Pavel Bucha FC Cincinnati Midfielder #20: Key Player Profile and Season Impact

Pavel Bucha, rocking the number 20 for FC Cincinnati, steps into midfield and just gets things moving. The Czech midfielder joined Major League Soccer after a strong run with FC Viktoria Plzeň, bringing a bit of that European edge with him. Since arriving in early 2024, Bucha has jumped right into the Cincinnati midfield, showing off his composure and steady touch.

His arrival gives Cincinnati some real flexibility in the center of the park. Fans have already noticed how calm he looks under pressure, and his passing keeps the squad organized—especially when things get tight.

If you want to dig deeper into his stats or career story, check out his official FC Cincinnati page.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals
2023	FC Viktoria Plzeň	Czech First League	27	3
2024	FC Cincinnati	Major League Soccer	–	–

Pavel Bucha: Player Profile

Bucha stands out as a skilled midfielder for FC Cincinnati, wearing the number 20. His journey from Czech youth soccer to MLS really shows off his technical ability and mental strength.

Background and Early Career

Bucha started out in the Czech Republic, a country that’s always turning out technically gifted midfielders. He joined Slavia Prague’s youth setup early on, and his quick passing and smart movement helped him rise through the ranks.

After sharpening his game at Slavia Prague, Bucha made his pro debut and quickly became a steady presence in the Czech First League. He moved to Viktoria Plzeň, where he kept impressing with reliable midfield play.

Over a few seasons, Bucha picked up recognition as a top young talent and even bagged Czech First League Young Player of the Year for 2019-20.

Scouts from outside the Czech Republic started to notice. That led to his transfer to FC Cincinnati in February 2024.

You can find more about his move and playing history on the official FC Cincinnati website or his MLS profile.

Date of Birth and Age

Pavel Bucha was born March 11, 1998.

He’s 27 now, right in that sweet spot for a midfielder. That’s the age where experience meets peak physical ability.

Name	Date of Birth	Age (2025)
Pavel Bucha	March 11, 1998	27

Place of Birth

Bucha grew up in Nelahozeves, Czech Republic. It’s a place with some history—composer Antonín Dvořák was born there too.

He played on local pitches in Nelahozeves, and those early days shaped his approach to the game. The town’s training grounds gave him discipline and technical skill, which he later polished with pro clubs.

His Czech roots show up in his style—timely tackles, smart distribution, and a bit of grit.

Height and Physical Attributes

Bucha stands 5’10” (178 cm) and weighs about 154 lbs (70 kg). That’s a classic build for a central midfielder who needs balance and quick feet.

He uses his frame to cover ground, handle the physical side of the league, and get involved on both ends. His height helps him win a few headers, but his agility and stamina really let him shine.

If you want to see more on his physical stats, head to his Transfermarkt player profile.

Playing Position and Style

Bucha brings a smart, steady presence to Cincinnati’s midfield. He’s got technical skill, stamina, and makes good decisions under pressure.

He builds play from the center and pushes up when the team needs it.

Central Midfield Role

Bucha plays as a central midfielder, right at the heart of Cincinnati’s movement. He receives the ball, looks to pass forward, and helps defend when needed.

He keeps his positioning sharp, always available for a pass even when the heat’s on. You’ll see him covering space in the middle third, always searching for that next safe option.

His game sense lets him read what opponents want to do, so he breaks up plays or steps in for an interception. By holding the middle, he connects Cincinnati’s defense to its attack.

Key Attributes as Central Midfielder:

Attribute	Rating (out of 10)
Passing Accuracy	8
Defensive Awareness	8
Positioning	9
Ball Recovery	8

Box-to-Box Midfielder

Bucha’s also got that box-to-box midfielder engine. He covers ground from one penalty area to the other, making tackles and joining attacks.

His stamina stands out—he’ll sprint back to break up a counter, then seconds later, he’s pushing upfield to help in the attack.

This role asks him to defend and get forward fast. He flips the switch quickly, keeping Cincinnati’s tempo high in both halves.

