František Rajtoral
A dynamic, attack-minded full-back whose relentless runs down the flank fueled Viktoria Plzeň's historic domestic dominance.
1986–2017 (age 31)·Czech footballer·Birthday: March 12·Millennials
Biography
František Rajtoral's story is one of loyalty and explosive pace, etched into the modern history of Czech football. The native of Příbram developed his game as a versatile right-sided player, capable of both defending and launching devastating attacks. His true home became Viktoria Plzeň, where his engine and pinpoint crossing made him a fan favorite and a tactical cornerstone. During his prime years there, he was instrumental in the club's golden era, helping them wrestle the league title away from Prague's traditional giants not once, but multiple times. His consistent performances earned him the respect of the national team setup, leading to caps for the Czech Republic. His tragic death in 2017 cut short a life dedicated to football, leaving a legacy remembered for both his professional tenacity and his warm, approachable character off the pitch.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
František was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When František Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
František's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2017Died at 31
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
Key Achievements
- Won three Czech First League titles with Viktoria Plzeň (2011, 2013, 2015).
- Earned 14 international caps for the Czech Republic between 2012 and 2016.
- Played a key role in Plzeň's 2011–12 season, their first league title in over half a century.
- Made over 200 competitive appearances for Viktoria Plzeň across all competitions.
Did You Know?
He was known for his distinctive celebratory backflip after scoring goals.
Following his death, Viktoria Plzeň retired his number 24 shirt.
He played for Turkish club Gaziantepspor for one season before returning to Plzeň.
“I always gave everything for the Plzeň jersey.”
