Panenka relives in a friendly match the penalty shot that popularized in the 70s and which bears his last name
The creator of the iconic penalty take returned to execute his famous technique during a veterans match in Málaga
The legendary Czech footballer Antonín Panenka turned to grace attention by recreating his iconic penalty “Panenka” during a friendly veterans match played in Alhaurín de la Torre, in Málaga.
Panenka returns to the scene with his unmistakable stamp
At 77 years old, Antonín Panenka showed that class remains intact. During the match held at El Pinar stadium, the former midfielder executed a Panenka penalty, that technique that turned him into a worldwide figure: a soft shot, high and into the center of the goal to fool the goalkeeper.
Although on this occasion the ball impacted the crossbar, the rebound ended in a goal, unleashing the ovation of the attendees who came to witness the spectacle.
The indelible memory of the Euro 1976
The name of Antonín Panenka is forever linked to the Euro 1976 tournament in which he signed one of the most remembered moments of international football.
In that final, defending Czechoslovakia, he took the decisive penalty before German goalkeeper Sepp Maier, with the same style that now bears his name, to give the title to his team in Belgrade.
That technical gesture revolutionized the way of taking penalties and remains in force decades later in professional football.
Veterans party with international flavor
The friendly duel pitched a combination of former Czech Republic players against the deportivo Alhaurín veterans, with victory for the local team by 8-3.
Beyond the result, the presence of Antonín Panenka was the great attraction of the event, which was also attended by local authorities and diplomatic representatives.
Career and legacy of Antonín Panenka
In addition to his legacy with the Czechoslovakia national team, where he played 59 international matches, Antonín Panenka spend a large part of his career in European clubs.
After training at Bohemians in Prague, he played for teams such as Rapid Vienna, where he won league and cup titles, establishing himself as a talented midfielder.
Currently, Panenka is still linked to football as president of FC Bohemians 1905, keeping his influence on sport alive.
His recent appearance in Spain confirms that his legacy is in force and that the Panenka penalty continues to be one of the most elegant and remembered resources in world football.