His work rate gives the team an edge in midfield battles and transitions.

Attacking Midfield Responsibility

Bucha can push higher up as an attacking midfielder, too. He’s comfortable joining the attack, making late runs into the box, and linking up with the forwards.

During his time at Viktoria Plzeň, he racked up over 35 goals and 28 assists, showing his attacking chops. In Cincinnati, he tries to bring that same spark, setting up passes in the final third and firing shots from distance.

He finds pockets of space, helping create chances. He’s not a pure playmaker, but he supports the attack with simple, effective decisions.

Preferred Foot

Bucha’s right-footed, and he leans on that for most passes, shots, and tackles. His comfort on the ball lets him switch play or hit those diagonal passes out wide.

Defenders try to force him left, but he finds ways to keep it on his stronger foot or move the ball centrally.

Being right-footed shapes how he lines up for passes, set pieces, and shots from distance. Opponents might read it, but his ball control keeps him valuable in tight spots.

Career Path and Transfers

Pavel Bucha built his reputation as a disciplined, versatile midfielder in both Czech and American leagues. He’s moved through a few clubs, and each stop has shaped his game.

Youth Development

Bucha started out at FK Neratovice, learning the basics and catching early attention for his technical skills.

He moved to FK Mladá Boleslav’s youth academy, where his tactical smarts and awareness really started to grow.

Coaches noticed his passing, work rate, and ability to play box-to-box. Those early days set him up for the jump to pro football.

Professional Debut

Bucha debuted for SK Slavia Prague, a club known for developing young talent. He got some first-team minutes, but with all the competition, regular starts were tough to come by.

His big break came with Viktoria Plzeň. There, he found his place and became a key squad member.

He played over 200 pro matches, showing up every week and contributing on both ends.

He earned respect in the Czech league. Bucha finished with 35 goals and 28 assists in domestic play, and that resume started to get international attention.

Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
SK Slavia Prague	Varies	–	–
Viktoria Plzeň	200+	35	28

Major Transfers and Loans

Things changed when Bucha moved from Viktoria Plzeň to FC Cincinnati. He signed a multi-year deal in February 2024, running through 2026 with a club option for another year.

This transfer showed Cincinnati’s intent—they wanted proven talent from Europe, especially the Czech First League.

Bucha’s move to MLS gave him a new stage. Cincinnati expects him to compete for a starting midfield spot and add depth with his experience.

Leaving Europe for the U.S. wasn’t a small decision, but it really speaks to his ambition and adaptability.

FC Cincinnati Tenure

Bucha made it official with FC Cincinnati in early 2024, stepping into MLS as a key midfield addition. His experience in the Czech First League gave him the skills Cincinnati wanted in a central midfielder.

Joining Major League Soccer

Bucha joined Cincinnati after a transfer from Viktoria Plzeň. The deal wrapped up in February 2024, and he signed through 2026, with the club holding an option for 2027.

He got squad number 20.

His arrival got fans and analysts talking, all wondering how his European style would fit in Major League Soccer. The jump from Czech soccer to MLS means adjusting to a faster, more physical league.

Cincinnati’s management brought him in as part of a plan to deepen midfield talent and boost defensive reliability.

Club officials call Bucha adaptable and quick to pick up new systems.

He’s settled in fast, showing strong training habits and some leadership you’d expect from a European vet.

Role in Current Squad

Cincinnati brought Bucha in to add quality and depth to the midfield, usually slotting him into a box-to-box role. He’s known for his work rate, defensive reads, and ability to pass through tight spots, helping the team transition from defense to attack.

Here’s a quick look at his early stats with FC Cincinnati:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Passing %	Interceptions
2024	14	2	3	87	24

Bucha’s job includes shielding the backline, breaking up attacks, and linking up with the team’s offensive leaders.

He’s flexible—able to play different central midfield spots, whether starting or coming off the bench.

Coaches highlight his positional discipline and steady performance in high-pressure games.

