"Modri (The Blues), Purgeri (The Citizens)"
Dinamo Zagreb is a historic Croatian club that emerged in 1945 as an unofficial successor to the pre-WWII club HŠK Građanski. The new Dinamo inherited Građanski's blue colors and fanbase, quickly establishing itself in Yugoslavia's top flight. With the breakup of Yugoslavia and Croatia's independence, Dinamo became the dominant force in the Croatian league (Prva HNL) from 1993 onwards.
Dinamo is known for an attack-minded, technical playing style and a prolific youth academy. Over the years, it has developed many talents who later became international stars – for example, Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Mandžukić, Eduardo da Silva, and Dejan Lovren all wore the Dinamo shirt early in their careers. The current coach, Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro, has been tasked with upholding Dinamo's tradition of dominant, attractive play and extending the club's winning culture.
Goalkeeper
Midfield
Offence
Left Back
Defence
Dinamo Zagreb continues to dominate domestically. In the 2023/24 season they cruised to the Prva HNL championship – their seventh consecutive league title – finishing 8 points clear of the nearest rival. They also lifted the Croatian Cup, completing their first domestic double since 2020–21.
The start of the 2024/25 season was turbulent. After coaching changes and a difficult 9-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Dinamo appointed Fabio Cannavaro as head coach in December 2024. Despite off-field instability, Dinamo remained competitive in the Champions League, sitting on 8 points in the league phase and contending for a knockout spot. Domestically, they continued to lead the Croatian league.
Dinamo Zagreb enjoys passionate support, primarily from their ultras group Bad Blue Boys (BBB). Founded on March 17, 1986, the BBB have become an integral part of the club's identity. They are known for their intense loyalty and vocal support – filling the north stand of Maksimir with thunderous chants, choreographed tifos, and blue flare displays.
The atmosphere at Dinamo's games is especially electric during the "Eternal Derby" (Vječni derbi) against Hajduk Split. This rivalry is the biggest in Croatian football, dating back to the 1920s. Matches between these two sides are marquee events often marked by sell-out crowds, elaborate fan choreographies, and intense emotions on and off the pitch.
Dinamo Zagreb is a regular presence in the UEFA Champions League, having qualified for the competition proper nine times to date. They first appeared under the name "Croatia Zagreb" in the 1998–99 and 1999–2000 Champions League group stages. Since then, Dinamo frequently navigates through qualifying rounds to reach the group phase, but advancing beyond the groups has remained elusive.
Despite this, Dinamo have delivered some memorable moments in the competition. In September 2015, they stunned Arsenal 2-1 in Zagreb. In the 2019–20 Champions League, Dinamo thrashed Atalanta 4-0 at Maksimir Stadium – the club's largest win in Champions League history – powered by a hat-trick from Mislav Oršić. On the European stage overall, Dinamo's pinnacle remains the 1967 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph.
Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro was appointed as Dinamo Zagreb's head coach in December 2024. The 2006 World Cup winner and former Ballon d'Or recipient brings enormous experience and prestige to the Croatian champions. Cannavaro has been tasked with maintaining Dinamo's domestic dominance while improving their European performances. His appointment marks the club's tenth managerial change in four and a half years, highlighting the pressure and expectations at Croatia's most successful club.
