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The national collection · CRO

Croatia

A team across generations. Build your eleven, then explore the careers.
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A team across generations 0 / 11

Fill all 11 positions to share your XI.

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The 330 on the pitch

The duels

Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Croatia.

The 33 of Croatia.

Editorial order, with a career scene and sources behind every name.

01 Luka Modrić 205 (as of 5 October 2026) caps (Croatia) · 30 (as of 5 October 2026) goals · Dinamo Zagreb, Zrinjski Mostar · 1× Ballon d'OrThe peerless puppet master who defied expectations to win the 2018 Ballon d’Or, orchestrating Real Madrid's dynasty and leading Croatia to global prominence.
Career sourcesHonours · checked 4 October 2026
Career dates · checked 5 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q483837
CM2006–
02 DŠ Davor Šuker 69 caps (Croatia) · 45 goals · NK Osijek, Sevilla
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q189217
SS1991–2002
03 SB Stjepan Bobek 63 caps (Yugoslavia) · 38 goals · Admira Wacker, HŠK Građanski ZagrebA prolific attacker and record goalscorer for Partizan Belgrade, this Croatian-born maestro was a cornerstone of Yugoslav football history.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q374555
SS1946–1956
04 Vladimir Beara 59 caps (Yugoslavia) · HNK Hajduk Split, FK Crvena zvezdaWidely revered as the "Great Bear", Beara was a visionary Yugoslavian goalkeeper whose innovative style and breathtaking saves made him a legend of the 1950s.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q703632
GK1950–1959
05 ZB Zvonimir Boban 51 caps (Croatia) · 12 goals · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, SSC BariAn elegant midfielder and captain of Croatia's iconic 1998 World Cup squad, he was a key figure in AC Milan's golden era.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q231468
CM1988–1999
06 Ivan Perišić 150 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Croatia) · 38 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · Club Brugge K.V., VfL WolfsburgA big-game player renowned for his two-footed attacking threat, he was instrumental in Croatia's runs to the 2018 final and 2022 semi-finals.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q161054
LM2011–
07 Ivan Rakitić 106 caps (Croatia) · 15 goals · Schalke 04, Sevilla
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q115453
CM2007–2019
08 Mario Mandžukić 89 caps (Croatia) · 33 goals · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, VfL WolfsburgThe iconic big-game striker who netted Croatia's only goal in the 2018 World Cup final, his relentless work rate and imposing presence defined Juventus and Bayern Munich's attacks.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q187171
RM2007–2018
09 RP Robert Prosinečki 49 caps (Croatia) · 10 goals · FK Crvena zvezda, Real Madrid Club de FútbolA technically gifted midfield maestro, his incredible vision and audacious passing graced the pitches of Red Star Belgrade, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q298190
CM1989–2002
10 BV Bernard Vukas 59 caps (Yugoslavia) · 22 goals · HNK Hajduk Split, Bologna F.C. 1909Dubbed "Mr. Football," this attacking genius remains a legend at Hadjuk Split, celebrated for his dazzling dribbling and goal-scoring prowess.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q725988
CAM1948–1957
11 Darijo Srna 134 caps (Croatia) · HNK Hajduk Split, FC Shakhtar DonetskA truly iconic and combative right-back, Srna captained Shakhtar Donetsk for many years, known for his relentless attacking prowess, powerful free-kicks, and inspiring leadership for Croatia.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q184269
RB2002–2016
12 JS Josip Skoblar 32 caps (Yugoslavia) · 11 goals · OFK Beograd, Olympique de MarseilleForty-four goals in the 1970-71 season for Marseille still stand as the Ligue 1 record, untouched in fifty-five years.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q315114
ST1961–1967
13 Joško Gvardiol 46 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Croatia) · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, RB LeipzigSeven minutes into the 2022 third-place match he launched himself at Ivan Perišić's flick and headed Croatia ahead of Morocco, still wearing the black mask that guarded the nose he broke days before the tournament. World Cup bronze heads his record, and with Manchester City he has taken the Premier League in 2024, the FA Cup in 2026 and the Club World Cup.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q73400656
CB2021–
14 Marcelo Brozović 99 caps (Croatia) · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Inter MilanThe beating 'epicentro' of Inter Milan and Croatia's midfield, his relentless engine and tactical intelligence were crucial to their 2018 World Cup final run.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q3845710
CDM2014–2024
15 AB Alen Bokšić 40 caps (Croatia) · 10 goals · HNK Hajduk Split, Juventus
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q313518
ST1990–2002
16 Danijel Subašić 44 caps (Croatia) · NK Zadar, HNK Hajduk SplitThe penalty shootout hero of the 2018 World Cup, Subašić was a commanding presence between the sticks for Monaco and Croatia, renowned for his agility and big-game temperament.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q358075
GK2009–2018
17 RJ Robert Jarni 81 caps (Croatia) · HNK Hajduk Split, SSC BariA dazzling left-sided player, Jarni's incredible pace and attacking thrust from full-back were a constant threat for Real Madrid, Juventus, and for Croatia at the 1998 World Cup.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q311898
LB1990–2002
18 AA Aljoša Asanović 62 caps (Croatia) · 3 goals · HNK Hajduk Split, Montpellier Hérault Sport ClubThe creative force behind Croatia's unforgettable 1998 World Cup run, this imaginative midfielder provided crucial assists with his exquisite left foot.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q435522
CAM1987–2000
