After an exciting and unpredictable SuperSport HNL season, Croatia’s top football league wrapped up in style with an awards ceremony in Zagreb. The event, held at the Mozaik Event Center, celebrated the standout individuals in the 2024/25 season.
Rijeka clinched the Croatian title on the final matchday, edging out Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split in a tense three-way race. With the curtain falling on one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory, the league’s biggest names gathered for a night of recognition.
Croatian Football Federation (HNS) president Marijan Kustić addressed attendees, fresh off a helicopter delivery of the championship trophy to Rijeka just one day earlier.
“This truly is a beautiful evening to cap off a beautiful season,” Kustić said. “I’ve been saying all along how much our league has grown. The viewership numbers are up, and having three clubs battling for the title and three more fighting for Europe until the final rounds shows just how competitive we’ve become. I’m confident the league will only keep growing, and I expect a fantastic atmosphere in the upcoming Cup final as well. Tonight, we celebrate. We’ve seen some incredible goals and saves all season long.”
Livaja named league MVP
Hajduk’s talisman, Marko Livaja, was named the league’s ‘Best Player’. In his absence, teammate and defender Filip Uremović accepted the award on his behalf.
“Marko is a unique personality and player, a great guy and an even better footballer,” said Uremović. “He and the entire club thank you all for this honor.”
Dalić honored Rijeka boss Đalović
Croatia’s national team manager Zlatko Dalić presented the ‘Best Coach’ award to Radomir Đalović, the man who led Rijeka to their historic title.
“This is first, and foremost, a reward for my players. It’s their achievement,” Đalović stated. “I’m grateful to Rijeka for giving me this opportunity, and I hope I’ve lived up to the expectations. Thanks to my colleagues for their support and the fierce competition this season. I truly believe we were the best team and deserved the title. It’s been an amazing year for the club, and now we aim to cap it off by winning the Cup. I’m especially honored to receive this award from the coach who first brought me to Rijeka, now our national team boss, Dalić.”
Fruk named top young talent
Rijeka’s rising star Toni Fruk was named ‘Best Young Player’ of the season.
“It’s a huge honor to be standing here with this award in my hands,” Fruk said. “Thanks to my teammates, coaching staff, and even the opponents who pushed me every week. We celebrated long into the night, but now it’s back to business and the Cup final awaits. I’ve set the bar high for myself and want to keep getting better. This has definitely been the best season of my career so far.”
Lifetime achievement and golden gloves
SuperSport HNL’s competition commissioner, Josip Brezni, who is stepping down, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from HNS Secretary General Tomislav Svetina and advisor Zorislav Srebrić.
Rijeka’s Martin Zlomislić took home the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ award.
“Big thanks to my teammates, coaches, and club president. It’s a real honor,” Zlomislić said. “I’ve only had a few hours of sleep, but we’ve got to recharge for the Cup final.”
Marko Livaja’s stunning bicycle kick against Šibenik was voted ‘Goal of the Season’ – and with 19 goals to his name, he also claimed the ‘Top Scorer’ award.
Osijek’s shot-stopper Marko Malenica was recognized for ‘Save of the Season’ for his heroic stop against Hajduk at Poljud.
“It’s an honor and a proud moment to be here. I hope this becomes a tradition,” said Malenica. “At the time, I wasn’t even sure if the ball had crossed the line or if VAR would intervene. We didn’t win the match, but I’m happy to have earned this recognition. Of course, I prefer saves that bring points, but this one was the most difficult.”
Team of the Season
The HNL Best XI for the season features:
Ivan Sušak (Slaven Belupo), Roko Jurišić (Osijek), Stjepan Radeljić (Rijeka), Filip Uremović (Hajduk), Moris Valinčić (Istra 1961), Mateo Lisica (Istra 1961), Toni Fruk (Rijeka), Alen Grgić (Slaven Belupo), Martin Baturina (Dinamo), Marko Livaja (Hajduk), and Sandro Kulenović (Dinamo).
Croatian football now looks ahead to the Croatian Cup final on May 29th between Rijeka and Belupo.
