
Ivan Perisic
Croatia winger who equalled Lionel Messi as the only players to record assists at four separate World Cup editions.
Last refreshed: 4 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can Perisic become the first player to win a major trophy at a fourth World Cup?
Timeline for Ivan Perisic
Ronaldo's first knockout goal, at 41
2026 FIFA World CupEqualled Messi as only players to assist at four separate World Cups
2026 FIFA World Cup: Kane ties Lineker as England win 4-2Mentioned in: VAR orders Kane penalty retake in Dallas
2026 FIFA World CupBackground
Ivan Perisic made history at the 2026 World Cup as the first player ever to register assists at four separate World Cup tournaments, adding to contributions made at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. He is Croatia's most decorated player in terms of contribution at major tournaments, with a record of 18 goal involvements across World Cups and European Championships. His assist against England contributed to Croatia's group stage campaign, underlining his continued value at 37 years old. His involvement continued into the knockout stage, where he put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute of their round-of-32 tie with Portugal on 2 July, before Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty and a stoppage-time Goncalo Ramos header eliminated Croatia 2-1.
Born on 2 February 1989 in Solin, Croatia, Perisic came through Hajduk Split's academy before embarking on a career that took him through Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, Internazionale, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, and back to Hajduk Split. He signed for PSV Eindhoven in September 2024. He won the 2021-22 Serie A title with Internazionale and the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League Final runner-up medal with Tottenham in 2019, before winning the 2025-26 Eredivisie with PSV. He has earned over 152 caps for Croatia and was a finalist at the 2018 World Cup, where Croatia lost to France, and a third-place finisher in 2022.
Perisic is the quintessential modern winger: tireless, technically assured, comfortable delivering the ball into dangerous areas late in matches. His longevity at international level across four World Cups is exceptional and puts him among the most decorated European players of his generation.