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Igor StimacFormer Croatian footballer and coach
Date of Birth: 06.09.1967
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
- Igor Štimac: A Legendary Croatian Footballer and Coach
- Club Career
- Spanish Sojourn and Return to Hajduk
- Derby County
- West Ham United
- Final Years at Hajduk
- International Career
- Qualification Campaigns
- Post-Retirement Career
- Coaching
- Commentator and Football Agent
- Honors
- - Croatia: FIFA World Cup Bronze Medal (1998)
Igor Štimac: A Legendary Croatian Footballer and Coach
Igor Štimac, a former Croatian footballer and coach, holds a distinguished record in Croatian football history.
Club Career
Hajduk SplitŠtimac began his professional career at Hajduk Split, where he spent seven seasons as a defender, making 64 appearances. He played a pivotal role in Hajduk's Croatian Championship triumph in 1992.
Spanish Sojourn and Return to Hajduk
In 1992, Štimac transferred to Spain's Cádiz in La Liga, but the club was relegated to the Segunda División the following season. After a disappointing campaign, Cádiz dropped to the third-tier league in 1994. Štimac returned to Hajduk, contributing to their second Croatian Championship title in 1995.
Derby County
In 1995, Štimac moved to England, joining Derby County for a transfer fee of £1.5 million. He scored on his debut and became a mainstay in the team that eventually earned promotion to the Premier League. He played 84 matches for Derby over four seasons.
West Ham United
In 1999, Štimac was sold to West Ham United for £600,000. He spent two seasons with the Hammers, making 43 appearances.
Final Years at Hajduk
Štimac returned to Hajduk for a third time in 2001 and played one more season before retiring from football.
International Career
Debut and Major TournamentsŠtimac made his international debut for Croatia in 1990. He played in the 1996 European Championship and the 1998 World Cup, where Croatia achieved their best-ever World Cup result by finishing third.
Qualification Campaigns
Štimac also participated in the qualifying campaigns for the 2000 European Championship and the 2002 World Cup.
Post-Retirement Career
Hajduk Sporting DirectorAfter retiring, Štimac became Hajduk's Sporting Director in 2005, overseeing transfers such as Stipe Pletikosa's loan to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Coaching
In 2006, Štimac briefly coached Cibalia, but was dismissed after two months.
Commentator and Football Agent
Štimac transitioned to football commentary for HRT after his coaching stint. He also became a football agent, with Croatian defender Darijo Srna as his most notable client.
Honors
Team- Hajduk Split: Croatian Champion (1992, 1995), Croatian Cup (1992, 1995)
- Croatia: FIFA World Cup Bronze Medal (1998)
Individual- Franjo Bučar State Sport Award (1998) as part of the Croatian national team
