Jan Laštůvka
A reliable and agile shot-stopper who guarded the net for clubs across Eastern Europe, known for his consistency and lengthy professional tenure.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Czech footballer·Birthday: July 7·Millennials
Biography
Jan Laštůvka built a solid, journeyman's career between the posts, his reliability making him a fixture in the Czech league and beyond. After coming through the ranks at Baník Ostrava, he ventured abroad, facing the unique pressures of Ukrainian football with Shakhtar Donetsk and Dnipro. His time at Shakhtar was marked by success in domestic competitions, though he often served as a dependable deputy. Laštůvka's game was defined by sharp reflexes and a calm command of his area, attributes that kept him playing at a high level into his late thirties. He returned to his boyhood club, Baník Ostrava, to cap his career, embodying the classic European goalkeeper's path of steady service and technical proficiency.
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.
Jan was born in 1982, 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 Jan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Ukrainian Premier League title twice with Shakhtar Donetsk in 2008 and 2010.
- Lifted the Ukrainian Cup on three occasions during his spells with Shakhtar Donetsk.
- Earned over 200 appearances in the Czech First League across multiple clubs.
- Was selected for the Czech Republic national team squad for UEFA Euro 2008.
Did You Know?
He shares a surname with a famous Czech tennis player, but they are not closely related.
He spent nearly a decade of his playing career in Ukraine.
He made his professional debut for Baník Ostrava in 2000.
“A clean sheet is the only stat a goalkeeper needs to see.”
