The Croatian priests' football national team achieved a remarkable feat by securing the silver medal at the 18th European Championship for Catholic priests in small football, which took place in Lublin from February 9 to 13. Despite losing 2-0 to the Polish team in the finals, the Croatian clergy proudly stood on the podium, representing their national pride and receiving support from their congregation and fans. Their performance throughout the tournament was commendable, showcasing both skill and dedication.

In celebration of their success, the Croatian priests marked this occasion by singing 'Ako ne znaš šta je bilo' by Marko Perković Thompson, a well-known figure in Croatian music. This choice of song resonated with their victory and brought an additional layer of cultural identity to the celebration, highlighting the intersection between sports and national pride among Croatian clergy.

However, the choice of song sparked controversy as it was prohibited by the European Handball Federation (EHF) at the European Handball Championship occurring concurrently. The EHF's decision not to allow the song during matches indicates ongoing tensions surrounding national symbols and cultural expressions within sports events in Europe, illustrating the complex nature of identity and representation in multi-national competitions.