Croatian · Zagreb, Croatia · Born 22 January 2002Joško Gvardiol is a Croatian footballer who became the most expensive defender in football history when he joined Manchester City in 2023, having helped Croatia to a World Cup bronze medal in 2022.
Manchester City paid a reported fee in 2023 that made Joško Gvardiol the most expensive defender in football history, and in his debut season at the club he justified the outlay by winning the Premier League, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup — four trophies before his 22nd birthday. He made his senior debut for Dinamo in 2019, quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe and winning back-to-back Croatian league titles. Gvardiol moved to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2021, where he developed into one of the most complete left-footed centre-backs in European football, winning two DFB-Pokal titles and drawing interest from several of the continent's biggest clubs. In August 2023, Manchester City signed him for a reported fee that made him the most expensive defender in football history, and he quickly became a key part of Pep Guardiola's squad, winning the Premier League, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup in his first season at the club. Internationally, Gvardiol made his senior Croatia debut in 2021 and was a first-choice starter throughout the country's run to a bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting all seven of Croatia's matches despite suffering a broken nose during the tournament. He continued to be a mainstay of the national team through Euro 2024 and beyond, established as one of the most sought-after young defenders in the world game.
Becoming the most expensive defender in football history and helping Croatia to bronze at the 2022 World Cup
How They Played
Left-footed centre-back with pace, ball-playing ability, and strong aerial presence
Lasting Impact
Widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world, central to both Manchester City's and Croatia's modern success
Career Honours
- FIFA World Cup third place (2022)
- Premier League champion (2024)
- UEFA Champions League winner (2023, with Manchester City)
- FIFA Club World Cup winner (2023)
- 2x DFB-Pokal winner (RB Leipzig)
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Dinamo Zagreb | 2019–2021 | — |
| RB Leipzig | 2021–2023 | — |
| Manchester City | 2023–present | — |
Croatian Athletes