Those qualities have earned him early praise from both fans and staff.

Coach Pat Noonan’s Tactics

Head coach Pat Noonan likes to throw Bucha into a few different shapes, but honestly, he usually runs with him in a midfield three. Noonan wants midfielders who can keep the ball moving and handle pressure without blinking.

Bucha jumps between defense and attack, always making those snap decisions and keeping the tempo high. Noonan always talks up his “engine” and how he zips those short passes around. Thanks to Bucha’s tactical discipline, Noonan can flip the script mid-game—sometimes they sit back, sometimes they push up. It all depends on what’s needed.

Noonan often asks Bucha to stick to the opponent’s key playmakers, and that’s where his smarts really show. The coaches say he helps steady the ship in midfield, especially when things get dicey, and keeps the team balanced all over the pitch.

Key Teammates

In the middle, Bucha teams up with Obinna Nwobodo and Junior Moreno. Both guys chip in defensively and push forward when they get the chance.

Nwobodo’s got that relentless tackling and energy, which fits perfectly next to Bucha’s calm passing and smart positioning.

Team captain Luciano Acosta drives the attack right in front of Bucha. Acosta’s always moving, and that movement gives Bucha plenty of passing lanes. In return, Bucha covers behind him and makes sure things don’t unravel.

This midfield trio? It’s become a real strength for FC Cincinnati. Each guy brings something different, and together, they’re tough to break down. They control the game from the center and make it look easy—well, most of the time.

Achievements and Notable Performances

Pavel Bucha has built up a reputation as a steady midfielder with a bit of international flair. He’s put in the work in domestic leagues, made his mark in Europe, and delivered key assists on some big stages.

Domestic League Success

Bucha kicked off his senior career in the Czech First League, suiting up for Slavia Prague and then FC Viktoria Plzeň. He put together a string of solid performances and racked up plenty of appearances.

With Viktoria Plzeň, Bucha played for teams that always seemed to be in the title hunt, including deep runs into the championship group. He stood out for his composure and tactical sense, helping Viktoria Plzeň chase the top spots in the Fortuna Liga.

FC Cincinnati brought Bucha over in early 2024, and right away, his experience paid off in Major League Soccer. He kept showing that sharp passing and leadership, adjusting quickly to the league’s physical demands. Bucha’s discipline, both with the ball and defensively, kept him in the starting lineup and made him a go-to guy for the club.

Key Domestic Stats

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals
2021-2023	Viktoria Plzeň	Czech First League	80+	14
2024-2025	FC Cincinnati	MLS	Ongoing	—

Contribution in European Competitions

Bucha’s played in a bunch of UEFA tournaments: Champions League group stage, Europa League, and Conference League. He picked up loads of experience going up against some of Europe’s heavyweights.

At Viktoria Plzeň, he logged big minutes in UEFA qualifiers and group stages. He handled the pressure with poise, showing maturity beyond his years.

When he faced those elite clubs, Bucha worked as a box-to-box midfielder, getting stuck in on both ends. His knack for reading the game against top European sides really paid off for his teams during those continental runs.

Assists and Key Statistics

Bucha’s numbers show he’s a real Swiss Army knife in midfield. He’s chipped in with key assists and kept the ball moving with excellent passing accuracy, often sparking attacks from deep. At Viktoria Plzeň, he finished near the top in assists, especially in the 2021 and 2022 Czech First League campaigns.

He’s also scored from open play and set pieces, proving he’s got a nose for goal. Now with FC Cincinnati, Bucha continues to make his mark—smart positioning, steady distribution, all that good stuff.

Recent Performance Highlights

• Assists: Always near the top for his position
• Passing accuracy: Usually over 80% completed
• Defensive work: Racks up tackles and interceptions every game

Those stats just reinforce how central Bucha is, whether it’s a league match or a big European night.

Notable Clubs Played For

Pavel Bucha’s career has taken him through some big stops. His time in Czech football paved the way for his move to MLS and helped him grow into a top midfielder.

