Star winger Nicolas Milanović was named as the Johnny Warren medalist for the 2024/25 A-League Men’s season, recognised amongst his peers as the best player in the competition.
Set to join recent Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen, Milanović’s outstanding campaign for the Wanderers saw him become the first Croat to take out the medal in the A-League era.
Meanwhile, an up-and-coming Croat star scored to help his side win the Swiss Cup, and an unlikely club confirmed the Croatian domestic double in a historic season.
Vjesnik’s Jake Holub wraps up the week in national and international football through a Croatian lens. He covers Cro Football, including Aussie-Croats, Croats in Europe, and the HNL. Cro Football talent continues to thrive across continents, showcasing exceptional talent.
A-League: Vital Ugarković lifts Championship
The A-League Men’s season came to a close on Saturday night, with Melbourne City prevailing over Victory. It was the first-ever Melbourne Derby Grand Final.
Playing all 90 minutes, Steven Ugarković played a crucial role in shutting down Victory’s technical midfielders. He lifted his first A-League Championship.
Earlier in the week, Nicolas Milanović joined the list of historic Croats, such as Mark Viduka and Ante Miličić. He received the Johnny Warren medal, which is the highest domestic individual honor.
Registering 12 goals and six assists in 25 appearances for the Western Sydney Wanderers, Milanović was also unsurprisingly included in the PFA TOTS Starting XI.
Alongside the Scottish-bound attacker, Adrian Segečić enjoyed an excellent week. His TOTS inclusion was followed by an eye-catching assist against Manchester United for the ASEAN All-Stars.
Western United striker Noah Botić was also recognised in the team of the season on the bench. He continues to garner transfer rumours linking him to Bundesliga club St. Pauli.
June international window
Despite the youthful trio netting a combined 41 league goals this season, none were selected for Tony Popović‘s Socceroos squad. They were hoping to take on Japan and Saudi Arabia for FIFA World Cup qualification.
Lokomotiva Zagreb defender Fran Karačić was another not to receive a call-up. He was unable to maintain his spot in the squad from the March window.
While the omissions of the Socceroos contenders caught the attention of many, Ethan Alagich received a call-up to the Australian U23s. They are preparing to face South Korea.
Meanwhile, teenage trio Dylan Periać-Cullen, Luka Diduliča and Dean Bošnjak have all been selected for the Young Socceroos. They will take on Argentina in preparations for the FIFA U20 World Cup later this year.
In the Women’s game, Bianca Galić was named in Croatia’s UEFA Nations League Squad. She is fresh off lifting a historic Championship with the Central Coast Mariners, further elevating Cro Football in women’s competitions.
Europe: Sotiček scores to lift Swiss double
Departing Lokomotiva Zagreb in the off-season to join FC Basel, Marin Sotiček helped his side secure a domestic double.
Taking out the Swiss League a few weeks back, the 20-year-old scored off the bench in Basel’s 4-1 win over FC Biel-Bienne in the Swiss Cup Final.
In Austria, Dion Beljo‘s Rapid Wien defeated LASK, confirming their position in Europa League playoffs next season.
While his side had a difficult campaign, Luka Sučić will certainly be pleased after being named Real Sociedad’s MVP this season.
Playing 40 games in all competitions, the 22-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an excellent campaign in Spain and will certainly look to build upon his top form next season.
Remaining in La Liga, striker Ante Budimir was named as Osasuna’s player of the year after his 24-goal season across both the league and domestic cup.
Returning from his loan spell in Belgium with Westerlo, Luka Vušković has been the subject of interest from a variety of clubs across Europe.
Joining up with Tottenham Hotspur, a loan move to the recently promoted Bundesliga outfit Hamburger has been rumoured for the 18-year-old centre-half.
While almost double the age of Vušković, the future of Ivan Perišić is still highly demanded after helping PSV to a second-straight Eredivisie title.
Recording career-best numbers in 2024/25, the experienced Vatreni winger has been expected to extend his stay in the Netherlands with PSV.
HNL: Rijeka win the domestic double
Needing to recover quickly from HNL Championship celebrations, Rijeka‘s special season was one game away from becoming truly historic.
Hosting Slaven Belupo once again in front of a beaming crowd at the Rujevica Stadium, Rijeka had to do it all again. They faced off in the Croatia Cup.
While remaining scoreless at the break, the feeling was Rijeka had the game in their hands.
Naïs Djouahra broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a long-range effort. It fired the hosts ahead with a massive goal.
Not allowing Slaven to record a single shot on target, Rijeka managed to hold out for the win. This was despite a sending-off to substitute Luka Menalo in the 87th minute.
Seeing out the result, Rijeka had claimed the domestic double, repeating the efforts of their remarkable 2016/17 campaign. Their victory continues to highlight the achievements within Cro Football.
Recognising the top performers of a dramatic 2024/25 season, the HNL award night saw Hajduk Split captain and Golden Boot winner Marko Livaja named the Player of the Season.
Rijeka’s Radomir Djalović unsurprisingly received the Best Coaches Award. Meanwhile, Toni Fruk and Martin Zlomislić won the Young Player of the Year and Best Goalkeeper Award respectively. Their success echoes the excellence seen in Cro Football this season.
In the 1. HL, Vukovar 1991 confirmed their promotion to Croatia’s top flight after defeating Opatija, set to replace the relegated Šibenik.