Mar 24

Mar 24 The 5 Greatest Croatian Footballers

The 5 Best Croatian Football Players

Formerly a part of Yugoslavia until 1991, Croatia’s relatively new status as their own nation in international football hasn’t stopped the Eastern Europeans from consistently impressing on the biggest of stages.

Lady with face painted in the colours of the Croatian flag. Supporting her national football team.

With 1 silver medal and 1 bronze from only 5 FIFA World Cup appearances, the nation currently ranked 7th in the world tends to thrive through team performances rather than individual superstars, but still produces some of the best talents in the world.

Despite boasting a population of only 4 million people as of 2020, some absolute ballers come out of Croatia on a regular basis. Here are 5 of their best ever:

Davor Suker

Position: Striker

Caps: 69

Goals: 45

Croatia’s highest goalscorer of all time, Davor Suker was one of the first superstars of the newly established nation in the 1990s.

His senior international debut came in December 1990 during his fifth season as a pro and first at Croatian giant Dinamo Zagreb. Suker was 21 years old at the time. Due to his immense talent, the striker wasted no time settling into the national team, scoring a brace in only his second cap, a 3-0 thrashing of Mexico.

Suker at Euro ‘96

By 1996, Suker was the superstar in the team after 16 goals in his first 15 caps. The striker also scored 20+ goals in ‘95/96 for Sevilla of Spain so he was in good form going into the 1996 European Championships.

Wearing the #9 and paired alongside either Goran Vlaovic or Alen Boksic as the strikers of Croatia’s 3-5-2 formation, Suker scored 3 goals in his side’s 4 games at the tournament as The Blazers reached the quarterfinals in Croatia’s first-ever major international tournament.

Goals against the likes of Denmark and Germany as well as his fantastic overall performance saw Suker named in the Euro ’96 team of the tournament.

The marksman’s chipped goal vs Denmark is still seen as one of the best goals ever scored in the Euros.

These performances on the international stage earned the striker a move to Real Madrid. Already a national icon after the Euros, Suker was sure to be involved in the 1998 World Cup which Croatia qualified for.

World Cup’s 98-2002

At the ’98 WC, Suker started all 7 of his side’s goals, scoring 6 goals as Croatia earned a bronze medal at their first-ever WC.

Playing in a 3-5-2 again alongside either Mario Stanic, Goran Vlaovic or Zvonimir Boban as the strikers, Suker scored the winning goal in 3 games including in the third-place playoff vs the Netherlands.

The marksman’s 6 goals earned him the WC golden boot, whilst his performance earned him a place in another team of the tournament.

Suker’s last major international tournament was the 2002 World Cup; he was the captain of the national team by then. At the competition, Suker only played 1 of Croatia’s 3 games as his nation crashed out of the group stages in a disappointing performance. The striker retired immediately after the ’02 WC, aged 34.

A highly technical player fond of dribbling, Suker’s great first touch and spatial awareness guaranteed the striker usually had opportunities to score goals. These opportunities were usually converted thanks to Suker’s strong nerve and wand of a left foot. The legend is the current president of Croatia’s football federation, a position he has held since 2012.

Luka Modric

Position: Central Midfielder

Caps: 162

Goals: 23

Croatia’s most-capped player of all time and the current captain of The Blazers, Luka Modric is one of the few players who, upon exhibiting great potential from a young age, proceeded to surpass the already high expectations of him.

Modric’s senior international debut came in March 2006 at 20 years old. This was during the maestro’s third season as a pro, and second at Croatian giant Dinamo Zagreb.

Modric makes his mark at World Cup 2006

Due to his immense talent, Modric immediately became a regular member of the national side, earning 5 caps within just six months of his debut.

After evidently earning the trust of then-manager, Zlatko Kranjcar, Modric was called up to represent Croatia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

At the WC in Germany, Modric played 2 of his nation’s 3 games, coming off the bench in both as Croatia failed to progress past the group stages. Whilst not a star of the team yet, the tournament served as good experience for the young midfielder.

After the ’06 WC, Modric continued to be a regular part of Croatia’s squads as his importance within the team grew organically.

