Croatia international forward Ana Maria Markovic, who has been dubbed 'the world's most beautiful footballer', has moved to her fifth club in just three years. The 26-year-old striker will now play for Croatian giants Hajduk Split.
Setting the record straight
Markovic had to correct a long-standing error about her birthplace. Wikipedia had claimed she was born in Split, but she recently joked: "Thank you Wikipedia for spreading false information for five years. Can you delete it now." She revealed she was actually born in Zurich. Despite her Swiss birth, Markovic elected to represent the Croatian national team.
Early career in Switzerland
Markovic made her professional debut in Zurich for Grasshoppers, having worked her way through the ranks of local rivals FC Zurich. It was at Grasshoppers that she met her now-boyfriend Tomas Ribiero, who was playing for the men's side.
Move to Portugal
When Ribiero moved to Vitória Guimarães in Portugal, Markovic also made the jump. She signed with Braga, a move that offered a fresh start after a severe injury. During a Zurich derby, she suffered a torn ACL, torn meniscus, and a broken lower leg. However, her spell at Braga was difficult; she made just three competitive appearances and left after eight months. She then moved to Damaiense, also in the top tier of Portuguese football.
American adventure
Last summer, Markovic moved to the United States to sign for Brooklyn FC, a club founded in 2023 that began playing in 2024. There she played alongside her sister Kiki. She said: "I’ve played in incredible places, but I can already feel the energy around this club and city. Sharing this experience with my sister makes it even more special, and we’re both here to make an impact on the field!"
Dream move to Hajduk Split
Her latest club is Hajduk Split, a move she described as a "dream". She said: "Hajduk has always been more than a club for my family and me. Following Hajduk from the diaspora was part of everyday life, and now wearing this shirt at Poljud brings special pride and responsibility!"
