Since gaining independence in 1991, the Croatian national team has produced some great soccer talents. The country quickly emerged as a soccer force led by stars like Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić. In this article, we’ll be looking at the 10 Best Croatian Soccer Players of all time.
From legendary goal-scorers to midfield maestros and stalwart defenders, each player on the list has left a lasting mark on the sport. We’ll delve into their illustrious careers, recounting iconic moments, championship triumphs, and their impact on both domestic and international stages.
So, let’s dive straight into exploring 10 of the best Croatian soccer players ever!
10. Joško Gvardiol
Position: Centre-Back
International Caps/Goals: 27 / 2
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 175 / 9 / 8
Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, RB Leipzig, Manchester City
We start off the list of the best Croatian soccer players with the Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol. While he’s primarily recognized as a formidable centre-back, he’s also pretty comfortable playing at the left back position.
Gvardiol’s playing style is a symphony of physicality, impeccable positioning, and masterful marking.
His journey began in the youth ranks of Dinamo Zagreb, where his talent quickly propelled him to the professional stage in 2019. During his tenure, Gvardiol contributed significantly to Dinamo’s success, clinching two league titles and the Croatian Cup.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed, leading to a move to Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig in 2021, where he added two DFB-Pokals to his growing list of accomplishments. In a groundbreaking transfer in 2023, Manchester City secured Gvardiol’s services for a staggering £77 million, becoming the second most expensive defender in soccer history.
Gvardiol’s international journey is equally impressive. Making his debut for the Croatian senior side in 2021, he played a pivotal role in their campaigns at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
9. Robert Prosinečki
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 58 / 11 (Yugoslavia + Croatia)
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 259 / 50 / 1
Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Red Star Belgrade, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Portsmouth, NK Olimpija, Standard Liège, Real Oviedo
Robert Prosinečki earned acclaim early in his career as the standout player at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship and the best young talent at the 1990 World Cup. In his prime, he was considered one of the best soccer players in the world.
Prosinečki’s journey unfolded as part of the triumphant Red Star Belgrade team, clinching three Yugoslav First League titles and the European Cup in 1991.
The Croatian virtuoso also showcased his skills across Spain, gracing the pitches for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. His soccer odyssey continued with stints in Belgium, England, and Slovenia.
On the international stage, Prosinečki earned 49 caps for Croatia between 1994 and 2002. He contributed to memorable campaigns at UEFA Euro 1996 and the World Cups of 1998 and 2002, notably helping secure Croatia’s third-place finish in 1998.
Post-retirement, Prosinečki transitioned seamlessly from player to mentor. He assumed the role of assistant manager for the Croatia national team from 2006 to 2010. Then he took the helm at Red Star Belgrade in December 2010, and later ventured into international coaching, steering the Azerbaijan national team from 2014 to 2017 and Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2018 to 2019.
8. Stipe Pletikosa
Position: Goalkeeper
International Caps/Goals/Clean Sheets: 114 / 0 / 55
Club Level Apps/Goals/Clean Sheets: 274 / 2 / 95
Clubs: Rostov, Spartak Moscow, Shakhtar Donetsk, Hajduk Split, Deportivo La Coruña, Tottenham Hotspur
Stipe Pletikosa, hailed as the greatest goalkeeper in Croatian history, etched his name into soccer lore with a career that spanned over a decade. Making his international debut in 1999, Pletikosa became a dependable presence between the posts for the Croatia national team.
His journey kicked off professionally with Hajduk Split in Croatia before venturing abroad to defend the nets for Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. A notable stint with Spartak Moscow followed in 2007.
Pletikosa’s journey then took him to the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur in 2010 for a brief spell. After a brief return to Russia with Rostov in 2011, he ventured to La Liga, joining Deportivo de La Coruña in 2015, where he eventually hung up his boots.
With 114 appearances, Pletikosa stands as the fourth-most capped player in the history of the Croatia national team, trailing only Luka Modrić, Darijo Srna, and Ivan Perišić. He called it a day on his international career after the end of the 2014 World Cup.
7. Marcelo Brozović
Position: Defensive Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 93 / 7
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 504 / 52 / 66
Clubs: Inter Milan, Dinamo Zagreb, NK Lokomotiva, Hrv Dragovoljac, Al-Nassr
Marcelo Brozović is a midfield dynamo known for his exceptional passing, tackling prowess, energetic runs, and enduring stamina. He has etched his name in soccer through versatile performances in various midfield roles. While typically deployed as a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box midfielder, his adaptability allows him to thrive across the midfield spectrum.
