Staněk started his career with Sparta Prague, appearing on the bench for the first team on three occasions in 2013.[2] On 31 January 2014, he joined Premier League club Everton on a 2+1⁄2-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[3] On 29 September 2015, Staněk joined Hyde United on a one-month loan deal,[4] going on to make five appearances for the club.[5] In June 2016, having made just two appearances on the bench for Everton,[2] he was released by the club.[6]
Staněk joined Viktoria Plzeň on loan in January 2020,[9] making his league debut in a goalless draw against Baník Ostrava on 5 July.[10] He signed for the club permanently on 3 January 2021,[11] playing the entire 2020–21 Czech Cup final against Slavia Prague on 20 May, which Plzeň lost 1–0.[12]
At the end of the season, Staněk was nominated for the award for the best player of the league season together with Adam Hložek and Tomáš Holeš.[13] In July 2022, Staněk extended his contract with Viktoria Plzeň until 2025.[14]
Slavia Prague
On 5 January 2024, Staněk signed a contract with Slavia Prague until 2027 as part of a swap transfer with midfielders Lukáš Červ and Matěj Valenta.[15] Staněk made his league debut for the club in a goalless draw against Sparta Prague on 3 March 2024.[16]
Staněk debuted for the Czech senior squad on 5 September 2021 in a 2022 World Cup qualification against Belgium, ending in a 0–3 away loss.[18] He entered the game in the 12th minute for the injured Tomáš Vaclík, with the Czech Republic already down 0–1.[18] Staněk made his first start in the 1–1 draw against Ukraine three days later.[19]
On 29 May 2024, Staněk was included in the final Czech squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.[20]
Personal life
Outside football, Staněk also creates rap songs under the stage name Ejaytime.[21]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 11 November 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition