Famous Croatian Sportspersons

Ivan Rakitić is a professional footballer known for his midfield skills. He started his career at Basel before playing for Schalke 04 and Sevilla. As captain of Sevilla, he led the team to a UEFA Europa League victory. In 2014, he transferred to Barcelona, where he won numerous trophies including the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League. Rakitić returned to Sevilla in 2020 and helped win another Europa League title. He represented Croatia in multiple international tournaments before retiring in 2020.

Mateo Kovačić is a professional footballer known for his versatility as a central-midfielder. He began his career at Dinamo Zagreb, winning titles before moving to Inter Milan and then Real Madrid, where he achieved success in the UEFA Champions League. Kovačić joined Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Europa League and Champions League, earning accolades including Chelsea Player of the Year. He later joined Manchester City, winning the Premier League in his first season. Representing Croatia, he has participated in multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, reaching significant milestones in international tournaments.

Mario Mandžukić is a Croatian football coach and former player known for his aggressiveness, defensive contribution, and aerial prowess as a forward. He started his career at Marsonia and went on to play for clubs like NK Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb, VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Al-Duhail, and AC Milan. Mandžukić helped Bayern win a continental treble and was the first Croatian to score in a Champions League final. He represented Croatia in four major tournaments and retired as the national team's second-highest goal scorer.

Toni Kukoč is a Croatian-American former professional basketball player known for his versatility and passing ability. He had a successful career in both European and NBA basketball, playing for four NBA teams and winning three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Kukoč was recognized for his court vision and outside shooting touch, despite his height as a small forward. He also achieved international success, winning Olympic silver medals and being honored with multiple MVP awards. Kukoč was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Luka Modrić is a highly accomplished Croatian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a midfielder. He currently plays for and captains both La Liga club Real Madrid and the Croatia national team. Modrić started his career with Dinamo Zagreb before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. In 2012, he transferred to Real Madrid, where he has achieved immense success, winning multiple major trophies, including UEFA Champions League titles. Modrić has also received numerous individual awards, such as the Ballon d'Or in 2018.

Ivan Perišić is a Croatian professional footballer known for his versatility as a winger, attacking midfielder, second striker, or left wing-back. He began his career in the youth academies of Hajduk Split and Sochaux before making a name for himself at Club Brugge. He later played for Borussia Dortmund, VfL Wolfsburg, Inter Milan, and Bayern Munich, achieving success in various leagues and tournaments. Perišić has been a key player for the Croatia national team, representing his country in multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups, including the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 World Cup bronze medal match.

Goran Ivanišević is a Croatian former professional tennis player and current coach. He made history by winning the Wimbledon singles title as a wild card in 2001. Ivanišević was a Wimbledon runner-up in 1992, 1994, and 1998. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 2 in July 1994 and was known for his powerful left-handed serves. Ivanišević held the record for most aces at Wimbledon for almost two decades. He coached Marin Čilić to a major title and Novak Djokovic as well. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020.

Mirko Cro Cop is a Croatian former professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and amateur boxer. He gained fame during his time in Pride Fighting Championships and also competed in organizations such as UFC, K-1, RIZIN, and Bellator. Known for his lightning-quick left high roundhouse kick, he is considered one of the greatest Heavyweight Kickboxers and MMA fighters of all time. Cro Cop achieved significant titles including the 2006 Pride Open-Weight Grand Prix Champion and the 2016 Rizin Openweight Grand Prix Champion. In addition to his sporting career, he briefly served as a Member of the Croatian Parliament. Cro Cop retired in 2019 due to health reasons following a stroke.

Davor Šuker is a former Croatian professional football player and administrator, known as one of the greatest Croatian strikers and a top scorer for Croatia. Starting his career at NK Osijek, he later played for Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla, Real Madrid, Arsenal, West Ham United, and 1860 Munich. His standout moment was winning the Golden Boot at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, leading Croatia to a bronze medal. As president of the Croatian Football Federation, he played a key role in Croatia's success at the 2018 World Cup.

Dražen Petrović was a legendary Yugoslav and Croatian professional basketball player who excelled in both European and NBA leagues. He achieved success with teams like Cibona and Real Madrid before making his mark in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Jersey Nets. Petrović was a star on the international stage, winning numerous medals and MVP awards. His legacy lives on through various honors, awards, and hall of fame inductions, solidifying his status as a basketball icon.

Niko Kovač is a former professional football player and current coach known for his defensive skills. He captained the Croatia national team and played for clubs in the German Bundesliga and Austrian league. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, starting with the reserve team at Red Bull Salzburg. He later managed the Croatia national under-21 team and then the senior team. Kovač also coached Eintracht Frankfurt, winning the 2018 DFB-Pokal, and had a stint at Bayern Munich before moving to Monaco in 2020.

Donna Vekić is a Croatian professional tennis player known for her achievements on the court. With a career-high singles ranking of world No. 19 in November 2019, she has proven herself as a formidable competitor. Vekić has secured notable victories at prestigious tournaments, including reaching the semifinals of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Her success extends to winning multiple singles titles on the WTA Tour and the ITF Circuit, showcasing her talent and determination in the world of professional tennis.

Marin Čilić is a highly accomplished Croatian professional tennis player known for his impressive career achievements. With 20 ATP Tour singles titles, including a major win at the 2014 US Open, he has also been a runner-up at prestigious tournaments like the Wimbledon Championships and the Australian Open. His career highlights include a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in men's doubles. Čilić has reached impressive rankings in the world of tennis and is recognized for his consistent performances at major tournaments and ATP Masters 1000 events.

Nikolai Volkoff, born Josip Hrvoje Peruzović, was a Croatian-American professional wrestler best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation. He initially portrayed a Soviet heel character, teaming up with the Iron Sheik to win the WWF Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania. Volkoff later turned face, feuding with former allies and adopting different personas in his career. Despite a hiatus, he returned to the ring as a member of Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Corporation before continuing to wrestle in various promotions until his passing in 2018.

Domagoj Vida is a professional footballer from Croatia, known for his versatility as a defender. He currently plays for AEK Athens in the Super League Greece. Vida has showcased his skill in various defensive positions but is primarily utilized as a centre-back. He holds the distinction of being the first Croatian player to secure league titles in four different European countries, having triumphed with clubs in Croatia, Ukraine, Turkey, and Greece.

Darijo Srna is a retired Croatian professional footballer who played predominantly as a right wing-back. He achieved success during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, winning multiple domestic titles and a UEFA Cup in 2009. Srna also had a notable international career, earning 134 caps for Croatia and representing his country at several major tournaments. Known for his consistent quality and playing style reminiscent of Cafu, Srna became a club icon at Shakhtar with a record 536 appearances before transitioning into a coaching role.

Ivica Zubac is a Croatian professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. Initially drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, he later joined the Clippers in a trade. Zubac played a key role in the Clippers' success, notably helping them reach the Western Conference Finals during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Known for his skills on the court, Zubac continues to be a valuable asset to his team, contributing to their competitive edge in the league.

Mario Hezonja is a Croatian professional basketball player currently playing for Real Madrid in the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. He is also a key member of the Croatian national team in international competitions. He was drafted as the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, where he began his NBA career before moving to play in Europe. He is known for his scoring ability, versatility on the court, and his contributions to both club and national teams.

Blanka Vlašić is a retired Croatian track and field athlete known for her expertise in the high jump. She achieved significant success in her career, being a two-time world champion and double Olympic medallist. Vlašić holds the Croatian record in the high jump and is ranked as one of the top female jumpers of all time. She has won multiple World Championships and indoor titles, earning accolades such as the IAAF World Athlete of the Year and the European Athlete of the Year.

Ivica Olić is a Croatian professional football manager and former player who is currently an assistant coach for the Croatia national team. During his playing career, he represented top clubs such as Hamburger SV, VfL Wolfsburg, and Bayern Munich, as well as CSKA Moscow and the Croatia national team. Known for his versatility as a striker and winger, Olić was a key player in winning the 2004–05 UEFA Cup with CSKA Moscow. He transitioned to coaching in 2017 and played a significant role in Croatia's success at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020.

Luka Šamanić is a Croatian professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Drafted 19th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2019, he plays as a power forward. Starting his youth career in Zagreb, Šamanić later moved to Barcelona where he joined FC Barcelona's reserve team. He has represented Croatia in FIBA events and was instrumental in leading his team to a gold medal at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B in 2017, earning the most valuable player award.

