It was at UEFA EURO 2004 that Petr Čech first caught the eye as a world-class goalkeeper. In the eight years since helping the Czech Republic to the semi-finals of that tournament he has repeatedly proved his worth – both for his country and for his club, Chelsea FC, with whom he has won numerous trophies, including three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

• A major prospect in his youth, Čech became a European champion at Under-21 level with the Czech Republic in 2002 when he saved two penalties in the final shoot-out against France in Basel.

• Had a relatively discreet early club career – at FK Chmel Blšany, AC Sparta Praha and Stade Rennais FC – until he was recruited by Chelsea in 2004, since when he has earned a succession of team and personal honours.

• Named in the All-Star Squad at UEFA EURO 2004 after conceding four goals in four games as the Czech Republic reached the semi-finals; ever-present at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2008, where he made a costly error in the final group game against Turkey.

• Fractured his skull in a Premier League game against Reading FC in October 2006; returned to action three months later and has been obliged to wear a rugby-style headguard for the rest of his career.

• A UEFA Champions League runner-up to Manchester United FC in 2008, despite saving a penalty in the final shoot-out from Cristiano Ronaldo, he has won the FA Cup on three occasions.

• A multiple winner of the UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year award, Čech helped Chelsea to Premier League title triumphs in 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2009/10. 

• Voted Czech player of the season on seven occasions, most recently in May 2012, he holds the record for the fewest appearances (180) required to reach 100 clean sheets in the Premier League. 

• Ever-present in Chelsea's run to the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, Čech excelled in the showpiece against FC Bayern München, saving an extra-time penalty from Arjen Robben and then denying Ivica Olić and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the shoot-out to help the Blues win the competition for the first time.

UEFA honours
UEFA EURO 2004: All-Star Squad
UEFA Champions League: runner-up 2008, winner 2012
UEFA European Under-21 Championship: winner 2002
UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year: 2005, 2007, 2008
UEFA.com users' Team of the Year: 2005