Stipe Pletikosa

Early Life

Stipe Pletikosa was born in Croatia and grew up to become a prominent figure in football, specifically as a goalkeeper. His early career began with the Croatia national under-17 football team in 1994, where he showcased his talent and potential. Over the next few years, he progressed through various youth national teams, including the under-18, under-19, under-20, and under-21 squads, ultimately making his debut for the senior national team in 1999.

Career

Pletikosa's professional career took off at HNK Hajduk Split, where he played from 1996 to 2003. His impressive performances earned him a move to FC Shakhtar Donetsk, where he played from 2003 to 2007. Following that, he had stints at Spartak Moscow and Tottenham Hotspur, before signing with FC Rostov in 2011. He continued to play at a high level, eventually joining Deportivo de La Coruña in 2015. Pletikosa's international career was marked by significant milestones, including his 100th cap for Croatia in 2013 and participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Personal Life

Beyond the pitch, Pletikosa is known for his strong Roman Catholic faith, often wearing a T-shirt with a picture of the Virgin Mary under his uniform for good luck during matches. After retiring from professional football, he took on a role as the technical director for the Croatian Football Federation, contributing to the development of both the senior and under-21 national teams. His legacy in football is not only defined by his skills as a goalkeeper but also by his dedication to the sport and his country.