Milan Badelj is a Croatian professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. He currently plays for and captains Serie A club Genoa. Badelj has represented Croatia in several major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and 2018, where the team finished as runners-up. He has also been a part of Croatia's squad in the UEFA Euros in 2012, 2016, and 2020. With his strong defensive skills and leadership qualities, Badelj has established himself as a key player for both club and country.

Dino Rađa is a Croatian former professional basketball player known for his successful career in Europe and the NBA. He was a key player for the Jugoplastika team, winning two FIBA European Champions Cup championships. Rađa later joined the Boston Celtics, becoming one of the first European players to make an impact in the NBA. His talent and contributions were recognized with honors such as being named one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Ivano Balić is a Croatian former professional handball player known for his speed, creativity, and charisma on the court. He achieved significant success with the Croatian national team, winning the 2003 World Championship and the Olympic gold medal in 2004. Balić also secured numerous titles while playing for clubs in Croatia, Spain, and Germany. He was recognized as one of the greatest players in handball history, winning multiple MVP awards and the prestigious IHF World Player of the Year award twice. Balić was voted the best handball player in history in a 2010 IHF poll and was later inducted into the European Handball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Marko Pjaca is a Croatian professional footballer known for playing as a left winger for Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatia national team. He started his career at Lokomotiva Zagreb before moving to Dinamo Zagreb. Pjaca later joined Juventus in 2016, where he achieved success before being loaned out to various clubs due to injuries. He has represented Croatia at major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he played a significant role in reaching the final.

Roberto Soldić is a Croatian mixed martial artist and professional boxer, competing in ONE Championship. By the age of 26, he had already achieved significant success, winning five championships in various European MMA promotions. These included the Middleweight and Welterweight Championships in renowned organizations such as Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW), Final Fight Championship (FFC), and Superior FC. Soldić is recognized as a top fighting sports prospect from Southeast Europe and trains at the University of Fighting Gym Düsseldorf under Ivan Dijaković's guidance.

Petra Martić is a Croatian professional tennis player with a career-high singles ranking of world No. 14. She has achieved success on both the WTA Tour and the WTA Challenger Tour, winning two singles titles on the former and one singles and one doubles tournament on the latter. Additionally, Martić has secured multiple titles on the ITF Circuit, including four singles and five doubles championships. Her impressive performance and consistency on the professional tennis circuit have solidified her reputation as a skilled and accomplished player.

Stipe Pletikosa is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He began his career at Hajduk Split before moving on to play for clubs such as Shakhtar Donetsk, Spartak Moscow, Tottenham Hotspur, Rostov, and Deportivo de La Coruña. Pletikosa also had a successful international career, representing Croatia in five major tournaments and earning 114 caps for the national team. He retired from international football after the 2014 FIFA World Cup and currently serves as the technical director of the Croatian Football Federation.

Robert Prosinečki is a former Croatian professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He achieved success with Red Star Belgrade, winning domestic league titles and the European Cup. He also played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other clubs in Spain, as well as in Belgium, England, and Slovenia. Internationally, he excelled with Yugoslavia's youth teams and later earned caps for Croatia, participating in major tournaments. Post-retirement, he worked as a coach for various clubs and national teams, including Croatia, Azerbaijan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mario Pašalić is a professional footballer playing as a midfielder for Serie A club Atalanta. Starting his career at Hajduk Split, he joined Chelsea in 2014 before being loaned to various clubs. After successful stints at Elche, Monaco, AC Milan, and Spartak Moscow, he signed permanently with Atalanta in 2020. Internationally, Pašalić debuted for Croatia in 2014 and has represented his country at major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and Euro 2024.

Zvonimir Boban is a Croatian former footballer known for his successful career as a midfielder, primarily with Italian club Milan where he won multiple Serie A titles and a UEFA Champions League. He captained the Croatia national team during the 1998 FIFA World Cup, achieving third place. Boban also had success at the youth level with Yugoslavia, winning the 1987 World Youth Championship. After retiring, he pursued a history degree and transitioned into a career as a football pundit on Croatian and Italian television.

Bojan Bogdanović is a Croatian professional basketball player known for his skills as a small forward in the NBA. He has played for several teams including the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, and Detroit Pistons. Bogdanović has also represented the Croatian national team in international competitions. Standing at 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in), he is recognized for his scoring ability and versatility on the court, making significant contributions to his teams throughout his career.

