Josip Juranović: Inspiring Rise to World Cup Glory
From Zagreb’s lower leagues to Croatia’s historic World Cup run and Bundesliga football
Introduction
Josip Juranović is a Croatian professional footballer known for his speed, stamina and attacking work from right-back. He currently plays for 1. FC Union Berlin and has represented Croatia at major international tournaments.
His journey is unusual because he did not begin at one of Europe’s famous academies. He progressed from local football in Zagreb to Hajduk Split, Legia Warsaw, Celtic, the Bundesliga and a FIFA World Cup medal.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josip Juranović |
| Date of Birth | 16 August 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Birthplace | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Main Position | Right-back or right wing-back |
| Other Positions | Left wing-back and wide midfield |
| Height | 1.73 metres |
| Listed Weight | 68 kg |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | 1. FC Union Berlin |
| Shirt Number | 18 |
| National Team | Croatia |
| Senior International Debut | 14 January 2017 |
| Croatia Record | 40 appearances and no goals |
| Major Achievement | Third place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup |
Union Berlin confirms his Zagreb birthplace, date of birth and shirt number, while the Croatian Football Federation records his international debut and senior appearance total.
Who Is Josip Juranović?
He is an experienced Croatian defender who can play on either side of the pitch. He is mainly a right-back, but his fitness and tactical flexibility have also allowed coaches to use him as a wing-back and on the left.
He became widely known in Britain during his successful period with Celtic. His international reputation grew further when he produced strong performances for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup.
Like Promise David, his career shows how a footballer can rise through less glamorous leagues before reaching major European competitions.
Early Life in Zagreb
He was born in Zagreb and grew up in the city’s Dubrava area. Football became an important part of his childhood, and NK Dubrava provided the main foundation for his development.
His early route was different from players who enter elite academies as children. He developed through local football and had to prove himself in Croatia’s lower divisions before receiving an opportunity at a leading club.
This background helped shape his hard-working playing identity. His progress came through regular matches, physical development and the ability to perform in several positions.
NK Dubrava and the First Career Break
The defender progressed from NK Dubrava’s youth structure into senior football. At that stage, he was often viewed as a midfielder rather than a specialist full-back.
His energy, movement and comfort with the ball attracted attention from Hajduk Split. The move to Hajduk in January 2015 became the first major turning point of his professional career.
Hajduk Split Career
He made his Hajduk first-team debut against Rijeka in April 2015. Over the next five and a half years, he developed into a regular starter, an experienced right-back and a trusted captain.
Hajduk’s official record credits him with 165 competitive appearances, three goals and 15 assists. He started 148 matches and wore the captain’s armband 37 times.
His time in Split was important because it changed his football identity. He arrived with experience in midfield but gradually became recognised as a modern full-back who could defend, overlap and create chances.
Legia Warsaw and His First League Title
He joined Polish champions Legia Warsaw in July 2020. The move gave him experience outside Croatia and introduced him to the pressure of competing for domestic trophies.
He adapted quickly to Polish football and helped Legia win the 2020–21 Ekstraklasa title. His attacking runs and delivery from wide areas made him effective as both a right-back and wing-back.
That championship was his first major senior league title. It also helped him attract interest from Celtic.
Successful Celtic Journey
Celtic signed the Croatian international on a five-year contract in August 2021. He made his debut against Rangers at Ibrox only days after completing the move.
His first season in Scotland became one of the strongest periods of his club career. Celtic won the 2021–22 Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup, with the defender contributing from both right-back and left-back.
He was also selected in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year for the 2021–22 season. His calm penalties, quick forward runs and ability to switch flanks made him popular with supporters.
His success in Glasgow can be compared with the steady development of Josh Griffiths, whose own progress was built through patience and regular senior experience.
Move to Union Berlin
Union Berlin signed him from Celtic in January 2023. He made an immediate contribution, starting against Werder Bremen only three days after his arrival and creating the winning goal from a corner.
He later scored during Union’s Europa League victory over Ajax. His first months in Germany ended with the club qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
As with Jamie Leweling, his Bundesliga career has required speed, tactical discipline and the ability to perform in different attacking and defensive roles.
Current Club and Contract Status
Union Berlin announced an early contract extension in August 2025. The club did not publicly reveal the new expiry date, but it described him as an important and flexible member of the squad.
The official Union Berlin first-team squad lists him as a number 18 defender for the 2026–27 season.
He remains an experienced option on both sides of defence. Union can use him as a conventional full-back, an attacking wing-back or a wide player when the formation changes during a match.
His experience in German football connects naturally with players such as Alexander Schwolow, who also built a long career through Bundesliga competition.
