Robert Prosinecki, described as a 'chain-smoking genius', holds a unique World Cup record: he is the only player to have scored for two different nations at the tournament. The former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder netted for Yugoslavia in 1990 and for Croatia in 1998, a feat that seems unlikely to be surpassed.
World Cup Goals for Two Nations
At the 1990 World Cup, Prosinecki scored for Yugoslavia in a 4-1 group-stage victory over the United Arab Emirates, helping them reach the knockout rounds. Yugoslavia were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16 after a 2-1 extra-time defeat. Eight years later, Prosinecki represented Croatia at their first World Cup as an independent nation. He scored in a 3-1 win over Jamaica and later netted in the third-place play-off as Croatia beat the Netherlands 2-1 to secure bronze.
Comparisons to Other Dual-Nationality Scorers
While several players have represented different countries at the World Cup—such as Luis Monti (Argentina 1930, Italy 1934) and José Altafini (Brazil 1958, Italy 1962)—none have scored for both. Prosinecki's record stands alone, and current football trends make it highly unlikely anyone will match it.
Career and Portsmouth Cult Status
Prosinecki's career was plagued by injuries, but he enjoyed stints at Sevilla, Real Madrid, Dinamo Zagreb, Barcelona, and Portsmouth. He joined Portsmouth in 2001 at age 35, a heavy smoker, and spent just one season there. Despite his limitations, he became a cult hero, helping the club avoid relegation from the First Division (now the Championship).
Former teammate Gary O'Neil recalled to talkSPORT in 2020: 'He was ancient when he came to play for us, but he was still brilliant. When he came to the club I thought: 'He's rubbish! He can't run, how's he going to play for us?' But he'd get the ball and you were just like: 'Oh my God, this guy is a genius!' You couldn't get the ball off him, he'd do step overs that would fool an entire team.'
Smoking Habits and Maverick Reputation
O'Neil also shed light on Prosinecki's smoking: 'I remember he scored a hat-trick against Barnsley and we still managed to lose 4-3 at home [actually a 4-4 draw]. In the dressing room after the game he just threw his boots down and looked at us with disgust... And then he went to the kit room with the kit man to have a fag. When you walked in the dressing room at half-time there was always someone in the toilet cubicle and you could just see smoke coming out the top of the door. He would smoke through a good couple of cigarettes every single half-time.'
Peter Crouch, another former Portsmouth teammate, echoed the sentiment: 'Robert fitted the word 'maverick' perfectly and the only time he wasn't smoking a Marlboro Red was when he was on the pitch. We would barely see him at training during the week but, my God, when he played for Portsmouth he was unbelievable.'
Unforgettable Skill
Crouch added: 'He had this trick where he would shape to shoot, feint and then roll his foot over the ball to leave the defender absolutely bamboozled. You knew it was coming, you could see a mile off what he was going to do, but it was just impossible to stop. He must have been some sight in his pomp, when he played for Red Star Belgrade and Real Madrid. He was a one-man band for Portsmouth, a joy to behold.'
