On the last day of October 2024, the fans of football Pilsen, the witnesses, but also the current players and officials, received very sad news. Viktoria goalkeeper legend František Čaloun died at the age of 86, who succumbed to a long and serious illness.
He started his career in Tachov, but in 1959 he was scouted by Spartak Plzeň, then in the second division. In the west of Bohemia, Čaloun spent the rest of his career, during which he stood out for his agility, elegance and great goalkeeping technique. Opponent attackers often broke their teeth on him, especially on the goal line, Čaloun was unbeatable.
In 1961, he was promoted to the highest league with Pilsen, František Čaloun caught 70 matches in the league. He became a mainstay of the West Bohemian club even after relegation from the Czechoslovak elite, guarding the Pilsen goal in a total of 260 matches. He regularly attended the matches of Viktoria Plzeň even after his career, so he saw with his own eyes the sensational battles in the Champions League against famous European teams.
Victorians, we have some sad news for you. At the age of 86, František Čaloun left us after a serious illness. An excellent goalkeeper who became a Pilsen legend. Rest in peace, Mr. Chaloun! ?️ pic.twitter.com/1F2DY2pzRO
— FC Viktoria Plzeň (@fcviktorkaplzen) October 31, 2024
František Čaloun was a legend, after him his cousin Josef Čaloun continued in Pilsen’s goal. His son Michal Čaloun also continued the family tradition and played for Viktoria, at the end of the 90s he also celebrated three championship titles with Sparta, where he shared the role of number one with Tomáš Poštulka.
TN.cz
