Mario Mandzukic Croatian footballer, striker Date of Birth: 21.05.1986 Country: Croatia

1. Early Career
2. Transfer to Dinamo Zagreb
3. Success at Dinamo Zagreb
4. UEFA Champions League Final
5. Controversial Gesture
6. Success at Bayern Munich
7. Transfer to Atlético Madrid
8. Transfer to Juventus
9. Champions League Final Heroics
10. International Career

Early Career

Mario Mandžukić, a Croatian footballer, began his career with German club Ditzingen. He later moved back to his native country to play for Marsonia before joining Zagreb in 2005.

Transfer to Dinamo Zagreb

In 2007, Mandžukić joined Dinamo Zagreb as a replacement for Eduardo da Silva, who had departed for Arsenal. The transfer fee was 1.3 million euros.

Success at Dinamo Zagreb

Mandžukić quickly became a key player for Dinamo Zagreb, scoring two crucial goals against Ajax in a UEFA Cup qualifying match. His performances attracted interest from Shakhtar Donetsk, Manchester City, and other European clubs. In the 2008-09 season, he became the Croatian Championship's top scorer with 13 goals in 23 matches.

UEFA Champions League Final

In the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League Final, Mandžukić opened the scoring for Dinamo Zagreb in the 60th minute.

Controversial Gesture

While playing for Bayern Munich in a match against Nuremberg, Mandžukić performed a "Roman salute" gesture towards the club's fans. The gesture was widely criticized as neo-Nazi propaganda, leading to accusations against Mandžukić from Serbia. He later apologized and claimed that the gesture was misunderstood.

Success at Bayern Munich

Mandžukić won his first trophy with Bayern Munich in the 2012 German Super Cup. He scored his first goal for the club against Greuther Fürth in the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich reached the Champions League final, which was the first all-German final against Borussia Dortmund. Mandžukić scored the opening goal, but Dortmund equalized through a penalty. Arjen Robben scored the winning goal for Bayern Munich, who won the treble that season.

Transfer to Atlético Madrid

In 2014, Mandžukić joined Atlético Madrid on a four-year contract. He scored his first goal for the club against Eibar.

Transfer to Juventus

In 2015, Juventus signed Mandžukić to replace Carlos Tévez. The transfer fee was 19 million euros. Mandžukić initially played as a left winger, but he later transitioned back to his preferred forward position.

Champions League Final Heroics

In the 2016-17 Champions League Final, Mandžukić scored the only goal for Juventus, sending a spectacular overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area into the net. It was later voted UEFA's Goal of the Season.

International Career

Mandžukić played for Croatia's youth teams before making his senior debut in 2007. He scored his first international goal in 2008 against England. He is renowned for his performances at major tournaments, including the 2012 European Championship and the 2014 World Cup, where he scored crucial goals for Croatia.