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25 / Croatia · 1973–1981

Ivan Buljan

CDM anchorleader
Caps · Yugoslavia
36
Goals · Yugoslavia
2
Life
1949
Clubs
HNK Hajduk Split, Hamburger SV, New York Cosmos
#25
Editorial rank of 33 for Croatia
–
The people's rank, live from duel votes

A formidable presence at the heart of midfield, this Croatian excelled at Hajduk Split and Hamburg, dictating play with his defensive strength and tactical versatility. Career record: 36 caps and 2 goals for Yugoslavia; club career at HNK Hajduk Split, Hamburger SV, New York Cosmos.

Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q701934
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Career record

1967–1977HNK Hajduk Split
1977–1981Hamburger SV
1981–1982New York Cosmos
Yugoslavia36 caps, 2 goals

Sources

The world's great CDMs

Around Buljan in the almanac

One rank above: Dejan Lovren at #24.

One rank below: Ivica Olić at #26.

Croatia's editorial top five: Luka Modrić · Davor Šuker · Stjepan Bobek · Vladimir Beara · Zvonimir Boban.

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