Croatia International Career
He made his senior Croatia debut on 14 January 2017. The official Croatian Football Federation profile records 40 senior appearances and no goals.
He represented Croatia at UEFA Euro 2020 and later became the country’s starting right-back during much of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
His international career placed him alongside respected Croatian players including Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Joško Gvardiol and Dominik Livaković.
2022 FIFA World Cup Breakthrough
Croatia’s run to third place in Qatar produced the most important achievement of his career.
His best-known performance came during the quarter-final victory over Brazil. He worked tirelessly on the right side, carried the ball forward and helped Croatia contain one of the tournament favourites. FIFA described him as one of Croatia’s standout performers.
Earlier in the tournament, he had created Marko Livaja’s goal against Canada after breaking forward from right-back. Croatia eventually won that match 4–1.
Croatia defeated Morocco in the third-place match, giving him a World Cup bronze medal.
Playing Style
He is an attacking full-back who uses speed and stamina to cover large areas of the pitch. He regularly supports the forward line but is also expected to recover quickly when possession is lost.
His main qualities include:
- Fast overlapping runs
- Accurate crosses and corners
- Strong stamina
- Recovery speed
- Set-piece delivery
- Tactical flexibility
- Ability to play on either flank
- Confidence carrying the ball forward
He is not a tall defender, but his movement and match awareness help him compete against physically stronger opponents.
His flexible defensive role is similar to the modern responsibilities discussed in Armel Bella-Kotchap’s career, although the two players operate in different defensive positions.
Injuries and Career Challenges
His career has included difficult injury periods. In August 2024, the Croatian Football Federation confirmed that he had undergone ankle surgery and faced several months of recovery.
Returning from a serious ankle problem required patience and careful rehabilitation. His ability to regain a place in Union Berlin’s plans showed the value of experience and professional discipline.
Injuries, positional competition and moves between countries have all tested him, but he has continued playing at a high European level.
Personality and Work Ethic
His public comments usually focus on effort, teamwork and responsibility rather than personal fame.
When he joined Celtic, he said he wanted to give everything to the club. After extending his Union Berlin stay, he spoke about Berlin becoming a home for his family and helping the team establish itself securely in the Bundesliga.
Coaches and club officials have praised his flexibility, international experience and positive contribution to the squad.
Major Honours
Legia Warsaw
- Ekstraklasa champion: 2020–21
Celtic
- Scottish Premiership champion: 2021–22
- Scottish League Cup winner: 2021–22
Croatia
- FIFA World Cup third place: 2022
- UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2022–23
Individual Recognition
- PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year: 2021–22
Celtic’s official annual report confirms that the club won both the league and League Cup during his first season in Scotland.
Career Timeline
| Year | Career Event |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Born in Zagreb, Croatia |
| 2013 | Progressed into senior football with NK Dubrava |
| January 2015 | Joined Hajduk Split |
| April 2015 | Made his Hajduk first-team debut |
| January 2017 | Made his senior Croatia debut |
| July 2020 | Joined Legia Warsaw |
| 2020–21 | Won the Polish league title |
| August 2021 | Signed for Celtic |
| 2021–22 | Won the Scottish league and League Cup |
| 2022 | Helped Croatia finish third at the World Cup |
| January 2023 | Joined Union Berlin |
| 2023 | Helped Union qualify for the Champions League |
| August 2025 | Extended his Union Berlin contract |
| 2026–27 | Listed in Union’s first-team squad as number 18 |
Interesting Facts
He began his senior journey in Croatia’s lower divisions rather than at a famous European academy.
He played as a midfielder before establishing himself as a right-back.
Hajduk trusted him to captain the team on 37 occasions.
He has won league titles in both Poland and Scotland.
He can play on the right or left side despite being naturally right-footed.
His performance against Brazil at the 2022 World Cup became one of the most praised matches of his career.
Conclusion
Josip Juranović has built an impressive football career through determination, flexibility and steady progress.
His journey from NK Dubrava to Hajduk Split, Legia Warsaw, Celtic and Union Berlin shows that players do not always need an elite academy background to reach the highest level.
A World Cup bronze medal, league titles in two countries and regular European football make him one of Croatia’s most successful modern full-backs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Josip Juranović?
He is 30 years old. He was born on 16 August 1995.
What is his nationality?
He is Croatian and represents the Croatia national team.
Where was he born?
He was born in Zagreb, Croatia.
How tall is he?
He is listed at 1.73 metres tall.
What position does he play?
He plays mainly as a right-back or right wing-back. He can also operate on the left side.
Which club does he play for?
He currently plays for 1. FC Union Berlin in Germany.
What shirt number does he wear?
He wears number 18 for Union Berlin.
What is his biggest achievement?
His biggest international achievement is helping Croatia finish third at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
