Biography
Ivica Olić, born September 14, 1979, in Davor, Croatia, became one of Croatia's most successful footballers during his over 20-year career as a player and coach. A versatile forward, able to play as a striker or winger, Olić was known for his relentless energy, physical strength, and knack for delivering in big games. His playing style mixed power and speed, making him a constant threat in attack and a known match-winner.
Olić's club career took him to Europe's top leagues, including notable stints with German Bundesliga teams like Hamburger SV, VfL Wolfsburg, and Bayern Munich. He found great success with CSKA Moscow, helping them win the 2004-05 UEFA Cup. While with Bayern Munich, Olić reached club football's peak, appearing in two UEFA Champions League finals in 2010 and 2012, finally earning his winner's medal in 2013. His performances during this time won him Croatian Footballer of the Year awards in 2009 and 2010.
Internationally, Olić represented Croatia with distinction for over a decade, earning more than 100 caps. He played in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2014) and two UEFA European Championships (2004, 2008), becoming a key player for Croatia during their golden era. He reached his 100th cap in November 2014, before retiring from international football in 2015. Former Croatia manager Slaven Bilić called Olić the "king of important matches" for his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
After retiring as a player, Olić moved into coaching, starting his managerial career in 2017 by joining Zlatko Dalić’s coaching staff for the Croatia national team. He played a role in Croatia's historic run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final in Russia, where they finished as runners-up, marking their best World Cup performance. He also helped Croatia qualify for UEFA Euro 2020, briefly leaving to coach at CSKA Moscow before returning as assistant coach for Croatia.
Before Fame
Born in the small town of Davor in eastern Croatia, Olić grew up during a time of change as the country gained independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. His early football years matched Croatia's growth as an independent football nation, with the country creating its own domestic league and national team.
Olić began his professional football career in Croatia's growing league before moving to Germany to advance. His early professional years lined up with a time when Croatian players were making waves in European football, especially after the national team finished third in the 1998 World Cup, which highlighted Croatia as a rising force in international football.
Key Achievements
- Won the 2004-05 UEFA Cup with CSKA Moscow
- Champions League winner with Bayern Munich in 2013
- Croatian Footballer of the Year in 2009 and 2010
- Over 100 appearances for Croatia national team across three World Cups
- Reached 2018 FIFA World Cup Final as assistant coach with Croatia
Did You Know?
- 01.He scored the winning goal for CSKA Moscow in the 2005 UEFA Cup Final against Sporting CP
- 02.Olić was the first Croatian player to score in three different World Cup tournaments
- 03.He played alongside both Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben during Bayern Munich's successful period in the early 2010s
- 04.His 100th international cap came in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy in November 2014
- 05.Olić briefly returned to play in Croatia late in his career with Dinamo Zagreb after spending most of his prime years in foreign leagues
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Croatian Footballer of the Year | — | — |
| Footballer of the month | — | — |
| Goal of the Month | — | — |