by croatiaweek
August 23, 2025
in
Leon Grgić (Screenshot/YouTube/Spot/Sport/Fair use)
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has successfully finalised the change of sporting nationality for Leon Grgić, paving the way for the talented 19-year-old striker to represent Croatia at international level.
Following the player’s decision to commit his future to Croatia, HNS submitted the necessary documentation to FIFA.
The governing body’s Players’ Status Chamber approved the request, meaning Grgić is now eligible to play for Croatian national teams, HNS confirmed.
Born in Austria on 22 January 2006, Grgić has been part of Sturm Graz since 2015 and is already featuring for the club’s senior side.
Speaking about his decision, Grgić explained:
“I have decided to play for the Croatian national team. I was born and raised in Austria, which I consider my home, but Croatia is in my blood and I felt a strong desire to represent it as my homeland. I remain grateful to the Austrian FA, my coaches and team-mates for the opportunities I had there.
My decision is for Croatia, not against Austria, which I deeply respect. At the same time, I want to thank everyone at HNS for their support and fairness throughout this process.”
HNS technical director Stipe Pletikosa welcomed the news, describing Grgić as an exceptional talent:
“We are delighted with Leon’s decision. He is an outstanding young player with a bright future ahead. We are aware of how difficult this was given his history with Austria’s youth teams, and we are proud he chose to represent Croatia. It reflects the strength and prestige of our national team.”
HNS president Marijan Kustić echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of engaging with the Croatian diaspora:
“Our duty as a federation is to recognise talent both in Croatia and abroad, and to show players what it means to play for our national team. Leon’s decision confirms that our strategy towards the diaspora is the right one. We are grateful for his trust, his love for Croatia, and for the professionalism with which he approached this process.”
With FIFA’s approval secured, the promising Sturm Graz forward is now set to become part of Croatia’s footballing future, joining a growing list of diaspora players choosing to wear the red-and-white chequers on the international stage.