Nations on the Pitch: Overview of Players in the Croatian First Football League (2008-2024)

In recent years, the Croatian football league (HNL) has undergone significant transformations, both in the competition system and the rules related to players' nationalities. From the 2007-2008 season, when the league had 12 teams, to the 2023-2024 season, which is played with 10 teams, HNL has been the stage for numerous changes. During this period, the league even temporarily had 16 teams before returning to 12, eventually stabilizing with the current 10 teams.

A particularly significant year in this dynamic was 2013 when Croatia became a member of the European Union. This change in membership resulted in new rules for the participation of domestic and foreign players. According to current regulations, 6 foreign players are allowed in one match, excluding those who did not enter the game. Additionally, players are not considered foreigners if they have dual citizenship or are citizens of EU and European Economic Area member states.

However, changes are once again on the horizon. The Croatian Football Association (HNS) is currently deliberating on new amendments aimed at expanding the definition of domestic players. If adopted, players born in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania would also be considered domestic players. This proposal has the potential to significantly alter the landscape of HNL, considering the number of players who already possess dual citizenship. Furthermore, there is a discussion about reducing the number of young players under 21 starting from the current three to two. This issue opens up new perspectives and challenges in terms of developing young talents and their involvement in top-tier football.

There is also ongoing debate about a possible increase in the number of foreigners in the second league, from the current three to five. Will these changes further impact the perception of HNL as a developmental league? Learn more about this topic in the continuation of the article. The data used in this research comes from the FBref and Transfermarkt websites, focusing on players who have played at least one match. Visualizations were created in Power BI.

THE ANALYSIS OF THE SEASON 2023-2024

On the displayed graphs, we can observe the diversity of players currently competing in the HNL. This season is marked by the participation of as many as 47 different nationalities of players. Within that, the presence of 15 nations that are members of the European Union is noticeable, while a remarkable 32 nations come from outside the European Union. In total, the number of players from the European Union amounts to 218, while 85 are from outside of it. Significantly, out of the total number of players, 181 are Croatians, while 122 are foreign players, accounting for 40.26% of the total number of players. Comparing with the previous season, we notice a decrease of 18% in the number of players who have appeared so far, considering that half of the 2023/2024 season has already been played, and the transfer window is still ongoing, with expectations of more players participating by the end of the season. Additionally, in comparison with the previous season, there is a decrease of 20% in the number of Croatian players who have appeared, while the number of foreign players is lower by 16%. These statistical data indicate changes in the composition of HNL players in the 2023/2024 season.

Analyzing the compositions of clubs in the HNL, we observe significant differences in the percentage of domestic and foreign players. Rudeš leads with an impressive 71.79% of Croatian players, while clubs like Dinamo, Varaždin, Lokomotiva, Rijeka, Osijek, and Gorica also have a significant domestic contingent above 55%. On the other hand, clubs like Istra, Hajduk, and Slaven Belupo stand out with a higher percentage of foreign players, namely 51.85%, 48.28%, and 45.16%, respectively. These data provide insights into the diversity of club compositions and indicate different strategies and approaches in team building.

Analyzing the minutes played by foreign and domestic players in the clubs of the Croatian First Football League (HNL) for the 2023-2024 season, we gain significant insights into the dynamics of team composition.

Rijeka stands out as an example where domestic players have played more than three times the minutes compared to foreign players. Considering their current lead in the domestic championship, these data suggest that Rijeka's success may be linked to a greater role of domestic players in the team. Rudeš and Gorica also stand out as teams that predominantly rely on domestic players. These clubs have high percentages of domestic players and relatively few minutes played by foreign players, indicating a strong emphasis on local talent. On the other hand, a club like Hajduk has the smallest ratio between minutes played by domestic and foreign players, where the number of minutes is almost equal for both groups. These data indicate a balance between domestic and foreign players in Hajduk's team, but also suggest that there is no significant domination by either group. It is important to note that in all other clubs, domestic players also play more minutes than foreign ones. For example, clubs like Varaždin, Lokomotiva, and Slaven Belupo also demonstrate a significant role of domestic players in the team, which is an important element in their tactics and strategies. These statistical data provide insights into the dynamics of team composition in the HNL and highlight the diversity of approaches by clubs in engaging domestic and foreign players.