Satoshi Ishii is a Japanese-Croatian professional athlete excelling in judo, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and submission grappling. He achieved significant success in judo, winning an Olympic gold medal and multiple championships in Japan. Transitioning to MMA in 2009, Ishii has competed in various promotions such as Rizin Fighting Federation and Bellator, holding multiple titles including the HEAT Heavyweight Champion and SBC Heavyweight Champion. Currently contracted with the Professional Fighters League, Ishii boasts a record of 24-12-1 and continues to showcase his skills in the combat sports world.

Dario Šarić is a Croatian professional basketball player known for his versatility and skill on the court. He began his NBA career in 2014 with the Philadelphia 76ers before moving on to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Šarić continued to showcase his talent with the Phoenix Suns for four seasons before joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2023. The following offseason, he signed with the Golden State Warriors, adding depth and experience to the team's roster.

Marko Rog is a Croatian professional footballer known for his role as a central midfielder. He currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb on loan from the Italian club Cagliari, showcasing his skills and contribution to the teams. Rog has also represented the Croatia national team, demonstrating his talent on the international stage. With his versatility and abilities on the field, he has made a significant impact in the world of football, earning recognition for his performances and dedication to the sport.

Robert Jarni is a former Croatian professional footballer known for his versatility as a left winger or wingback. He started his career with Hajduk Split and went on to play for clubs in Italy, Spain, and Greece. Jarni was a key player for the Croatia national team, earning 80 caps and participating in three FIFA World Cup finals. His highlight was the 1998 World Cup, where he helped Croatia win the bronze medal. After retiring, he transitioned to futsal and later began his managerial career with Hajduk Split.

Antonio-Mirko Čolak is a versatile professional footballer, primarily playing as a forward for Serie B club Parma. With a diverse career spanning various European leagues, he has showcased his talent in Germany, Poland, Croatia, Greece, Sweden, and Scotland. Noteworthy achievements include being the top scorer in the 2019–20 Prva HNL season with HNK Rijeka and winning the 2021 Allsvenskan title during his loan spell at Malmö from PAOK. Čolak has also represented Croatia at both youth and senior levels, making his international debut in November 2020.

Dario Šimić is a retired Croatian footballer known for his versatility as a defender, excelling as a full-back, sweeper, or centre back. He began his career at Dinamo Zagreb Academy before moving on to play for top clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Monaco. Šimić also had a successful international career, representing Croatia from 1996 to 2008. He participated in six major tournaments, including three FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships, retiring from international football after earning 100 caps.

Borna Ćorić is a Croatian professional tennis player who achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 12 in November 2018. Notably, in 2022, he made history by becoming the lowest-ranked champion in Masters 1000 history when he secured the Cincinnati title. Known as the current No. 1 Croatian player, Ćorić has established himself as a formidable force in the tennis world with his exceptional skills and impressive performances on the court.

Dado Pršo is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He had a successful career playing for seven different teams, making over 300 league appearances. Pršo was part of the Monaco team that reached the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final and the Rangers team that won the League and Cup double in 2005. He represented Croatia in international competitions such as UEFA Euro 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup. After retiring in 2007, he acquired French nationality and worked as a coach for a youth team in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Siniša Mihajlović was a Serbian football manager and former professional footballer known for his successful playing career in Italy, where he made over 350 appearances for Serie A clubs such as Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio, and Inter Milan, winning league titles with the latter two. Renowned for his exceptional free kick abilities, he set the Serie A record for most goals from free kicks. Mihajlović also represented Yugoslavia in international competitions and later transitioned to coaching, managing various Serie A clubs and the Serbia national team before his passing in 2022.

Mario Ančić is a Croatian former professional tennis player who has transitioned to a career in finance as a private equity vice president in New York City. Throughout his tennis career, he achieved significant success, winning three singles titles and five doubles titles. Ančić reached world no. 7 in singles rankings during the 2006 ATP Tour season. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Croatia's victory in the 2005 Davis Cup and secured a bronze medal in doubles at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games alongside Ivan Ljubičić.

Nikola Kalinić is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He began his career with Hajduk Split before moving to Blackburn Rovers in England. Kalinić later played for Dnipro in Ukraine, Fiorentina and AC Milan in Serie A, and Atlético Madrid in La Liga. He also represented Croatia at multiple UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. Kalinić's career highlights include helping Dnipro reach the 2015 UEFA Europa League Final and winning the 2018 UEFA Super Cup with Atlético Madrid.

Niko Kranjčar is a retired Croatian professional footballer known for his versatility as an attacking midfielder, winger, or second striker. He played for clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, Portsmouth, Tottenham, Dynamo Kyiv, Queens Park Rangers, New York Cosmos, and Rangers. With 81 caps for the Croatian national team, Kranjčar participated in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro, scoring 16 goals. After retiring in 2018, he transitioned into coaching, currently serving as an assistant for the Croatia national under-19 team.

Dragan Bender is a Croatian professional basketball player known for his versatility in playing the power forward and center positions. He was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns. Bender has also played for various teams in Croatia and Israel before joining Monbus Obradoiro in the Spanish Liga ACB. He has represented the Croatian national team and gained experience in FIBA Europe junior tournaments. Bender's skills and height of 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) make him a valuable asset on the court.

Vladimir Beara was a Yugoslav football goalkeeper and manager who played for Hajduk Split and Red Star Belgrade in the Yugoslav Federal League. He also represented the Yugoslavia national football team. Beara is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers of his time, known for his exceptional skills and performance on the field. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for his agility, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership qualities. Beara's contributions to both club and country solidified his legacy as a footballing legend.

Roko Prkačin is a Croatian professional basketball player known for his strong presence as a power forward. He currently showcases his skills for Nanterre 92 in the French Ligue Nationale de Basket. Standing tall at 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in), Prkačin brings a combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ to the court. His versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor make him a valuable asset to his team, constantly making an impact in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Ivo Karlović is a Croatian former professional tennis player known for his exceptional height of 211 cm, making him one of the tallest in tennis history. He won eight ATP Tour singles titles and was renowned for his powerful serve-and-volley playing style. Karlović held the record for the fastest serve in professional tennis until it was surpassed by others. He was considered one of the best servers on the tour, setting records for career aces, including being one of the few players to surpass 10,000 aces.

Marko Jagodić-Kuridža is a Serbian professional basketball player known for his successful career in various clubs including Cibona, Nymburk, Oostende, Primorska, Budućnost, and Crvena zvezda. He currently plays for KK Vojvodina in the ABA 2 League and the KLS. Jagodić-Kuridža has achieved multiple national titles with his teams and has also won two ABA League titles. He has represented the senior Serbian national basketball team at the international level, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Jakov Fak is a highly accomplished biathlete who began his career competing for Croatia before switching his citizenship to Slovenia in 2010. He has achieved notable success at various international events, including winning bronze medals at the World Championships and the Winter Olympics while representing Croatia. Since joining the Slovenian team, Fak has earned multiple medals at the World Championships and the Winter Olympics, including two gold and a silver medal in 2018. With eight victories in the World Cup, Fak has established himself as a dominant force in biathlon.

Nikica Jelavić is a retired Croatian professional footballer who played as a forward. He started his career at Hajduk Split before moving to Zulte Waregem and Rapid Wien. Jelavić joined Rangers in 2010, winning the Scottish Premier League and Scottish League Cup in his first season. He then played for Everton in England and later for Hull City. Jelavić represented Croatia at UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup before retiring in 2014.

Velimir Perasović is a Croatian professional basketball coach and former player. He has had a successful career in the sport, transitioning from playing to coaching. Perasović currently serves as the head coach for the Russian team UNICS Kazan of the VTB United League. Known for his strategic prowess and leadership skills, he has made significant contributions to the teams he has been a part of. Perasović's coaching style has earned him recognition in the basketball community, and he continues to make an impact in the sport.

Zoran Primorac is a renowned retired table tennis player from Croatia. Throughout his career, he achieved significant milestones, including winning the World Cup twice and competing in seven Olympic Games, a feat accomplished by only three players in the sport. In 1998, he reached the pinnacle of his career with an impressive ITTF world ranking of number 2. Primorac's professional life is characterized by his exceptional skill, dedication, and longevity in the highly competitive world of table tennis.

Ante Žižić is a Croatian professional basketball player currently playing for Virtus Bologna in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A and the EuroLeague. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA draft as the 23rd overall pick. Žižić has showcased his talent and skills on both ends of the court, earning recognition for his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive presence. Throughout his professional career, he has proven to be a valuable asset to his teams with his contributions on the court.

Krešimir "Krešo" Ćosić was a Croatian professional basketball player and coach known for revolutionizing basketball in Yugoslavia. He was a collegiate All-American and the first player in the world to play all five positions. In 1996, he was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, becoming only the third international player to receive this honor. Ćosić was also recognized with the FIBA Order of Merit and inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame. He is honored through the Croatian Basketball Cup and KK Zadar's home arena.

Tea Pijević is a prominent Croatian handball player known for her skills both at the club level with SCM Gloria Buzău and internationally with the Croatian national team. She has showcased her talent on various platforms, including participating in significant events like the 2018 European Women's Handball Championship. Pijević's dedication and hard work have solidified her position as a key player in the handball community, where she continues to impress fans and opponents alike with her exceptional performance on the court.

Filip Hrgović is a Croatian professional boxer known for his accomplishments both as an amateur and a professional. With a successful amateur career that includes winning a gold medal at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships and a bronze at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Hrgović transitioned into the professional boxing world. He has already made his mark by challenging for the IBF interim heavyweight title in June 2024, showcasing his skills and determination in becoming a prominent figure in the heavyweight division.

Igor Tudor is a Croatian professional football manager and former player known for his versatility as a defender or defensive midfielder. He enjoyed a successful playing career at Juventus and represented the Croatia national team in major tournaments. Transitioning into management, Tudor led various clubs including Hajduk, PAOK, Karabükspor, Galatasaray, Udinese, and Marseille. Notably, he saved Udinese from relegation during his tenure. Tudor recently returned to Serie A as the manager of Lazio in March 2024 after a stint at Juventus as part of Andrea Pirlo's coaching staff.

Martin Sinković is a highly accomplished Croatian rower with an impressive list of achievements. He has won multiple Olympic gold and silver medals in various rowing events, showcasing his exceptional skills and competitive spirit. Sinković is also a six-time world champion in quadruple sculls, double sculls, and coxless pairs. He holds a world record for the 6000m on the indoor rower, further solidifying his status as one of the top rowers in the world. His dedication and success in the sport have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a formidable athlete.

Branko Cikatić was a renowned Croatian heavyweight kickboxer known for his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. He made history by becoming the first Croatian-born fighter to gain international recognition. Cikatić's legacy includes being widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight kickboxers of all time. His crowning achievement was winning the inaugural K-1 World Grand Prix Championship in 1993, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the world of kickboxing.

Ivan Ljubičić is a Croatian-Italian former professional tennis player, coach, and Tennis TV commentator. He achieved a career-high ATP world No. 3 singles ranking in 2006. Career highlights include reaching the semifinals of the 2006 French Open and winning the Indian Wells Masters in 2010. Ljubičić also reached three other Masters finals. After retiring, he coached top-3-ranked players Milos Raonic and Roger Federer, credited with improving Federer's backhand and introducing tactical changes to his game.

Igor Pokrajac is a Croatian mixed martial artist with a career spanning various prestigious promotions. He competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and also fought in organizations such as K-1, KSW, It's Showtime, and Jungle Fight. With a professional career that began in 2003, Pokrajac has showcased his skills and talent as a versatile fighter across different platforms. Known for his competitive spirit and determination, he has left a lasting impact on the world of mixed martial arts.

Ante Tomić is a prominent Croatian professional basketball player known for his impressive career in the sport. Playing as a center for Joventut Badalona in the Spanish Liga ACB, he has showcased exceptional skills on the court. Tomić has also made significant contributions to the senior Croatian national team in various international competitions. Standing at an impressive height of 2.18 m (7 ft 2 in), he has been recognized for his talent and commitment, earning the honor of being a three-time All-EuroLeague Team selection.

Janica Kostelić is a retired Croatian alpine ski racer who has achieved remarkable success in her professional career. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and has won five gold medals at the World Championships. Kostelić also excelled in World Cup competition, securing thirty individual victories, three overall titles, three slalom titles, and four combined titles. Her outstanding accomplishments in skiing have earned her widespread recognition as one of the greatest female ski racers of all time.

Dejan Lovren is a Croatian professional footballer known for his career as a centre-back. He has played for clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, Lyon, Southampton, Liverpool, and Zenit Saint Petersburg. Lovren has achieved success by winning titles like the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League during his time at Liverpool. He has also represented Croatia at various international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro. Known for his defensive prowess, Lovren has made over 70 appearances for his national team.

Mirjana Lučić-Baroni is a former Croatian professional tennis player known for her meteoric rise in the late 1990s, setting numerous "youngest-ever" records. She achieved early success by winning the women's doubles title at the 1998 Australian Open and the Croatian Ladies Open in 1997 and 1998. After a period on the ITF Women's Circuit, she re-emerged as a WTA regular in 2010 and had notable victories against top-ranked players, including reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2017. Her career was hampered by a shoulder injury in 2018.

Tin Jedvaj is a Croatian professional footballer known for his versatility in playing as a defender for Greek Super League club Panathinaikos. He gained recognition for his participation in the Croatia national team during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they finished as runners-up. With a preference for playing as a centre back, Jedvaj occasionally takes on the role of a right back. His professional career showcases his skill, dedication, and contribution to both club and national team achievements.

Iva Majoli is a retired Croatian professional tennis player who played for both Yugoslavia and Croatia. Throughout her career, she achieved significant success by winning three WTA Tier I singles tournaments and securing the women's singles title at the prestigious French Open in 1997, where she famously defeated Martina Hingis. Majoli reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in February 1996, showcasing her skill and talent on the international tennis circuit.

Ana Debelić is a prominent Croatian professional handball player known for her skills both in defense and attack. She has played for various clubs in Croatia, including Opatija, ŽRK Zamet, Zelina, RK Lokomotiva, and RK Podravka Koprivnica. Debelić has represented Croatia at multiple European Championships and World Championships, achieving notable success such as winning a bronze medal at the championship in Denmark. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot in the All-star team at the 2020 European Women's Handball Championship. Debelić was also recognized as one of the best world line players by Handball Planet, receiving nominations for three consecutive years.

Ivan Dodig is a Croatian professional tennis player known for his expertise in doubles. He has achieved significant success in both men's and mixed doubles, winning a total of seven Grand Slam titles. Dodig has also secured numerous doubles titles on the ATP Tour, including victories at the Masters 1000 level. In singles, he reached a career-high ranking and clinched his first ATP title. Dodig has been a key player for the Croatian Davis Cup team and won a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in men's doubles.

Mate Pavić is a Croatian professional tennis player and former world No. 1 in doubles. He has achieved significant success in both men's and mixed doubles, winning a total of seven Grand Slam titles. Pavić has also secured numerous doubles titles on the ATP Tour, including five at Masters 1000 level. He made history by becoming the first Croatian player to hold the top doubles ranking and has represented Croatia in team competitions such as the Davis Cup and the Olympics.

Igor Karačić is a professional Croatian handball player currently representing Industria Kielce and the Croatia national team. Known for his skill and versatility on the court, he has established himself as a key player for both his club and country. With a successful career in handball, Karačić has garnered a reputation for his strategic gameplay, strong leadership qualities, and consistent performance in high-pressure situations. His dedication and passion for the sport have contributed to his ongoing success as a prominent figure in the handball world.

Žan Tabak is a Croatian professional basketball coach and former player known for his successful career spanning twenty years. He has achieved notable milestones, including being the first international player to compete in the NBA Finals for two different teams. Tabak's career includes serving as the head coach for Trefl Sopot of the PLK. Despite facing injuries, he maintained an impressive performance, averaging 5.0 points during his six-year NBA tenure. Tabak's dedication and skills have solidified his reputation in the basketball world.

Ivana Kapitanović is a talented Croatian handball player who currently plays for Rapid București and represents the Croatian national team. She has showcased her skills on the international stage, participating in prestigious competitions such as the European Women's Handball Championship. Despite facing setbacks like a severe knee injury that sidelined her during a crucial tournament, Kapitanović's dedication to the sport and her team spirit are evident in her actions, including receiving a bronze medal with grace and support from her teammates.