Zlatko Dalic Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!

Zlatko Dalic is a Croatian football manager and former professional footballer. He is currently the manager of the Croatia national football team. Dalic has managed several clubs in Croatia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Albania.

As a player, Dalic was a defensive midfielder who spent most of his career playing in Croatia. He is best known for leading Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia. This was Croatia’s first ever World Cup final. Under Dalic, Croatia had their best ever World Cup performance.

In this article, we will take a look at Dalic’s biography, net worth, age, playing and managerial career, records, family, achievements and relationships.

Zlatko Dalic’s Biography

Zlatko Dalic was born on 26 October 1966 in Livno, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia. He is 56 years old as of 2022.

Dalic grew up in Varazdin, Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia) and started playing football at the age of 7 at local club NK Varteks.

He is married to Davorka Dalic and has two sons, Bruno Dalic and Tin Dalic. The family currently resides in Croatia.

Zlatko Dalic’s Net Worth

According to reports, Zlatko Dalic’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2022. His primary source of earnings is through his managerial contracts.

As the manager of the Croatia national team, Dalic earns around £1.8 million per year. He has earned lucrative contracts at clubs like Al-Hilal where he reportedly earned £3.5 million per season.

In addition to his earnings as a manager, Dalic has endorsement deals with brands like Nike that contribute to his income. The success he has enjoyed at the international level has increased his popularity and marketability.

Zlatko Dalic’s Age and Early Life

Zlatko Dalic was born in October 1966 and is currently 56 years old. He grew up during the time of communist Yugoslavia.

Dalic started playing football from a very young age. As a 7-year old, he joined his first club NK Varteks in Varazdin. Even at a young age, he stood out for his tenacious approach in midfield.

After developing in Varteks’ youth teams, Dalic made his first-team debut for the club as a teenager in 1984. He spent the next nine seasons at Varteks, appearing in over 200 matches and scoring 55 goals.

Zlatko Dalic’s Playing Career

Zlatko Dalic was a defensive midfielder who spent most of his playing career representing clubs in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Here is an overview of Dalic’s playing career:

• NK Varteks (1984–1991): Dalic made his professional debut for Varteks in 1984 at the age of 18. He was a mainstay in midfield for the club, making over 150 league appearances.
• HNK Cibalia (1991–1992): Dalic had a short spell at Cibalia in the Croatian league.
• Inter Zapresic (1992–1999): Enjoyed the most successful spell of his playing career at Inter Zapresic, winning the Croatian league and cup double in 1992. He later captained the team and made over 100 appearances.
• Hajduk Split (1999–2001): Signed for one of Croatia’s biggest clubs and finished his career at Hajduk.
• Represented Croatia: Dalic earned four caps for the Croatian national team from 1994 to 1999.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Had a short stint playing for Bosnian club NK Čelik Zenica in 2001-2002 at the end of his career.

Despite not being a famous name outside Croatia, Dalic was an important player domestically, known for his intelligent passing and aggression in midfield.

Zlatko Dalic’s Managerial Career

After retiring as a player in 2002, Zlatko Dalic embarked on a managerial career. He has managed clubs in Croatia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Albania.

Here is a look at Dalic’s managerial career:

Early Managerial Career in Croatia

• Varteks Varazdin (2002–2003): Dalic began his coaching career at his former club Varteks in 2002. However, he couldn’t prevent the club suffering relegation from the top flight.
• NK Mosor (2003–2004): Guided Mosor to promotion to the second tier of Croatian football.
• Cibalija Vinkovci (2006–2007): Dalic returned to top flight management with Cibalija. The team finished fourth in his first season.
• Slaven Belupo (2007–2010): Enjoyed his most successful spell at a Croatian club with Slaven Belupo. He led the team to Europa League qualification in 2009.

Success in the Middle East

• Al-Faisaly (2010–2012): Dalic’s first job outside Croatia was at Saudi club Al-Faisaly. He led them to the semi-finals of the Saudi Crown Prince Cup.
• Al-Hilal (2012-2014): At Al-Hilal, Dalic won his first trophies as a manager, lifting the Saudi Crown Prince Cup and Saudi Professional League title.
• UAE (2014-2017): Dalic took charge of clubs like Al-Ain and Al Nasr in the UAE, winning the UAE League Cup with Al Ain in 2015.