Top 10 countries whose players participate in the Croatian football league bring diversity and quality to the field. Players from Bosnia and Herzegovina, averaging 43 minutes per game, are often key contributors to the lineup. Macedonia is dominated by almost regular players with an average of 57 minutes per game. French players, despite fewer matches played, average 59 minutes per game. Players from Albania and Kosovo, who collectively play 71 minutes per game, are mostly regulars. Switzerland, Austria (where all players are of Croatian origin), players with dual Swiss citizenship are not regulars in their clubs, while players from Austria are. Additionally, players from Ukraine, Portugal, and Montenegro are among the top 10. Players from Portugal average 65 minutes, Montenegro 63 minutes, and Ukraine 54 minutes per game.

ANALYSIS OF SEASONS 2007/2008 - 2023/2024

Analyzing the graph depicting the dynamics of Croatian and foreign players during the seasons from 2007-2008 to 2023-2024, we observe significant changes in the composition of players, particularly interesting considering the impact of the evolution of the competition system.

In seasons with 12 teams (2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2012-2013), there is relative stability in the percentage of foreign players, with an average percentage of 19.49%. However, with the introduction of the league with 16 teams (2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012), that percentage significantly increases, signaling the clubs' need for international talents in the competition with a higher number of teams.

The phase of the league with 10 teams from the 2013-2014 season marks a significant turning point. In this period, Croatia also became an EU member, leading to an even more pronounced increase in foreign players, with an average percentage of 34.35%. Over the last four seasons, the average of foreign players is high at 40.38%, with the highest number of foreign players recorded in the 2020-2021 season with 158.

The smallest number of foreign players 63 was recorded in the 2013-2014 season when the league with 10 teams was introduced. This moment represents a transitional phase in which new rules and the liberalization of rules for "domestic" players influenced the reduction of domestic players and made the increase in foreign players more noticeable.

Surprisingly, in the 2023-2024 season, the number of Croatian players 181 reaches its minimum, which may be a result of further adjustments by clubs and competition rules. This continuous trend of changes suggests the dynamic nature of the Croatian football league, shaped by both internal factors and the influence of international trends and rules.

In the last few seasons, players from countries potentially affected by rule changes in the HNL (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania) have a significant share in the Croatian football championship. There is a continuous increase in their number, with the 2023-2024 season registering as many as 48 players from these countries. If the proposed rule changes in the HNL are adopted, it will open up space for about 50 additional spots for new players from outside the EU, with the option being considered to treat these players as domestic, which could significantly impact the league's dynamics.

In the past period, the Croatian First Football League has undergone significant changes in the composition of players, especially regarding their origin. Analyzing the presence of players from different nations from the 2007-2008 season to the 2023-2024 season, we observe interesting trends and changes in the lineups of league teams.

First, let's look at the number of different nations that contributed to the HNL during this time frame. In the first season 2007-2008, the league had players from 10 different non-European Union non-EU countries, while the number of European Union EU nations was 6. Over time, there has been a significant increase in this number, especially when looking at the non-EU composition, which in the last season 2023-2024 encompassed as many as 32 different nations. On the other hand, the number of European nations has not experienced significant fluctuations, staying within the range of 6 to 15 nations.

This trend suggests a strong increase in international diversity in the HNL, with an emphasis on expanding the geographical spectrum of represented nations. The share of players from outside the European Union has increased significantly, confirming the league's openness to players from various parts of the world.

This development can be linked to changes in the competition format, as well as rules affecting the origin of players. Additionally, Croatia's entry into the European Union in 2013 likely further shaped the dynamics of team compositions.

In the past period, several teams stood out for a high percentage of foreign players in their ranks. Istra was exceptionally international in the 2018-2019 season, with 66.38% of foreign players, mostly from Croatia, Spain, and Argentina. This team represented as many as 19 different nations, creating diversity that characterized that season.

Dinamo was also recognizable for a high number of foreign players in several seasons. In the 2014-2015 season, they had 64.14% of foreign players, with a dominant Croatian lineup and a significant number of Portuguese, Bosnian-Herzegovinian, and Argentine players. In the 2017-2018 season, the percentage of foreign players was 62.00%, with a dominant Croatian lineup and players from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Macedonia, and other countries. Both teams represented a wide range of nations in those seasons, creating an international atmosphere within their squads.

Additionally, the 2015-2016 season was significant for both teams. Dinamo had 59.25% of foreign players, while Istra had an impressive 59.04% of foreign players in the same season. Dinamo was dominated by Croatian players with the presence of players from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Chile, and other countries. Istra was particularly diverse, with players from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Brazil, and other countries. These lineups further enriched the football scene, contributing to the international character of the Croatian championship.

HAVE FOREIGN PLAYERS CONTRIBUTED TO THE RISE IN QUALITY OF THE CROATIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE?

Analyzing the collected data, we can conclude that the increase in foreign players in the Croatian First Football League (HNL) has not necessarily resulted in an improvement in the quality of play, an increase in the number of goals, or consistent growth in average attendance during the period from 2007-2008 to 2023-2024. Although some positive trends are noticeable, such as record attendance in certain seasons, it's essential to note the specific factors that influenced these results. For instance, Hajduk attracted 7,552 more spectators this year than the previous season, partly due to the title race after 15 years, creating euphoria among fans. Additionally, Osijek recorded a significant increase of 3,421 spectators, attributed to the construction of a new and improved stadium, enhancing the overall fan experience.

However, it should be highlighted that during the analyzed period, Dinamo has always been the champion, except for one season by Rijeka. This Dinamo dominance may indicate the need for additional measures to enhance competition in the league and encourage diversity in results. The average age trend of players is also an important indicator, and any potential negative trend may suggest the need for targeted measures to promote the development of young talents.

Ultimately, while some positive aspects are evident, it cannot be unequivocally stated that the increase in foreign players has led to significant progress in the quality of the Croatian football championship. The question of balancing current success and the long-term development of domestic talents remains crucial for the league's future.

In the past period, Dinamo has been a key player in shaping the UEFA coefficient of the Croatian league. Examining the years from 2007-2008 to 2023-2024, we observe that, although Dinamo regularly achieved significant success in European competitions, it carries the majority of the weight when it comes to the UEFA ranking of the Croatian league.

Dinamo achieved notable results, but changes in the UEFA ranking of the Croatian league did not follow that progress. From the 2007-2008 season to the 2023-2024 season, we see fluctuating results but no clear trend of improvement on a global European scale.

Even though Dinamo independently bears a significant burden on the European scene, other clubs have not significantly contributed to the overall progress of the Croatian league in the UEFA ranking. Foreign players, despite being present in significant numbers, have not brought about significant changes in the league's quality at the international level.

In the 2018-2019 season, when Dinamo had a high percentage of points, it did not result in a significant jump in the UEFA ranking of the Croatian league, indicating that Dinamo's results had less impact on the league's overall status.

Therefore, while Dinamo has a significant contribution to European results, changes in the ranking of the Croatian league are not strongly linked to the presence of foreign players. Foreign players have not brought the expected shift in the league's quality on the international stage, suggesting that other factors need to be considered to enhance the perception and quality of the Croatian football championship in European frameworks.

The analysis of the market value of the top 20 players in the 2023/2024 season clearly demonstrates the predominantly domestic character of the Croatian Football League. Out of the 20 most valuable players, only one is a foreign player, while the rest consist of talented domestic players. The dominance of domestic players is further confirmed through the high market values of some of the most esteemed players. For example, Martin Baturina from Dinamo, Marko Livaja from Hajduk, and Bruno Petković also from Dinamo, are all highly ranked among the top 20 players, all of whom are domestic players. Additionally, the table also indicates that all foreign players are either acquired at a low cost or have not achieved significant market value; all except Rokas Pukstas are valued at less than 2.5 million euros. Dinamo and Hajduk stand out as the clubs with the highest number of domestic players among the top 20. Similarly, Rijeka also boasts a significant number of domestically talented players with high market values. These data clearly suggest the high quality and value of domestic players in the Croatian Football League. This analysis emphasizes the domestic base as a crucial factor for the success of clubs in the HNL.

CONCLUSION