Nikola Vasilj

Early career

Vasilj started playing football at a local club, before joining the youth academy of his hometown team Zrinjski Mostar in 2010. He made his professional debut against Željezničar on 10 April 2013 at the age of 17. In July 2014, he was sent on a season-long loan to Igman Konjic. In July 2015, he was loaned to Branitelj until the end of the season. In July 2017, Vasilj signed with German side 1. FC Nürnberg. In July 2019, he joined Ukrainian outfit Zorya Luhansk.

FC St. Pauli

In May 2021, Vasilj moved to FC St. Pauli on a three-year deal. He made his official debut for the team on 25 July against Holstein Kiel and kept a clean sheet. In January 2024, he signed a new long-term contract with the squad. Vasilj was an important piece in FC St. Pauli's conquest of the 2. Bundesliga title, his first trophy with the club, which was sealed on 19 May and earned them promotion to the Bundesliga. He played his 100th game for the side against FC Augsburg on 15 September.

Later stage of career

In July 2026, Vasilj joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Diriyah.

Vasilj was a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina under-21 team under coach Vlado Jagodić. In March 2021, he received his first senior call up, for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France and a friendly game against Costa Rica. He debuted against Costa Rica on 27 March. In June 2026, Vasilj was named in Bosnia and Herzegovina's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his tournament debut in the opening group match against Canada on 12 June.

Club

As of match played 9 September 2026

International

As of match played 1 July 2026

Vasilj's father Vladimir was also a goalkeeper and represented Croatia, as is his younger brother Filip. He married his long-time girlfriend Sara in May 2021.