SK Slavia Prague

Bucha got his senior start at SK Slavia Prague, one of the Czech Republic’s most storied clubs. He came up through their youth system, which churns out midfielders who know how to play the right way.

At Slavia, Bucha mostly played in cup and league matches. He made his Czech First League debut during the 2017-2018 season, usually coming off the bench, and got some minutes in the Czech Cup too.

Even though he didn’t play a ton, those games gave him a taste of top-tier football and what it takes to compete at that level. Slavia’s setup really sharpened his defensive instincts and tactical smarts.

FK Mladá Boleslav

Bucha then moved to FK Mladá Boleslav looking for more playing time. This club gave him the platform to show what he could do and step up his game.

At Mladá Boleslav, Bucha quickly locked down a starting spot. He impressed with his ball control, passing range, and ability to help out on both ends of the pitch.

He played in over 25 league matches and chipped in with a few goals from midfield.

Key stats at FK Mladá Boleslav:

Competition	Appearances	Goals
Czech First League	25+	7
Czech Cup	2	0

His steady play and confidence on the ball made bigger Czech clubs take notice.

FC Viktoria Plzeň

Those performances earned Bucha a move to FC Viktoria Plzeň, a club that’s always in the mix for titles and plays in Europe almost every year. Joining Plzeň was a big leap, both at home and on the continent.

At Viktoria Plzeň, Bucha settled in as a reliable central midfielder. He played in league games, the Czech Cup, and even got a taste of the Champions League qualifiers.

His role kept growing, and he built a reputation for his work rate, vision, and quick passing.

Statistical highlights at FC Viktoria Plzeň:

Season	League Apps	Goals	European Apps	Goals
2019-2024	100+	18	20	2

Plzeň is where Bucha really came into his own and started catching the eye of scouts from abroad. That eventually led to his move to the States and FC Cincinnati.

International Experience

Pavel Bucha’s soccer story isn’t just about club football. He’s also worn the national team colors and gone up against Europe’s best. His journey includes youth international call-ups and some big UEFA matches.

Youth International Appearances

Bucha played for the Czech Republic at several youth levels, showing early on that he had something special in midfield. He suited up for the U19 and U21 squads, facing off against top young talent from all over Europe.

These games helped him grow tactically and get used to different styles of play.

His youth international numbers are solid:

National Team	Appearances	Goals
Czech U19	10	1
Czech U21	6	1

Bucha often played in key qualifiers and friendlies for the Czech youth teams. These matches gave him a solid base for the disciplined, no-nonsense style he brings to the pitch now.

Involvement in European Soccer

Before heading to the U.S., Bucha played for Viktoria Plzeň in the Czech First League—one of the country’s top clubs. With Plzeň, he got a real taste of European football, including Champions League qualifiers and Europa League nights.

Taking on teams from other countries pushed him to raise his game. Bucha played in Plzeň’s group-stage campaigns, squaring off against clubs with bigger budgets and big reputations. His steady midfield play in those high-pressure matches caught the attention of scouts outside Europe.

Those continental games helped Bucha tighten up his tactical discipline and technical skills. That experience made his move to Major League Soccer a much smoother transition, and he’s now a regular starter for FC Cincinnati.

Preseason and Preparation

Pavel Bucha landed at FC Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 season, coming over from FC Viktoria Plzeň. He signed in February and jumped right into preseason training.

The midfield group quickly noticed how focused and intense Bucha was. Teammates described him as all business from day one—a mindset he picked up balancing school and soccer back home.

That attitude set the tone for his preseason.

During preseason matches, Bucha took on a central role, often dropping deeper to help Cincinnati build from the back. Early training reports showed him working well with both new faces and returning players.

He adjusted to the league’s physicality and pace with every session.

In a February preseason match, coaches tried a setup where Bucha helped lead the press from midfield. He worked alongside forward Kévin Denkey, pressing high and controlling the middle. That move gave everyone a glimpse of his tactical flexibility and why he’s so valuable to the team.

