Caleta-Car: We want Croatia fans to keep dreaming
Fresh from domestic success with Real Sociedad, Croatia defender Duje Caleta-Car reflects on Russia 2018 and looks ahead to FIFA World Cup 2026.
Croatia defender Duje Caleta-Car speaks exclusively to FIFA
Has grown into a key defensive presence for both club and country
Reflects on his development, learning from Modric and Perisic, and Dalic’s role in Croatia’s success
At the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018™, Duje Caleta-Car was the youngest member of Croatia’s squad. He had not yet grown his now-familiar thick beard and, surrounded by figures such as Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, was still taking his first steps on the biggest stage. Eight years on, with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ fast approaching, he has developed into a commanding, well-rounded centre-back.
His career has since taken him across Europe. After emerging in Croatia at fourth-tier outfit Sibenik and continuing his development with Salzburg in Austria, he moved to French side Marseille before heading north and crossing the Channel for a brief spell with Southampton in England. He later returned to France with Lyon, whose books he remains on, before heading to Spain on loan, where he now plies his trade for Real Sociedad.
An imposing presence with the ball-playing qualities of a midfielder, he quickly emerged as a modern defender coveted by a host of clubs. He recently celebrated Copa del Rey glory with Sociedad, having helped the Basque side beat Atletico de Madrid on penalties in the final. Now, he is ready to head to North America with Zlatko Dalic’s side, as Croatia aim to continue their remarkable run on the world stage.
Duje Caleta-Car: Yeah, it was amazing. It’s an unbelievable feeling when you win some silverware – it’s always special. This cup run was even more special because we played some incredible matches. I told my wife many times that this year it felt like destiny that we would win it. It was amazing to experience something like that. When you start to play as a kid, you live for moments like these.
Yeah, maybe. I feel I am at my best in every sense: physically, mentally and in terms of confidence. Over the past year or two, I have felt in peak condition. Of course, you have bad games from time to time, but I look after my body and always try to make sure I am ready. Now I can say that I feel at the top of my game. You need stability, but in football you also have to know how to adapt.
Yes, especially our midfielders and forwards. They understand the game and are technically very good. They can play in different positions and accept any role or system. Sometimes midfielders play out wide, or the other way round. We do not have extremely quick wingers, so we adapt. It is not a problem because we are technically strong – that is one of our greatest qualities.
The results speak for themselves. He came in at a difficult time in 2017 and has done an amazing job. The players enjoy working with him because he is a great coach and a fantastic person. You can speak with him about anything. He understands players on a personal level – how they feel and what they are going through. We already know each other really well and that’s also one big strength for us. With him and his staff, we are all like family.
Honestly, I didn’t know if I would get called up or not – I was the youngest player in the squad at the time. I had had a very good season, but we had so many good defenders. When I found out that I had been called up, I was delighted. The World Cup only comes around every four years, so you have to make the most of it. Nobody expected too much from us, but we had quality and a fantastic atmosphere. Step by step, we gained confidence, and Zlatko knew we had quality. He did not give too much advice, but he was very clear. It was an unforgettable experience.
Yes, it was difficult, but I knew it wasn’t my best period. I didn’t play a lot in England; I struggled with Southampton. I accepted it and worked to come back stronger. I went to Lyon, started playing again, regained my confidence and managed to show Zlatko that he could count on me. That is how I returned to the national team.
I don’t know. People expect the big teams like Spain, Brazil, France and Argentina to win. But we have shown that it does not always work like that. We are confident, but we’re taking things one game at a time. In tournaments, everything matters: form, injuries, luck. We will see – football can write beautiful stories.
It is a difficult group. England are one of the best teams in the world. But we mustn’t underestimate our other opponents – there are no easy matches. Some people say it’s the hardest group we could have got. In some ways, I agree. The first match is very important because it sets the tone. If you win, you feel calm; if you lose, the pressure increases. England have great players, but so do Croatia. We have played well against them in recent matches, so I am confident.
They are winners. They don’t like to lose, even in training. Modric and Perisic have won it all. They are monsters, but they still give everything in every moment, for every ball. Their mentality and professionalism are on another level. They have incredible respect for football and for people. They never want to lose and they push everyone to improve.
I try to learn from them too, because that is how you raise your game. Being around players like them sharpens your focus – you do not want to get in their bad books. They have something special inside them, and their work ethic and love for the game are outstanding. Sometimes I cannot even describe how good they. Ivan has returned to an incredibly high level after an injury that could have derailed many careers. We are just pleased to be with them and to learn from them every day.
Keep dreaming. If our fans have the chance to come and support us, it would mean so much to us. We will try to give our best in every game and I hope to bring them joy like in 2018 or 2022.