Brozović’s soccer journey began with Hrvatski Dragovoljac’s youth ranks, and he quickly made his mark in the 2011 season despite their relegation. A move to Lokomotiva followed, where his contributions led the club to a mid-table finish.
The midfielder then joined Dinamo Zagreb in August 2012, spending three seasons before a loan move to Inter Milan in January 2015. After a successful loan spell, Inter Milan secured Brozović permanently for €5 million, marking the beginning of a seven-season stint with the club.
His time at Inter was highlighted by over 300 appearances, instrumental contributions to their 2021 Serie A title, and appearances in two European finals. In the summer of 2023, Brozović made a move to the Saudi Pro League, signing with Al Nassr for a fee of €18 million.
On the international stage, Brozović made his debut for Croatia in June 2014 and has been a consistent presence in major tournaments. His notable achievements include reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 UEFA Nations League finals with the team.
6. Mateo Kovačić
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 97 / 5
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 511 / 25 / 45
Clubs: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Dinamo Zagreb, Manchester City
Mateo Kovačić brings a blend of technical finesse and exceptional dribbling skills to the beautiful game. His versatility shines through as he seamlessly navigates various midfield positions with a playing style that keeps opponents on their toes.
Kovačić embarked on his professional journey with Dinamo Zagreb, winning two consecutive Prva HNL titles with the team. His exceptional performances earned him a move to Inter Milan in 2013.
However, it was during his tenure at Real Madrid from the 2014–15 season onwards that Kovačić reached new heights. A key figure in the midfield, he played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s winning runs in the 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18 UEFA Champions Leagues.
His European conquest continued at Chelsea, where he made a loan move in 2018, later signing permanently in 2019. Kovačić’s time with Chelsea was nothing short of spectacular, marked by victories in the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League, the 2020–21 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the first FIFA Club World Cup for Chelsea in the 2021–22 season.
He was also named Chelsea Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season.
Born in Austria but choosing to represent Croatia, Kovačić has been an important player for the national team since his debut in 2013. His international journey includes appearances in multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, including reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and the 2023 UEFA Nations League final.
5. Ivan Rakitić
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 106 / 15
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 836 / 122 / 135
Clubs: Sevilla FC, FC Barcelona, FC Schalke 04, FC Basel
Ivan Rakitić is a modern day icon of Croatia with his versatile and impactful presence in the midfield for the national team.
His career trajectory began with FC Basel, where he honed his skills before catching the attention of Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga. After a fruitful three-and-a-half seasons in Germany, Rakitić made his move to Sevilla in January 2011.
Two years later, he was made the club captain and led Sevilla to a historic UEFA Europa League triumph.
In June 2014, Rakitić embarked on a new chapter with Barcelona, where he achieved remarkable success again. His achievements included winning the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League in his debut season. Notably, he scored the opening goal in the 2015 Champions League final.
After 310 appearances and ten more trophies with Barcelona, Rakitić returned to Sevilla in 2020. He helped the team win yet another UEFA Europa League title in the 2023 final.
Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, Rakitić had a choice in representation, and opted for Croatia at the senior level. His international journey saw him reach the final of the 2018 World Cup. Rakitić retired from international duty in September 2020, leaving a legacy as the fourth most capped player in the history of Croatian soccer.
4. Ivan Perišić
Position: Left Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 129 / 33
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 600 / 140 / 122
Clubs: Inter Milan, Club Brugge. VfL Wolfsburg. Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham, Bayern Munich
Known for his ambidexterity and versatility, Ivan Perišić is the most efficient soccer player in Croatian history.
Perišić’s soccer journey began in the youth academies of Hajduk Split and Sochaux. He earned his Club Brugge after winning the Belgian Pro League’s top goalscorer and the Belgian Footballer of the Year award in 2011.
His journey continued with stints at Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg, where he claimed the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal, respectively. Then came a €16 million move to Inter Milan, where he helped the team with their Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana triumphs.
The Croatian dynamo’s success reached its peak with a loan move to Bayern Munich in 2019 where he won the treble.
On the international stage, Perišić has been an important part of Croatia since his debut in 2011. His pivotal role in Croatia’s “golden generation” includes reaching the 2018 World Cup final and securing a bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup. Perišić also has the highest goal contributions for Croatia in major tournaments (18).
3. Mario Mandžukić
Position: Centre-Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 89 / 33
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 509 / 197 / 85
Clubs: Juventus, Dinamo Zagreb, Bayern Munich, VfL Wolfsburg, Atlético Madrid, NK Zagreb, AC Milan, Al-Duhail
Mario Mandžukić, the hardworking striker with a defensive edge, earned accolades for his remarkable endurance. His former manager at Wolfsburg, Felix Magath, marveled at Mandžukić’s fitness, suggesting he could play two consecutive games without a break.