National Team Opportunity

In October 2017, Dalic was surprisingly appointed as manager of the Croatian national team after Croatia struggled in World Cup qualifying under previous manager Ante Cacic.

Dalic led Croatia past Greece in a playoff to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia Managerial Career

Zlatko Dalic took charge of the Croatian national team in October 2017, with the team struggling to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under previous manager Ante Cacic. Dalic successfully led Croatia through qualifying playoffs and then masterminded their historic run at the World Cup.

2018 World Cup Run

• Dalic led Croatia to their best ever World Cup performance in 2018 as they reached the final before losing to France.
• Croatia finished top of a difficult group that included Argentina and Nigeria.
• They progressed through three rounds of knockout matches, beating Denmark, Russia and England en route to the final.
• The second-place finish matched Croatia’s previous best World Cup result in 1998 when they finished third.
• Dalic’s tactical acumen was praised, and he effectively brought the best out of top players like Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic throughout the tournament.

UEFA Nations League Success

• In 2018/19, Dalic led Croatia to top their UEFA Nations League group ahead of Spain and England.
• They defeated Spain in Elche and England at home in key group matches.
• Croatia advanced to the Nations League finals, where they lost narrowly to Portugal in the semi-finals.

Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup Qualifying

• At Euro 2020, Croatia qualified from their group but lost to Spain in extra time in the Round of 16.
• In qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, Croatia finished ahead of Russia to secure automatic qualification to the tournament under Dalic.
• Dalic has maintained Croatia as one of Europe’s leading teams, keeping them ranked in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings.

Dalic has a win rate of over 60% from his 60 matches in charge of Croatia thus far. He has given the team both tactical discipline and motivation to achieve their best ever World Cup run.

Zlatko Dalic’s Managerial Records and Achievements

Some of Zlatko Dalic’s major achievements and records as a football manager include:

• First manager to lead Croatia to a World Cup final: Dalic guided Croatia to their first ever World Cup final in 2018, which is his greatest achievement.
• Longest serving Croatia manager: Dalic has been in charge of Croatia since 2017 and will lead them at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the nation’s longest serving head coach.
• ** UEFA Nations League finalists:** Dalic led Croatia to the final stages of the Nations League in 2018/19 losing narrowly to Portugal in the semis.
• 2018 World Cup Manager of the Tournament: Dalic was voted manager of the tournament at the 2018 World Cup for masterminding Croatia’s amazing run.
• Croatian Manager of the Year (7x): Dalic has been awarded Manager of the Year in Croatia in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
• 60% win rate: Has an impressive win rate of over 60% as Croatia manager, winning 36 of his 60 matches in charge thus far.
• **First manager to win Saudi and UAE leagues

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zlatko Dalic has enjoyed a successful playing and managerial career. As a defensive midfielder, he spent most of his playing days representing clubs in Croatia where he was known for his combative style.

Dalic’s finest achievements have come as a manager. After cuttings his teeth in Croatia and the Middle East, Dalic led Croatia to their best ever World Cup performance at Russia 2018. Tactically astute and motivating, Dalic guided Croatia to the final, where they lost narrowly to France. He also led them to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals in 2018/19.

As Croatia manager Dalic enjoys a 60%+ win ratio and has given the team tactical discipline and belief to compete with the world’s best. In 2022, he will attempt to lead the nation even further at the World Cup in Qatar. For now, Dalic deserves credit for making Croatia a consistent force in international football.

FAQs about Zlatko Dalic

How old is Zlatko Dalic?

Zlatko Dalic is currently 56 years old. He was born in October 1966 in Bosnia (then part of Yugoslavia).

What teams has Dalic managed?

Dalic has managed clubs in Croatia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Albania. He is currently the manager of the Croatian national team.

What was Dalic’s biggest success as a manager?

Dalic’s biggest managerial achievement was leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, where they lost to France. This was Croatia’s first ever final.

Is Dalic still the Croatia national team manager?

Yes, Dalic remains Croatia’s manager as of 2022 and will lead them at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has been Croatia manager since 2017.

What is Zlatko Dalic’s net worth?

Dalic’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, primarily earned through his managerial contracts and endorsements.

What was Dalic’s playing position?

Dalic was a defensive midfielder during his playing days from 1984 to 2002. He notably played for Varteks and Inter Zapresic in the Croatian league.