2008 and beyond for Modric

By Euro 2008, the playmaker had amassed 26 caps for his country and was coming off of a fantastic season with Dinamo Zagreb which saw him score 17 goals from midfield.

At the Euros, Modric started 3 of his nation’s 4 games as the Croats reached only their second-ever Euros QFs in a cohesive team performance.

Playing in the central midfield of a 4-4-2 alongside Croatian icon Niko Kovac, Modric scored his homeland’s opening goal of Euro 2008; the winning goal in the 1-0 victory vs Austria. Despite missing a penalty in the shootout of the QF loss vs Turkey, Modric was a class above all tournament, which earned him a place in the team of the tournament.

The midfielder’s Euro 2008 showings, as well as his 17-goal ‘07/08 season, earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in England.

By Euro 2012, Modric was Croatia’s talisman and a household name globally thanks to regularly dazzling for Tottenham over the years.

At the tournament, Modric started all 3 of his side’s games as The Blazers failed to progress past a difficult group also consisting of Spain and Italy, missing out by only 1 point. Playing in central midfield of a 4-4-2, the maestro had an average tournament by his standards.

Unfortunately, The 2014 WC followed a similar pattern as Euro 2012 with Croatia crashing out of the group stages of another major international tournament. Modric continued to be ever-present despite the setbacks, starting all of his side’s games at the WC either as a DM or a #10 in a 4-2-3-1. With 87 caps to his name by 2016, Modric had become a veteran of the national team.

The midfielder was also a regular starter in his fourth season at Spanish giant Real Madrid at the time, ensuring he was undroppable in Croatia’s Euro 2016 squad.

At the competition, Modric started 3 of Croatia’s 4 games as The Blazers reached the RO16, progressing past a group stage for the first time in 8 years. Playing as a DM in a 4-2-3-1, the playmaker scored once; the winning goal in the 1-0 group stage win vs Turkey. After the tournament, Modric was named captain of the national team.

The 2018 WC was Croatia’s finest showing at a major international tournament, and Modric’s performances were integral to the Croats’ fantastic performance.

The maestro started all 7 of his nation’s games at the WC as Croatia earned their first-ever silver medal at a major international tournament.

Captaining the side in a 4-2-3-1 as either a DM or a #10, Modric scored twice and earned three man-of-the-match awards throughout the tournament, earning the golden ball as the best player at the tournament.

He was also included in the team of the tournament for his efforts. Modric is yet to retire, and is selected in Croatia’s squad for Euro 2020.

Originally only an attacking midfielder due to his silky dribbling, passing and outstanding vision. Modric became more complete as time went on due to hard work and determination.

The playmaker often uses his tactical intelligence to compensate for his lack of size, intercepting instead of tackling bigger players.

He is lethal from outside the box both in open play and from set-pieces, and is one of the most versatile midfielders on the planet. Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018.

Mario Mandzukic

Position: Striker

Caps: 89

Goals: 33

One of the most underrated strikers of his era, Mario Mandzukic has often been the difference for both club and country during games of utmost importance.

The striker’s senior international debut came in November 2007 during Mandzukic’s fourth season as a pro, and first at Croatian giant Dinamo Zagreb; the marksman was 21 years old at the time.

His second cap didn’t come until a year later when Mandzukic scored his side’s only goal in a 4-1 loss to England. Despite his encouraging start in the national team, Mandzukic didn’t become a regular until 2009 when he earned 6 caps that year after only 4 total in the past two years.

After becoming a regular, Mandzukic initially struggled to score for Croatia, not scoring his second international goal until his 17th cap.

However, by 2011, the marksman was more comfortable in the national setup, netting 3 goals in 8 caps that year.

Euro 2012

His improving international form as well as scoring double figures for German side Wolfsburg in 2011/12 led to Mandzukic’s call-up to Croatia’s Euro 2012 squad. At the tournament, he started all 3 of his side’s games as The Blazers regrettably failed to progress past the group stage.

Either playing alongside Nikica Jelavic as a striker in a 4-4-2 or as the sole striker in a 4-2-3-1, Mandzukic netted 3 goals at the Euros to finish joint-top scorer of the tournament.

His equalizing goal vs Italy in the group stages was particularly impressive. Mandzukic’s dazzling form for Croatia carried on into 2013 as he scored 4 goals in 10 caps for his country whilst enjoying a 26-goal ‘13/14 campaign with German giants Bayern Munich.

These performances guaranteed his place in his nation’s 2014 World Cup squad.

At the WC, the marksman started 2 of his country’s 3 games at the tournament as The Croats failed to perform better than Euro 2012, once again stumbling in the group stages. Mandzukic was imperious, however, scoring 2 goals as the sole striker in a 4-2-3-1.

2016 Euro’s and Beyond

By 2016, the striker had scored 20 goals in 63 caps and was undoubtedly his country’s main #9. After 3 goals in 6 caps in 2015 in addition to scoring double figures for Italian giants Juventus in 2015/16, Mandzukic was in good form going into Euro 2016.

At the Euros, the marksman started 3 of Croatia’s 4 games as The Blazers reached the RO16 in a good overall performance from the team. Mandzukic went goalless though in an unusually poor tournament from him.

This poor international form carried on into 2017, with only 1 goal in 7 caps for Mandzukic. He continued to hit double figures at club level though, and as Croatia’s starting striker for the past 3 major tournaments, Mandzukic was always going to be in the 2018 WC squad if injury-free.

World Cup 2018

At the WC, Mandzukic started 6 of Croatia’s 7 games as the Croats romped to the final in an astonishing team performance, earning a silver medal for their efforts. Playing as the sole striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the marksman scored 3 goals to propel his country so close to World Cup glory.

All 3 of Mandzukic’s goals came in the knockout rounds, as he scored the equalizing goal vs Denmark in the RO16 and the winner vs England in the SF. He retired after the tournament, aged 32 years old.

A target man with good technical skills, Mandzukic has been a prolific goalscorer throughout his career, with over 200 goals scored overall. He is also known for his high work rate which contributes to his team’s defensive efforts.

Nicknamed ‘Super Mario’, Mandzukic is Croatia’s second highest-ever goalscorer and ranks 10th overall in caps amassed for his country.

Dario Simic

Position: Defender

Caps: 100

Goals: 3

Widely considered one of Croatia’s best defenders of all time, Dario Simic was always a dependable force in his country’s defence during his 12-year international career.

Simic’s senior international debut came in March 1996 during the defender’s fourth season as a pro at Croatian giant Dinamo Zagreb; he was 20 years old at the time.

After only 2 caps for the national team, Simic was called up to Croatia’s Euro ’96 squad due to his ability to play as both a centre-back and full-back.

At the competition, Simic only started 1 of his side’s 4 games as Croatia reached a quarterfinal at their first-ever major international football tournament.

Simic at the ‘98 World Cup

After having just started his international career, Simic already had experience at the highest level in his first year with the national side. He then became a regular after the Euros, amassing 17 caps by the 1998 World Cup.

Simic started 6 of his nation’s 7 games at the tournament as the Croats shocked the world to earn bronze at their first-ever WC.

Playing as either the right wing-back or centre-back in 5-3-2 formation, Simic managed to secure 3 clean sheets for his country in a resolute defensive performance from The Blazers overall.

After the ’98 WC, the versatile defender became a nailed-on starter for Croatia. Between 1999 and 2001, Simic garnered 20 caps in that period alone.

This consistency in addition to Simic’s move to Inter Milan in 1998/99 guaranteed his place in Croatia’s 2002 WC squad.

At the tournament, Simic played 2 of his country’s 3 games as The Blazers disappointingly crashed out in the group stages.

After earning 10 caps in 2003 alone in addition to a move to AC Milan where he initially played regularly, Simic was called to represent his nation at Euro 2004.

Playing as a right-back in a 4-4-2 formation, the defender started all 3 of Croatia’s games at the Euros, keeping 1 clean sheet as the Croats failed to progress past a difficult group consisting of England, Switzerland and France.

