Zlatko Dalić is a former defensive midfielder for some of the biggest clubs in the Croatian top-flight league. The Croatian superstar resorted to football management after his retirement from playing the game. He has been privileged to manage some top clubs, including Al-Hilal. He is the current Croatian National football team manager.
The Croatian football legend became popular after managing his national team up to the final of the Russian World Cup in 2018. He led Croatia to the final but unfortunately lost to an exciting French squad. The Croatian team will look to dominate in the 2022 World Cup.
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Zlatko Dalić's Bio and Profile Summary
Manager Name | Zlatko Dalić |
Age | 56 (2022) |
Birthdate | 26 October 1966 |
Birthplace | Livno, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Height | 1.79 meters |
Former Playing Position | Defensive Midfielder |
Spouse | Davorka Propadalo |
Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
Current Team | Croatia (Manager) |
Retirement Year | 2000 |
Salary | $1.66 million |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Teams Played For | Varteks, Hajduk Split, Velez Mostar |
Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
Understanding Zlatko Dalić's Age
The Croatian citizen and football management maestro is 56 years old (as of November 2022). He is one of the most senior managers in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Dalić made his professional playing debut in 1983 and started his management career in 2005.
Exploring Zlatko Dalić's Nationality
The talented coach comes from a Bosnian Croat family, having a mother named Kata and a father named Ivan. He holds Croatian citizenship and has spent most of his life in Croatia, contributing significantly to the country's football scene.
Zlatko Dalić's Coaching Career
Dalić retired from playing in 2000, joining Varteks as an assistant coach. He served as the club's sports director from May 2002 to May 2005 while also assisting Miroslav Blažević during the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons.
In May 2005, Dalić was appointed as Varteks' manager, where he led the team to a third-place finish in the Croatian First League and advanced to the Croatian Cup final. Despite a challenging final against HNK Rijeka, he showed promise in his coaching style.
Zlatko Dalić as Croatia's Head Coach
The Croatian Football Federation appointed Dalić as the head coach of the national team on October 7, 2017, following a series of unsuccessful matches under Ante Čačić. Dalić boldly stated that he would only remain as head coach if Croatia qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Under his leadership, Croatia finished first in their World Cup group after defeating Iceland 2-1. The team continued to excel, winning penalty shootouts against Denmark and Russia, ultimately reaching the final against France.
Zlatko Dalić's Family Life
The manager married Davorka Dalić Propadalo, whom he met in high school in Livno in 1992. Together, they have two sons, Toni and Bruno, who share their father's passion for football.
Zlatko Dalić's Salary
Ranked 23rd among the highest-paid football managers globally, Dalić earns an impressive $1.66 million annually as the manager of the Croatian national team. This salary reflects his significant contributions to the sport and his team's performance.
Estimating Zlatko Dalić's Net Worth
As one of the wealthiest coaches in Europe, Zlatko Dalić's net worth is estimated at $5 million. This figure considers his assets and the earnings he has received throughout his career from salaries and endorsements.
Zlatko Dalić's timely retirement has allowed him to become a prominent figure in world football, influencing the game significantly. He has solidified his place among the most influential managers in World Cup history.