Dario Knežević
Dario Knežević is a former Croatian footballer known for his defensive skills.
His career includes a notable six-year spell with Italian club Livorno and two stints with HNK Rijeka.
Knežević earned 13 caps for the Croatia national team and scored his first international goal in 2006.
Biography
Early Life
Dario Knežević was born in Rijeka, Croatia, where he began his journey in football. He started his professional career with NK Rijeka in 2002, quickly establishing himself as a promising defender in the Croatian First League.
Career
Knežević's career spanned over fifteen years, during which he played for several clubs, including a significant six-year stint at US Livorno in Italy. He made his Serie A debut on October 25, 2006, and scored his first league goal against Cagliari in April 2007. In June 2008, he signed with Juventus on loan but had limited appearances, featuring in only four matches during the season. After returning to Livorno in June 2009, he became a key player, making 140 appearances across two spells with the club.
In June 2012, Knežević returned to his roots at HNK Rijeka, where he took on the captaincy and led the team to success, including winning the Croatian Cup three times. His international career included 13 caps for the Croatia national team, where he made his debut in 2006 and participated in UEFA Euro 2008, although he faced injury challenges during the tournament.
Legacy
Knežević is remembered for his contributions to both club and country, particularly for his leadership at Rijeka and his role in the Croatian national team during a pivotal time in their football history. His honors include three Croatian Cup titles, showcasing his impact on the field throughout his career.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Born in Rijeka, Knežević started his professional career with the city's First League side NK Rijeka in 2002 and subsequently made 115 appearances in the league before moving to Livorno on a three-year deal in late August 2006. He made his Serie A debut on 25 October 2006 in Livorno's 4–1 defeat to Internazionale and scored his first goal in the league against Cagliari on 18 April 2007 to secure his team a 2–1 victory. On 30 June 2008, Juventus signed Knežević on a season-long loan deal worth €750,000, with the option to acquire half of the contractual rights at €1.6 million following Livorno's relegation to Serie B. On 5 October, Knežević made his first league appearance for the team. It was a 2–1 home loss to Palermo. He made just four appearances all season, three in the league and one in the UEFA Champions League in a 2–2 draw with FC BATE Borisov in Belarus. On 15 June 2009, Knežević made his return to Livorno. He immediately became a mainstay in the side, but the team was relegated from the 2009–10 Serie A. The following season, Knežević made 31 appearances as Livorno finished ninth in the 2010–11 Serie B. In the 2011–12 Serie B season, Knežević again made 31 appearances in all competitions as the side narrowly avoided relegation. Knežević then decided to leave Livorno. He made 140 appearances for the Italian side in his two spells with the club. Knežević return to his first professional club Rijeka in June 2012. He assumed the captaincy and led the club to a…
Knežević has won 13 caps and scored one goal for the Croatia national team, making his debut as well as scoring his first international goal in a friendly match against Hong Kong on 1 February 2006. He was not called up for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was a regular part of Croatian team in qualifying matches for 2008 European Championship. Knežević came on as a substitute in two tournament matches, but in the third match which he started, he played 25 minutes before he had to be replaced because of an injury. His final international was a November 2009 friendly match against Liechtenstein.
- Club
- Juventus FC (2008–2009)
- Club
- NK Orijent (2000–2002)
- Club
- HNK Rijeka (2002–2006)
- Club
- US Livorno 1915 (2006–2012)
- Club
- HNK Rijeka (2012–2015)
- Club
- HNK Rijeka Reserves and Academy (2014–2015)
- Club
- Croatia men's national football team (2006–2009)
- Club
- Croatia national under-21 football team (2004–2004)
- National team
- Croatia
Legacy
Clubs
Played together with
Aaron RamseyJuventus FC · 2019–2022
Abdoulay KonkoJuventus FC · 2004–2007
Abdoulaye BambaJuventus FC- Aboubacar FofanaJuventus FC
- Achille CoserUS Livorno 1915 · 2014–2015
Adam SušacHNK Rijeka · 2012–2013
Adis JahovićHNK Rijeka · 2014–2014- Adnan OçelliNK Orijent · 1996–1997
Adolfo GoriJuventus FC · 1963–1969
Adrian MutuJuventus FC · 2005–2006- Adrian MutuUS Livorno 1915 · 2005–2005
- Adrian StoianUS Livorno 1915 · 2019–2020
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Dario Knežević is a former Croatian footballer who played as a defender. His fifteen-year career includes a six-year spell with Italian club Livorno and two separate spells with hometown club NK Rijeka. Knežević also represented the Croatia national football team at UEFA Euro 2008.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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