West Ham United midfielder Tomáš Souček has proudly embodied the spirit of dedication and sacrifice throughout his football career, especially as the festive season approaches. With Christmas just around the corner, the 29-year-old Czech international looks back fondly on his past experiences and cherishes the special moments spent with his family.
Souček has made significant sacrifices to reach the Premier League, and as he recalls, those sacrifices extend beyond the pitch. "Christmas means a lot to me, especially family, and being all together is something I love, so every year at Christmas I look forward to spending time with my closest ones," he expressed. His love for the holiday season has only deepened since becoming a father, as he now eagerly anticipates creating magical experiences for his children.
Reflecting on the celebrations, he mentioned, "I would say Christmas Day is something has changed the most for me because it’s now my children who are waiting for gifts and believe in something special." The joy he finds during this time is palpable, and it stems not just from holiday traditions but also from unforgettable moments on the football field.
One such moment came almost four years ago when Souček scored the winner against Everton, turning it not just to three points for his team but also creating memories connected to festive traditions. "My favorite footballing moment at Christmas has to be the goal against Everton when potato salad became famous. Everyone connected this goal with Christmas, and it was the winning goal," he reminisced, highlighting how this anecdote has endured as part of his narrative at West Ham.
On the pitch, Christmas takes on another meaning for Souček and his teammates as they find themselves engaged with multiple fixtures during this period. Unlike his previous experiences of enjoying several days off during the holidays back home, his life has dramatically changed since moving to London. Prior to his transfer to West Ham, he was accustomed to enjoying three weeks away from football during the festive break. "Life is very different here at West Ham at Christmas. Throughout my life I have always had days off during this festive period, including when I played professional football in the Czech Republic," he said.
Despite the demands of Premier League football, the midfielder remains committed to his profession. "It was tough for me and my family to adapt, but I came here to achieve my lifelong dream and play on the biggest stage, and I love playing throughout the Christmas period.” He continues to follow Czech traditions, celebrating Christmas on the 24th of December, indulging in delicacies like carp and, of course, his favorite potato salad, before unwrapping presents. "We have always done everything on the 24th, and because we are in the United Kingdom, we always celebrate Christmas on the 25th as well. It’s special because we can enjoy the traditions from my home country alongside the ones we are developing here,” he explained.
Adding to the festive cheer this year, Souček and his wife Natálie are expecting their third child, which brings about even greater excitement to the holiday season. "It was perfect news,” he noted. “I think we will now be a complete family with five members, and hopefully everything goes well. My daughters, especially the older one, are very excited to welcome their baby brother. They’re happy I’m not the only male anymore!” This recent development enhances the joy of family gatherings during Christmas, making it all the more special.
Souček’s dedication to his family is intertwined with his career commitments. “I’ve been playing football for 20 years, and my family is something special,” he reflected. With every kick and every goal, he carries the memories of past Christmases with him, blending them seamlessly with the present and the future he envisions for his children. The commitment he made when joining West Ham has transformed not only his professional ambitions but also enriched his personal life.
With the New Year approaching, Souček's reflections remind fans of not just the athleticism he brings to the pitch but also the deeply rooted traditions he carries as part of his identity. Despite the rigors of Christmas matches, Souček remains steadfast, embodying the spirit of hope and perseverance, not just for himself but also for the countless supporters who cheer him on. With holiday wishes echoing through the West Ham community, one can only hope for continued success, both professionally and personally, for this well-loved player.