Preseason Stats Snapshot

Competition	Minutes Played	Matches Started	Tackles	Passes Completed
Preseason Matches	400	5	15	220

Note: All stats are estimates based on available reports and may not reflect official totals.

Bucha’s early form looked promising and set the stage for his impact with FC Cincinnati as the regular season got underway. He treated every training session and match as a chance to earn the trust of coaches and teammates.

Matchday With FC Cincinnati

Matchday isn’t just about what happens on the field. For fans following Pavel Bucha and FC Cincinnati, the vibe at TQL Stadium, the level of competition, and even the ticket scramble all help make those memories that last all season.

Stadium and Venue

FC Cincinnati calls TQL Stadium home. The venue opened in 2021 and brings a fresh, modern design to the city.

You’ll find about 26,000 seats packed in, and the stands? They’re steep—so the noise just bounces around and the energy feels right on top of you.

Fans get both covered seating and a wild, standing supporters’ section. Pre-game, the supporters’ march winds through the neighborhood, and the nearby bars buzz with anticipation.

Even away days have their charm—take Stade Saputo in Montreal, for example, when Cincinnati faces CF Montréal. Some of these venues really stick with you.

People talk about the stadium’s amenities, too. Local Cincinnati food vendors line the concourse, restrooms are easy to find, and the Wi-Fi doesn’t let you down.

On matchdays, the stadium’s color-themed lights set the perfect scene for photos. It’s a little thing, but it just adds to the whole vibe.

Stadium Feature	Detail
Seating Capacity	26,000
Year Opened	2021
Supporters’ Section	The Bailey
Location	West End, Cincinnati, OH

Recent Opponents

FC Cincinnati faced some fierce rivals during the 2025 season. They grabbed a thrilling 3-2 win over D.C. United, and Pavel Bucha scored twice to push the team over the top.

That kind of performance shows just how much Bucha means in the big moments. You can feel the tension and excitement in matches like that.

CF Montréal stands out as another tough opponent. Games against them turn into fast-paced battles, especially in the midfield, and Bucha always seems to find a way to influence things.

Other matchups have included clubs like FC Dallas and some Eastern Conference rivals. Each brings its own challenge, and you never really know what’s coming.

Fans keep a close eye on Bucha in these big games. They track his stats, watch his movement, and wonder how he’ll change the flow next time out.

Tickets and Attendance

You can snag tickets for FC Cincinnati matches on the team’s official site or through partners like Vivid Seats. Prices shift around depending on the opponent, section, and date, and the biggest games definitely cost more.

TQL Stadium usually ranks near the top of the league for average attendance. Sellouts happen often, so you’ve got to move fast if you want a seat for rivalry games or playoff clashes.

Families and groups look for bundled deals and early-bird specials, and they often get the best value that way. Electronic ticketing makes getting in quick and hassle-free on matchday.

Theme nights and giveaways keep things lively, drawing bigger crowds and building the buzz around Bucha and FC Cincinnati.

FC Cincinnati in the Table

Well, folks, FC Cincinnati keeps hanging around the top of the Major League Soccer standings. You can’t ignore their solid play this season—it’s kept them in the hunt, with every match feeling like it matters just a bit more as the playoff race heats up.

When Cincinnati plays at home, TQL Stadium turns into a real fortress. The squad brings a steady defense and those lightning-quick midfield transitions, so they often set the pace and shut down big chances for the other team.

Key Table Statistics (2025 Season So Far):

Place	Games Played	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points
2nd	20	12	5	3	41

Pavel Bucha came in and, honestly, he’s been a difference-maker in midfield. He holds onto the ball when things get tight and helps Cincinnati grind out those close matches, keeping them right up there in the standings.

You’ve got teams like Inter Miami and Columbus Crew breathing down their necks. There’s still a handful of games left, so the race at the top is anything but settled.

Cincy fans are locked in, hoping this strong run leads to another shot at playoff glory. For the latest updates and the lowdown on the players, check out Bucha’s official profile with the club.