World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick
After helping Czechia reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup via the play-offs, Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick will be determined to pick up where he left off on his last major international tournament appearance in 2021.
Name: Patrik Schick
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Nation: Czechia
International debut: 27 May 2016
Caps: 52
International goals: 25
Stats correct as of 7 May 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Niggling muscle injuries may have prevented him from finishing higher up the scoring chart, but 16 Bundesliga goals from only 26 starts so far - including doubles against Heidenheim (twice), Werder Bremen and Cologne, and a stunning hat-trick against RB Leipzig - suggest his scoring touch remains as sharp as ever.
The 30-year-old arguably saved his most memorable efforts for the UEFA Champions League. As well as registering the only goal in a 1-0 win at Benfica, Schick completed the scoring in a memorable 2-0 victory at Manchester City before single-handedly firing Leverkusen into the last 16 with another brace at Olympiacos.
What he brings to the national team
With 25 goals in 52 senior international outings, Schick is set to be his country’s main man at their first finals appearance since UEFA EURO 2020, when he finished joint-top scorer alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Schick not only netted four goals in his first three qualifying appearances for this summer’s tournament, he also played a crucial role in helping Miroslav Koubek’s team navigate play-off ties against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.
He scored twice from the spot against the Irish - once in normal time and again in the shoot-out - before playing 90 minutes of another dramatic spot-kick triumph over Denmark five days later.
What his coaches say
“Have you ever seen Patrik Schick fight as hard as that? I haven’t. It’s not just his goals, it’s also about putting pressure on the opposition.” – Czechia head coach Miroslav Koubek, after the play-off win over Ireland
“Patrik always does so much right. He’s so sharp with his finishing, even in training. His experience is coming to the fore, you can sense it. He’s always been an important player for us.” – Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand
