Zlatko Dalic steps down as Croatia coach after nine years
The coach of the Croatian national team, Zlatko Dalic, has stepped down as coach after nine years following his team’s Round of 32 loss to Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
Dalic steps down at the helm after a spell that included leading the Croatian national team to two consecutive top-three finishes at the World Cup.
Regarded as Croatia’s most successful football coach, Dalic resigned on Wednesday, saying he is leaving with a fulfilled heart and he is proud of his contribution to the greatest successes of the country’s soccer in history.
Dalic, in a statement posted by the national soccer federation on Instagram, said that there is no greater honor than leading his national team, and there is no job like it.
“I leave with a fulfilled heart, proud of my contribution to the greatest successes of Croatian soccer in history, and I wish my successor, the national team and Croatian soccer many new successes.
“I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading my national team and that I cannot have a more important, more responsible, and more beautiful job than this,” Dalić said.
Read Also: Divided opinions as fans react to officiating of Egypt vs Argentina thriller
“The support in recent days has prompted me to reconsider my decision to leave, but… it’s about time. As much as I still feel the ambition and desire to write new successes with Croatia, I feel that this is the right moment to conclude this incredible era.”
The Croatian football federation also thanked the coach for his contribution, describing his time as an “unforgettable journey,” and wished him all the best in the future.
“Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia,” the federation said on X.
“Head coach, thank you for everything—the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch.
“The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you’ve earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are.”
