The Čech name is set to shine once again in English football as 16-year-old Damian Čech, son of legendary goalkeeper Petr Čech, has signed his first professional contract with Premier League club Fulham. The young Czech goalkeeper, who has been turning heads in Fulham’s academy, penned a two-year deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2027, marking a significant milestone in his budding career.
Damian, who previously played in Chelsea’s youth academy, has chosen to carve his own path with Fulham, a rival London club, rather than following directly in his father’s footsteps at Chelsea or Arsenal, where Petr enjoyed a storied career. The teenager, born in 2009 while his father was starring for Chelsea, has already shown remarkable promise, having made his debut for the Czech Republic’s Under-18 team at just 15 years old. His performances in Fulham’s youth setup have drawn comparisons to his father’s commanding presence between the posts, with many noting his similar goalkeeping instincts and composure.
Fulham’s academy has become a family affair for the Čechs, as Damian’s older sister, Adela Čechová, aged 17, is also making waves at the club as a defender. Adela recently debuted for the Czech Republic’s Under-17 national team, highlighting the family’s growing influence in football. Unlike her brother, Adela plays outfield, showcasing the versatility of the Čech siblings as they build their own legacies.
Announcing his new contract on Instagram, Damian shared his excitement, posting, “Forever grateful,” alongside a photo of himself signing the deal with his proud parents by his side. The image captured a moment of familial pride, with Petr Čech, a four-time Premier League champion and Champions League winner, beaming as his son embarks on his professional journey.
“Damian has shown tremendous potential, and we’re thrilled to have him commit his future to Fulham,” a club spokesperson said, according to a report from The Standard. “At just 16, he’s already displaying the qualities of a top-class goalkeeper, and we believe he has a bright future ahead.”
Damian’s journey to this point has not been limited to football. Before focusing on the sport, he played as a goaltender for the Guildford Phoenix Under-9 ice hockey team, a nod to his father’s post-football career in the National Ice Hockey League with Oxford City Stars. This diverse athletic background underscores Damian’s adaptability, though he has now firmly set his sights on emulating his father’s success in football.
Petr Čech, who also served as Chelsea’s technical advisor after retiring in 2019, has been a hands-on mentor to his son. Sources close to the family indicate that Damian has benefited from his father’s guidance, with Petr offering insights drawn from his record-breaking 124 appearances for the Czech national team and his illustrious club career. “Damian’s actions in goal are starting to draw attention, especially because of how much they resemble his father’s style,” noted a report from Bola.net.
The decision for both Damian and Adela to join Fulham’s academy, rather than Chelsea’s, where their father became a legend, has sparked curiosity among fans. “It’s interesting that Petr Čech, a Chelsea and Arsenal icon, has guided his children to Fulham,” wrote ESPN UK in a post on X, highlighting the family’s connection to the Cottagers. This move reflects Petr’s desire for his children to forge their own paths, free from the weight of his legacy at Stamford Bridge.
Fulham, who finished 11th in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season, see Damian as a long-term prospect with the potential to rise through their ranks. While it remains unclear whether he will immediately join the club’s Under-18 squad or progress faster, the two-year contract signals the club’s confidence in his abilities. “With a father like Petr Čech as a mentor, Damian has unique advantages to succeed,” wrote Sporten.com, emphasizing the young goalkeeper’s bright prospects.