Despite not playing many games at club level, Simic remained a regular in his national team, with 5 caps earned in 2005 and 5 earned prior to the World Cup in 2006.

This illustrated the defender was trusted by then-manager Zlatko Kranjcar, and Simic’s call-up to Croatia’s ’06 WC squad confirmed this trust.

The Later 2000s

At the WC, Simic started all 3 of his side’s games in a familiar, disappointing team performance which led to elimination in the group stages. Playing as a centre-back in a 3-4-3 formation, he marshalled the backline expertly and managed to keep 1 clean sheet to restore some pride in Croatia.

Simic’s last major international tournament was Euro 2008. At the Euros, Simic only started 1 of his country’s 4 games as the Croats made their second QF in only their third-ever Euros appearance.

Simic’s sole start at Euro 2008 was his 99th cap for his country, and he captained the side to a clean sheet in a 1-0 win vs Poland in the group stages. His 100th cap was his last, coming in a 3-2 win vs Slovenia in August 2008. Simic was aged 32.

A versatile player who could play across the backline, Simic was aggressive in the tackle and fantastic in the air. Of Croatia’s 10 major international tournament appearances, Simic has been involved in 6.

He is ranked joint 8th all-time in appearances for Croatia alongside Ivan Perisic.

Ivan Perisic

Position: Winger

Caps: 123

Goals: 33

Croatia’s best wide player of all time, Ivan Perisic’s blend of athleticism and technique has been the undoing of many opposition teams in the 21st century.

The wide man’s senior international debut came in March 2011 at 22 years old. This was during his third season as a pro, and second at Belgian giants Club Brugge.

Coming off of a 22-goal season at Brugge, Perisic immediately became a regular within the national setup, with 7 caps garnered in 2011 alone.

After amassing 10 caps within only 15 months of his Croatia debut, Perisic was called up to his country’s Euro 2012 squad. At the competition, Perisic played all 3 of Croatia’s games as The Blazers exited in the group stage.

Despite his anonymous performances at the Euros, the winger gained tournament experience which would prove useful later on in his career.

By 2014, Perisic was now one of the first names in Croatia’s starting lineup. He was also a regular at the German club Wolfsburg, scoring 11 goals from the flanks in 2013/14. This good form guaranteed Perisic’s place in his nation’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

2014 World Cup appearances

At the WC, the winger started all 3 of his side’s games as The Blazers once again disappointed on the international stage, crashing out in the group stages. Despite the poor team performance, Perisic shone individually, scoring twice from the right flank of a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Following his impressive 2014 WC performance, Perisic really began to drive the national team forward as his confidence grew in tandem with his ability.

After only 4 goals in 29 caps prior to the tournament, Perisic scored 6 goals within the next year and by Euro 2016, he had 14 goals in 47 caps. At the tournament, Perisic started all 4 of his nation’s games as Croatia reached the RO16 in an impressive showing from the Croats relative to their recent tournaments.

Playing on either flank of a 4-2-3-1, Perisic netted twice in an impeccable performance at the competition. He scored the opening goal in the 2-2 draw vs the Czech Republic and the winning goal in an iconic 2-1 win vs Spain, with both goals occurring during the group stage.

Perisic’s Euro 2016 performance made him a household name globally and certified his status as a leader in the national squad.

2018 World Cup

The 2018 World Cup is Croatia’s finest moment on the international stage, and Perisic played a vital role in the team’s efforts. He started all 7 of his side’s games at the tournament, scoring 3 times in a virtuoso display from the winger as Croatia earned a silver medal in only their fifth-ever WC.

2 of Perisic’s goals came in the knockout rounds, with one in the semifinals and one in the final.

His man-of-the-match display in Croatia’s SF win vs England is iconic, equalizing the game and then assisting striker Mario Mandzukic’s winning goal.

Perisic is yet to retire from national team duty and is in Croatia’s squad for Euro 2020. A direct wide player capable with both feet, Perisic often uses both pace and skill to evade defenders on a regular basis.

This is done with the aim of either getting shots on target with his venomous feet or crossing into the box for the striker.

The winger is Croatia’s 4th top scorer of all time and ranks 8th all-time for appearances.