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Mate BilicCroatian footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 23.10.1980
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
- Mate Bilic: Croatian Forward with a Journeyman Career
- Stint in Spain
- Journeyman Years in Spain
- Success with Rapid Vienna
- Return to Spain
Mate Bilic: Croatian Forward with a Journeyman Career
Early Career in CroatiaMate Bilic, a Croatian footballer renowned for his skills as a forward, commenced his professional journey with the Croatian club Hajduk Split during the 1998/99 season. Following a brief loan spell at Mosor, he returned to Hajduk and broke into the starting lineup, competing with established forwards such as Vucko, Deranja, and Baturina. His notable performance included a stunning free-kick goal against Mallorca.
Stint in Spain
Bilic later made a move to the Spanish La Liga club Zaragoza. However, under managers Milosevic and Galletti, he saw limited playing time and managed just one goal in 18 appearances. Zaragoza's subsequent relegation to the second division marked the beginning of a period of frequent club changes in Spain.
Journeyman Years in Spain
Bilic played for Almeria and Sporting de Gijon, where he replaced David Villa. He then had stints with Cordoba and Llagostera before eventually crossing into Austria.
Success with Rapid Vienna
Joining Rapid Vienna in 2007, Bilic blossomed into one of the team's top performers. During his time with the Austrian club, he faced FC Rubin Kazan in a two-round Intertoto Cup match. Notably, he scored a decisive goal against Kurban Berdyev's team, leading Rapid Vienna to victory.
Return to Spain
After his successful spell in Austria, Bilic returned to Spain, re-signing for Sporting de Gijon. His subsequent career path remained largely centered around the Spanish lower leagues, concluding with his retirement in 2018.
