# Antonín Panenka

> Czech footballer

**Wikidata**: [Q204978](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q204978)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonín_Panenka)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antonin-panenka

## Summary
Antonín Panenka was a Czech footballer known for inventing the Panenka penalty kick, a technique used in association football. He was an association football player and a Czech national, earning recognition for his innovative contribution to the sport.

## Biography
- Born: December 2, 1948
- Nationality: Czech Republic
- Known for: Inventing the Panenka penalty kick
- Employer(s): Various Czech football clubs, including Dukla Prague and Sparta Prague
- Field(s): Association football

## Contributions
- Invented the Panenka penalty kick, a technique where a player chips the ball with the inside of their foot to curve it into the goal, first used in the 1976 European Championship.
- Played professionally for Dukla Prague and Sparta Prague, contributing to the Czech football scene.
- Represented the Czech national team, earning international recognition.

## FAQs
**What is the Panenka penalty kick?**
The Panenka penalty kick is a technique where a footballer chips the ball with the inside of their foot to curve it into the goal, named after Antonín Panenka who first used it in the 1976 European Championship.

**Where did Antonín Panenka play professionally?**
Antonín Panenka played professionally for Dukla Prague and Sparta Prague, two prominent Czech football clubs.

**What awards has Antonín Panenka received?**
Antonín Panenka received the Czech Medal of Merit and was honored as an honorary citizen of Prague 2.

## Why They Matter
Antonín Panenka's invention of the Panenka penalty kick revolutionized association football by introducing a new technique for scoring from the penalty spot. His innovation has since become a standard in the sport, influencing players and coaches worldwide. Panenka's contribution to football technique highlights his impact on the game's evolution and his legacy as a pioneer in the sport.

## Notable For
- Inventor of the Panenka penalty kick, first used in the 1976 European Championship.
- Czech Medal of Merit recipient.
- Honorary citizen of Prague 2.
- Professional footballer for Dukla Prague and Sparta Prague.
- Represented the Czech national team.

## Body

### Early Life and Career
Antonín Panenka was born on December 2, 1948. He began his football career with Dukla Prague, one of the most successful clubs in Czech football history. His professional career spanned several years, during which he played for both Dukla Prague and Sparta Prague, contributing to the competitive landscape of Czech football.

### Invention of the Panenka Penalty Kick
In the 1976 European Championship, Panenka introduced the Panenka penalty kick, a technique where he chipped the ball with the inside of his foot to curve it into the goal. This innovation became widely adopted in football and is now a standard technique used by players worldwide.

### International Recognition
Panenka represented the Czech national team, earning recognition for his skills and contributions to the sport. His innovative approach to penalty kicks set a new standard in football technique, influencing players and coaches across Europe.

### Awards and Honors
Panenka received the Czech Medal of Merit for his contributions to football and was honored as an honorary citizen of Prague 2, recognizing his impact on the local football community. These awards reflect his significance in Czech sports history.

### Legacy
Antonín Panenka's legacy in football is marked by his invention of the Panenka penalty kick, which has become a fundamental technique in the sport. His influence extends beyond his playing career, as his innovation continues to shape the way players approach penalty kicks. Panenka's name is synonymous with creativity and technical skill in football, ensuring his place in the history of the game.

## References

1. [Records of persons of interest](http://svazky.cz/test/svazkyMT.php?jmeno=Antonin&prijm=Panenka&dnar=02.12.1948&hledej=Hledat)
2. [The Fine Art Archive](https://cs.isabart.org/person/29238)
3. [Prezident udělil státní vyznamenání](http://www.hrad.cz/cs/pro-media/tiskove-zpravy/archiv/5697.shtml)
4. [iDNES.cz. 2022](https://www.idnes.cz/bydleni/na-navsteve/antonin-panenka-fotbal-stavba-domu-nespeky-sazava-praha-zahrada.A220809_150802_dum_osobnosti_web)
5. Transfermarkt
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. FBref
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [iDNES.cz](https://www.idnes.cz/fotbal/reprezentace/antonin-panenka-zdravotni-stav-nemocnice.A201007_153700_fot_reprez_min)
10. [Source](http://svazky.cz/test/svazkyMT.php?jmeno=Antonin&prijm=Panenka&dnar=02.12.1948&hledej=Hledat)
11. [Source](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/38233/)