick emphasized that his retirement currently stands: “At the moment I still feel that way,” he said when asked about his decision. He criticised the atmosphere surrounding the national team over the past ten years, apart from the successful Euro 2021. This assessment gives him reason to monitor the developments.
The recent four Nations League matches have indeed been lost – England 0:2 and 0:3, Croatia 1:2 and Spain 1:3 – but Schick sees positive changes in the squad. Under new coach Santi Denia the style of play has improved, and the mood is noticeably better.
Schick has already spoken with Denia several times, who took over the role in August from the resigned Miroslav Koubek. He trusts the Spaniard to be successful with the selection. The talks reinforced his belief that the team is on a good path.
Denia confirmed in the previous week that the door is open for Schick. He signalled to the striker that another call‑up is possible, provided the stated conditions are met. Thus the option of a national comeback remains realistic.