Blaga Zadro's grandson plays football: 'I didn't have a push because of my last name'
Mislav Zadro, a young goalkeeper, shares his journey from Dinamo to Rijekas and now to Cyprus.
Mislav Zadro began his football career at Dinamo Zagreb, where he spent 13 years before moving to Rijeka in 2022. His transition came at a time when Dinamo's first-choice goalkeeper, Dominik Livaković, was firmly established, leaving Zadro with limited opportunities. Faced with the choice of remaining on the bench or seeking new opportunities, Zadro opted for a fresh start, leading him to Rijeka where he sought playing time but faced additional competition.
Following his stint at Rijeka, which was complicated by the retention of more experienced players, Zadro found himself dual-registered and eventually took his career to Cyprus, where he is currently on loan at ENY Krasava. Throughout his journey, he highlights that his family's legacy as relatives of Blaga Zadro hasn’t influenced his career, instead emphasizing his desire to prove his talent on the field independently of his surname. This reflects a common theme among young athletes striving for recognition in their own rights.
Mislav's story sheds light on the challenges faced by young sports talents in Croatia, where competitive environments often dictate the pathways to success. His experiences underscore the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of personal goals, even when faced with the expectations that come from family legacy. His current performance in Cyprus will likely play a crucial role in shaping his future opportunities in international football.