NK Slaven Belupo

Formation

NK Slaven Belupo, a prominent Croatian football club, was established in the city of Koprivnica, with its roots tracing back to June 1907 when the first football club, Đački nogometni klub, was formed. The name Slaven emerged in 1912 with the founding of HŠK Slaven by the Friedrich family, marking the official inception of the club as we know it today. The club's early history saw it win the Croatian championship in 1920, a significant achievement during the Yugoslav regional championships.

Evolution and Name Changes

Over the years, the club underwent several name changes, including HŠK Victorija and HŠK Koprivnica, before returning to the Slaven name with the establishment of FD Slaven. In 1953, it was briefly known as SD Podravka, and in 1958, it officially became NK Slaven. The club's identity was further shaped by sponsorship agreements, leading to a temporary name change to NK Slaven Bilokalnik from 1992 to 1994, before settling on NK Slaven Belupo, reflecting its partnership with the local pharmaceutical company.

Achievements and Legacy

Slaven Belupo achieved a significant milestone in 1997 by gaining promotion to the Prva HNL, the top tier of Croatian football, and has maintained its status without relegation since then. The club made its mark on the European stage by qualifying for the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2000, finishing fifth in the Prva HNL that year. Slaven Belupo continues to be a vital part of Croatian football, with a rich history and a dedicated fan base.