“Roman is an intelligent central midfielder with strong technical ability and composure in possession. He keeps a cool head under pressure and takes responsibility for controlling the centre of the pitch. With this transfer, we are responding to the injuries of two defensive midfielders. We are bringing in a player who knows the Czech environment while also having extensive international experience. Given his age and maturity, we expect him to make an immediate impact on the pitch. He arrives with the motivation to establish himself in a team that has to win and compete for trophies,” says Tomáš Rosický, Sporting Director of AC Sparta Praha.
Macek came through the youth system at Zlín before joining Juventus’ academy at the age of 16. During his time in Turin, he trained under former World Cup winner Fabio Grosso, featured in the UEFA Youth League, and took part in preparations with the first team. The squad at the time included stars such as Gianluigi Buffon, Gonzalo Higuaín and Dani Alves, whom he faced regularly in training.
He then gained his first experience of professional football during loan spells in Italy’s Serie B with Bari and Cremonese. Although injuries hampered his time at Cremonese, he scored his first senior goal before the end of the 2017/18 season.
In August 2018, Macek extended his contract with Juventus before joining Swiss side Lugano on loan. Just six months later, the move became permanent. Over seven seasons with the club from the canton of Ticino, he made 135 competitive appearances, recording two goals and 13 assists. His most productive campaign came in 2022/23, when he provided eight assists and helped Lugano finish third in the Swiss Super League.
The following season, Lugano improved on that result by finishing second. Macek was a regular starter and also featured in the UEFA Conference League group stage. However, the Swiss side was unable to progress from a challenging group that included Club Brugge, Beşiktaş and Bodø/Glimt.
In the summer of 2025, Macek returned home, signing for Mladá Boleslav as a free agent. He marked his debut in the Czech top flight with a goal and later registered two assists in two matches against Sparta. Throughout the season, the former Czech youth international established himself as one of the key players in coach Majer’s side.
Welcome, Roman!
