Croatia continues to produce world-class soccer talent, blending experienced legends with exciting young prospects. In 2025, the country’s football legacy thrives through players dominating top leagues and rising stars ready to shine. Below is a list of the 10 best Croatian players making waves globally this year, featuring key stats, strengths, and career highlights.
1. Joško Gvardiol
Position: Defender (CB/LB)
Age: 23
Club: Manchester City (England)
Joško Gvardiol has solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s most versatile defenders. Standing 6’1”, he combines physicality with technical skill, often contributing to attacks. In the 2024/2025 season, he scored 5 goals in 22 Premier League appearances—a rare feat for a defender. His ability to intercept passes and execute precise tackles has made him indispensable for both club and country. Gvardiol’s leadership and composure under pressure earned him a spot in the Guardian’s Top 100 Players list for the third consecutive year.
2. Luka Modrić
Position: Midfielder (CM)
Age: 39
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
The ageless Luka Modrić remains Croatia’s heartbeat. Despite nearing 40, he played 90% of matches for Real Madrid in 2024/2025, showcasing unmatched vision and passing accuracy. Modrić became the oldest scorer in EURO 2024 history and holds the record for most Champions League titles (6). His role as a mentor for younger players and ability to control midfield tempo keep him among the elite.
3. Martin Baturina
Position: Attacking Midfielder (AM)
Age: 21
Club: Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Baturina is Croatia’s most exciting young playmaker. In the 2024/2025 season, he averaged 3.25 successful dribbles and 4.63 touches in the opponent’s box per game, outperforming peers in creativity. His agility and flair have drawn interest from clubs like AC Milan and Juventus. Baturina’s 12 assists in 30 league games highlight his potential to become a global superstar.
4. Luka Vušković
Position: Center-Back (CB)
Age: 18
Club: KVC Westerlo (Belgium, on loan from Tottenham)
At 6’4”, Vušković is a defensive prodigy. After joining Tottenham at 16 for €13.8 million, he excelled in Belgium’s Pro League in 2024/2025, scoring 6 goals in 22 matches—a remarkable tally for a defender. His aerial dominance and ability to read the game earned comparisons to Sergio Ramos. Vušković’s 95 clearances and 18 blocked shots showcase his defensive reliability.
5. Ivan Perišić
Position: Winger/Left-Back (LW/LWB)
Age: 36
Club: Hajduk Split (Croatia, on loan from Tottenham)
Perišić adapts seamlessly to multiple roles, from winger to wing-back. Despite recovering from a knee injury, he contributed 8 assists in 25 matches for Hajduk Split in 2024/2025. His experience and crossing accuracy (82%) remain vital for Croatia’s national team. Perišić holds the record for most goal contributions (18) in major tournaments by a Croatian player.
6. Lovro Zvonarek
Position: Attacking Midfielder (AM)
Age: 20
Club: Sturm Graz (Austria, on loan from Bayern Munich)
Zvonarek is a creative force with a lethal left foot. On loan at Sturm Graz, he scored 4 goals and provided 5 assists in 15 league games. Bayern Munich’s reluctance to sell him signals their belief in his potential. Zvonarek’s free-kick expertise and ability to shoot from distance make him a threat in tight spaces.
7. Niko Sigur
Position: Defensive Midfielder/Right-Back (CDM/RB)
Age: 21
Club: Hajduk Split (Croatia)
Sigur’s versatility shines as he alternates between midfield and defense. In 2024/2025, he started 38 matches for Hajduk, earning praise for his tackling (71% success rate) and long-range passing. With an EA Sports FC 25 rating of 69, his stamina (81) and aggression (82) stand out. Many see him as Marcelo Brozović’s successor in Croatia’s midfield.
8. Anton Matković
Position: Striker (CF)
Age: 19
Club: NK Osijek (Croatia)
Matković is a towering forward (6’3”) with surprising speed. He scored 9 goals in 25 matches for Osijek, attracting bids from Inter Milan and Newcastle. His work rate off the ball and ability to press defenders align with modern striker demands. Matković’s 1.91m frame and agility make him a nightmare for defenders.
9. Domagoj Bukvić
Position: Right Winger (RW)
Age: 21
Club: NK Osijek (Croatia)
Bukvić is a dribbling wizard, completing 3.1 take-ons per game in 2024/2025. His 5 assists and 4 goals for Osijek highlight his playmaking skills. Despite his small stature (5’7”), he excels in one-on-one situations and delivers pinpoint crosses. Bukvić’s contract extension until 2027 shows Osijek’s faith in his development.
10. Petar Sučić
Position: Defensive Midfielder (CDM)
Age: 21
Club: Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Sučić’s tactical awareness and passing accuracy (89%) anchor Dinamo Zagreb’s midfield. He made 42 appearances in 2024/2025, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists. His decision to represent Croatia over Bosnia & Herzegovina in 2024 sparked national pride. A €10 million offer from Como 1907 underscores his rising stock.
Conclusion
Croatia’s 2025 roster blends legendary veterans like Modrić and Perišić with prodigies like Vušković and Baturina. These players exemplify technical skill, adaptability, and relentless drive—traits that keep Croatia competitive on the global stage. As younger stars gain experience, the nation’s football future looks brighter than ever.