Starting his career at hometown club Marsonia in 2004, Mandžukić’s early journey took him through Zagreb-based clubs NK Zagreb and Dinamo Zagreb. He was awarded the Croatian First League’s top goalscorer in the 2008–09 season.
Mandžukić’s then moved to Bundesliga, where he played for VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich, winning the continental treble in his debut season with Bayern. At Bayern, he became the first Croatian to score in a Champions League final.
After successful stints in La Liga with Atlético Madrid and Serie A with Juventus, Mandžukić continued his soccer journey in Qatar with Al-Duhail before a brief return to Italy with AC Milan.
On the international stage, Mandžukić made 89 appearances for Croatia, retiring after the 2018 World Cup final, where he scored both a goal and an own goal (the first player to do so).
His contribution to Croatian soccer earned him the title of Croatian Footballer of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
2. Davor Šuker
Position: Centre-Forward
International Caps/Goals: 69 / 45
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 361 / 154 / 17
Clubs: Sevilla FC, Real Madrid, Arsenal, 1860 Munich, West Ham, Dinamo Zagreb
Davor Šuker is widely considered as the greatest Croatian striker of all time and one of the finest globally. As Croatia’s all-time leading goal scorer with 45 goals, his crowning moment arrived during the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Šuker claimed the Golden Boot by scoring six goals in seven matches, leading Croatia to a historic bronze medal.
His overall impact on the team earned him the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament, just behind the legendary Ronaldo.
Šuker’s soccer journey commenced in his hometown with NK Osijek, where his prolific goal-scoring earned him recognition. Despite the Croatian War of Independence disrupting his promising start, Šuker’s talent shone through as he moved to Spanish club Sevilla in 1991.
His performances at Sevilla caught the eyes of Real Madrid, and he moved to Los Blancos in 1996. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Šuker played a pivotal role in securing the Liga and UEFA Champions League titles.
He then continued his soccer journey at Arsenal, West Ham United, and finally 1860 Munich.
After his retirement, Šuker became the president of the Croatian Football Federation. Under his leadership Croatia made their historic runner-up finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
1. Luka Modric
Position: Central Midfield
International Caps/Goals: 172 / 24
Club Level Apps/Goals/Assists: 760 / 86 / 126
Clubs: Real Madrid, Tottenham, Dinamo Zagreb
Luka Modric is easily the best Croatian soccer player ever and one of the greatest midfielders of all time.
His journey began at Dinamo Zagreb in 2003 where he displayed early promise. Modric’s time at Dinamo included a couple loan moves before making his mark in 2005. His performances caught the eye of the big European clubs and he was signed by Tottenham in 2008. Modric soon became one of the best players at Tottenham, helping them qualify for the 2010 UEFA Champions League.
The summer of 2012 proved to be the biggest moment of Modric’s career, as he was signed by Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee. Just a year after joining Madrid, he helped the team win the 2013/14 Champions League title. But he truly began to shine under Zinedine Zidane.
Under Zidane’s guidance, he played a key role in Real Madrid’s historic three consecutive Champions League triumphs from 2015–16 to 2017–18, earning a spot in each season’s squad of the season.
Modrić’s trophy cabinet at Madrid boasts an impressive 23 major titles, including five UEFA Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey titles.
Internationally, Modrić anchored the “Second Golden Generation” of Croatia. Notably, he led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, earning the Golden Ball at the tournament. Then, at the 2022 World Cup, he guided the team to a third-place finish, securing the Bronze Ball for himself.
Modric has won a record eleven Croatian Footballer of the Year awards and is the most capped player in Croatia’s history. He also won the 2018 Ballon D’or, becoming the first player to win it apart from Messi or Ronaldo since 2007.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you enjoyed our list of the Best Croatian Soccer Players of all time. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
Are you happy with our list? Did we miss someone?
If you feel we missed someone who should’ve been on this list, then do let us know in the comments!
Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience and provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.
Thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!
If you liked this article, you will love reading:
- Best American Soccer Players of All Time (Men and Women)
- Best African Soccer Players of All Time
- Best Soccer Players Who Have Worn Number 15
- Best Number 14 Soccer Players
- 9 Best Indoor Soccer Shoes in the Market
- Best Goalkeeper Gloves To Improve Your Game
- Coolest Soccer Jerseys of All Time