19 Andrej Kramarić 116 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Croatia) · 36 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, NK LokomotivaThe versatile Hoffenheim forward is a technically gifted goalscorer, renowned for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing in the Bundesliga and for Croatia.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q502898
ST2014–
20 Eduardo da Silva 64 caps (Croatia) · 29 goals · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, ArsenalBefore a severe injury, this Arsenal striker was an extraordinary finisher, known for his predatory instincts and crucial goals for both Dinamo Zagreb and the Gunners.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q180444
ST2004–2014
21 NK Niko Kovač 83 caps (Croatia) · Hertha BSC, Bayer 04 LeverkusenA commanding captain for club and country, this powerful midfielder anchored teams like Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC with his astute positioning and leadership.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q154305
CDM1996–2008
22 RK Robert Kovač 84 caps (Croatia) · Hertha Zehlendorf, Bayer 04 LeverkusenA composed and powerful central defender, Robert Kovač brought his wealth of experience from top European clubs like Bayern Munich and Juventus to anchor the Croatian defence.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q271882
CB1999–2009
23 DŠ Dario Šimić 100 caps (Croatia) · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, AC MilanA versatile and tenacious defender, Šimić seamlessly transitioned between centre-back and right-back for Milan and Inter, earning a remarkable number of caps for the Croatian national team.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q242193
CB1996–2008
24 Dejan Lovren 78 caps (Croatia) · NK Inter Zaprešić, Olympique LyonnaisA committed and passionate centre-back, Lovren forged a successful career at the highest level, winning the Champions League with Liverpool and reaching the 2018 World Cup Final with Croatia.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q349125
CB2009–2022
25 IB Ivan Buljan 36 caps (Yugoslavia) · HNK Hajduk Split, Hamburger SVA 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 sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q701934
CDM1973–1981
26 Ivica Olić 104 caps (Croatia) · 20 goals · PFC CSKA Moscow, Hamburger SVA tireless forward known for incredible work rate and bursts of pace, he was a fan favourite for Bayern Munich and Hamburg with his fearless attacking play.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q150484
RM2002–2015
27 JŠ Josip Šimunić 105 caps (Croatia) · Hertha BSC, TSG 1899 HoffenheimA tall and uncompromising centre-back, Šimunić was a long-serving and formidable presence in the heart of the Croatian defence for over a decade, known for his robust tackling.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q295027
CB2001–2013
28 Mladen Petrić 45 caps (Croatia) · 13 goals · Grasshopper Club Zürich, FC BaselA versatile attacker with a venomous shot, he terrorised defences for Basel, Borussia Dortmund, and Hamburg from wide or through the middle.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q294467
LM2001–2013
29 Domagoj Vida 105 caps (Croatia) · FC Dynamo Kyiv, Beşiktaş J.K.A passionate and often theatrical defender, Vida was a cult figure for Croatia at the 2018 World Cup, bringing an infectious energy and warrior spirit to the backline.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q314227
CB2010–2024
30 DL Dražen Ladić 59 caps (Croatia) · NK Varteks, NK Iskra BugojnoA stalwart of the Croatian Golden Generation, Ladić was the dependable last line of defence during their memorable third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q471594
GK1990–2000
31 IŠ Igor Štimac 53 caps (Croatia) · HNK Hajduk Split, Cádiz Club de FútbolA true firebrand and leader, Štimac was a no-nonsense defender for Derby County and Hajduk Split, famously a key figure in Croatia's 1998 World Cup third-place squad.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q515039
CB1990–2002
32 Niko Kranjčar 81 caps (Croatia) · 16 goals · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, PortsmouthA graceful number ten, his silky touch and eye for a pass brightened pitches for Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham, and Portsmouth.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q84272
CAM2004–2013
33 Šime Vrsaljko 52 caps (Croatia) · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, US Sassuolo CalcioA modern, tireless right-back, Vrsaljko was an integral part of Atlético Madrid and Croatia's run to the 2018 World Cup final, providing both defensive solidity and attacking width.
Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q391628
RB2011–2022

About this XI

Croatia's pool is led by Luka Modrić, Davor Šuker and Stjepan Bobek. The 33 covers 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 14 midfielders and 6 forwards, with sourced senior international careers spanning the 1940s to the 2020s. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then explore the careers and settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.

Left out, and why

A 33 is a set of decisions, and these are the players who lost their place in the last revision of Croatia's list. Every one of them has a case.

  • Nikola KalinićThe place went to Josip Skoblar.
  • Josip JuranovićThe place went to Joško Gvardiol.

Disagree? That is the point. Settle it in the duels above.

Who is the greatest Croatia footballer of all time?
The editorial collection starts with Luka Modrić. Its first five careers: Luka Modrić, Davor Šuker, Stjepan Bobek, Vladimir Beara, Zvonimir Boban. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Croatia players chosen?
The collection covers every position across Croatia's football history. Honours, international records and career achievements inform the editorial order. Each entry opens a career note and its sources. Fan votes in the duels build a separate ranking.
Where can I read about the careers?
Open a player page from the collection to read the career scene, club record and recorded honours. The source links show where the available records come from.
Can I build and share my own Croatia all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of 8 formations, place any of the 33 players onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.