Man City become the only team to win UEFA Champions League without Croatian since 2013

Man City become the only team to win UEFA Champions League without Croatian since 2013

Croatian International players have been an asset for European clubs over the last decade. They have been part of UEFA Champions League winning teams since 2013 but this year after Manchester City landed their maiden UCL trophy, the Croatian curse or trend finally came to an end.

There are several reasons why Croatian footballers have been producing a massive impact on the result of the team they play for. They have unparalleled vision, outstanding work rate and immense quality of calmness in their game. Perhaps that is the reason why Croatia’s national team has come out with positive results against teams like Argentina or Brazil in the world cup despite having a handful of superstars in the team.

During the 2018 FIFA World cup at Russia, the Croats made a shocking appearance in the Final at the Luzhniki stadium where they lost by 4-2. On their way to the finals, Croatia defeated Argentina, England and Denmark to name a few. 4 years later they were in the Semi-final once again but this time Argentina came out with a 3-0 win.

Also Read: Manchester City Makes History with First-Ever UEFA Champions League Triumph

Croatia’s success at the International level has happened due to the exposure their players have received. Before Man City became UEFA Champions League 2022/23 winners, having a Croatian in the team was considered as a blessing but it turned out to be a curse for Inter Milan this year.

List of Croatians players winning UEFA Champions League since 2013

Player name Team for Team against Year
Mario Mandzukic Bayern Munich Borussia Dortmund 2013
Luka Modric Real Madrid Atletico Madrid 2014
Ivan Rakitic Barcelona Juventus 2015
Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic Real Madrid Atletico Madrid 2016
Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic Real Madrid Juventus 2017
Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic Real Madrid Liverpool 2018
Dejan Lovren Liverpool Tottenham Hotspur 2019
Ivan Perisic Bayern Munich Paris Saint-Germain 2020
Mateo Kovacic Chelsea Manchester City 2021
Luka Modric Real Madrid Liverpool 2022

The Nerazzuri’s had FIFA World Cup 2022’s most efficient player – Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in their starting 11. The 30-year-old was the sole reason why pundits were backing Inter Milan to stop Manchester City from completing the treble.

However, due to City’s Spanish holding midfielder Rodrigo’s 68th minute strike, the Sky Blues became only the 2nd English outfit to have won the treble.

Watch Rodri’s Goal: