Martin Baturina

Martin Baturina announced himself on the world stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring Croatia's equaliser against England in their Group D opener. The goal underlined what scouts had seen for years: a technically gifted midfielder capable of influencing matches at the highest level.

Born in Zurich on 16 February 2003 to a father playing for Grasshoppers, Baturina grew up in Split and moved to Zagreb at 14, developing through Dinamo Zagreb's academy. He made his Dinamo first-team breakthrough as a teenager and joined Serie A side Como 1907 in June 2025 for a reported €17 million fee, signing a five-year contract. At 23, he is widely seen as a candidate to inherit the creative midfield role Luka Modric has held for Croatia across two decades.

Baturina operates primarily as an attacking or central midfielder, valued for his close control, vision, and ability to press from the front. His composure under pressure and reading of the game give Croatia a genuine option for the post-Modric era.