PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrej Kramarić |
| Date of Birth | 19/06/1991 (Age: 35) |
| Place of Birth | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Height | 1.77 m |
| Position | Forward / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #27 (Hoffenheim), #9 (Croatia) |
| Current Club | TSG Hoffenheim |
| Previous Clubs | Dinamo Zagreb, Lokomotiva Zagreb (loan), Rijeka, Leicester City |
| International Caps | 119 |
| International Goals | 36 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | — |
The Frozen Moment
The German camp in Dallas had fallen silent. June 2026. Croatia were preparing for their World Cup opener against England, and Andrej Kramarić stood before the media, his words measured but his pride unmistakable.
“I think he is, and always will be, one of the most important figures in Croatia, even 500 years from now,” Kramarić had said of Luka Modrić. But the same could be said of Kramarić himself. The 35-year-old forward was about to play in his third World Cup, his 119th international cap, and he was still scoring goals.
Just months earlier, he had top-scored for Croatia in World Cup qualifying with six goals. He had been a key figure in Croatia’s 2018 World Cup final run and their 2022 third-place finish. Now, he was the veteran leader of a squad blending experience with young talent. “We older players have motivation and character, the young ones bring extra energy,” he said.
The boy from Zagreb, who had scored over 450 goals in Dinamo’s youth academy, who had been Hoffenheim’s all-time top scorer, was ready for one more dance on the world stage.
Origins
Andrej Kramarić was born on June 19, 1991, in Zagreb, Croatia. He joined Dinamo Zagreb’s youth academy in 1997 at just six years old. During his youth career, he scored over 450 goals for the club, earning the title of the club’s all-time top youth scorer.
He made his senior debut for Dinamo Zagreb in July 2009, scoring a brace in a 4-0 victory over NK Međimurje. In the 2009-10 season, he made 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 4 assists.
The European Forge
Dinamo Zagreb (2009-2013):
Kramarić made 42 league appearances for Dinamo, scoring 10 goals. He won three Croatian league titles during his time at the club.
Lokomotiva Zagreb (Loan, 2012-2013):
Kramarić was loaned to Lokomotiva Zagreb, where he made 44 appearances and scored 20 goals. He scored 15 goals in 32 league appearances in the 2012-13 season.
Rijeka (2013-2015):
Kramarić joined Rijeka for €1.2 million. In the 2013-14 season, he scored 27 goals in 34 appearances. In the 2014-15 season, he scored 27 goals in 30 appearances and was named the top scorer of the Croatian First Football League. He made 65 appearances for Rijeka, contributing 55 goals and 7 assists.
Leicester City (2015-2016):
Kramarić signed for Leicester City for €9 million in January 2015. He made 15 appearances and scored 2 Premier League goals. He won the 2015-16 Premier League title with Leicester, though he was not a regular starter.
TSG Hoffenheim (2016-Present):
Kramarić joined Hoffenheim on loan in January 2016, scoring 5 goals in 15 appearances. The move was made permanent for €11 million. He has become Hoffenheim’s all-time top scorer with 137 goals. He has made over 300 appearances for the club.
The Anatomy of His Game
Kramarić is a forward defined by goalscoring instinct, versatility, and leadership. He can play as a striker, attacking midfielder, or left winger.
In Possession:
Kramarić is a composed finisher with excellent movement. He has scored 36 goals in 119 appearances for Croatia. He is Hoffenheim’s all-time top scorer with 137 goals. His ability to find space in the box and finish with both feet makes him a constant threat.
Out of Possession:
Kramarić works hard for the team. His defensive contributions and pressing are a key part of his game. “We older players have motivation and character,” he said.
Psychological Edge:
Kramarić’s mental strength is his greatest asset. He has experienced the highs and lows of World Cup campaigns. “If you win a medal at a World Cup you become an immortal hero in your country,” he said.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (Hoffenheim)
| Season | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | — | — |
| 2016-Present | 305+ | 135+ |
| TOTAL (Hoffenheim) | 305+ | 135+ |
TABLE B: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | In Progress |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 4 | 2 | Third Place |
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | 6 | 1 | Runner-up |
| Croatia Senior Career | 119 | 36 | — |
TABLE C: The Impact Table (Major Honours)
| Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup (Runner-up) | 2018 |
| FIFA World Cup (Third Place) | 2022 |
| Premier League | 2015/16 |
| Croatian League | 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12 |
| Total Major Trophies | 5+ |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Dinamo Debut | Scored brace on debut |
| 2012-13 | Lokomotiva Loan | 20 goals in 44 appearances |
| 2014-15 | Rijeka Top Scorer | 27 goals in 30 appearances |
| 2015 | Leicester Transfer | Won Premier League |
| 2016 | Hoffenheim Move | Became club’s all-time top scorer |
| 2018 | World Cup Final | Runner-up with Croatia |
| 2022 | World Cup Bronze | Third place with Croatia |
| 2026 | World Cup Campaign | Third World Cup appearance |
TABLE E: 2022 World Cup Performance
| Stage | Opponent | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Canada | 2 |
| Third-Place Playoff | Morocco | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | 2 |
What these figures reveal
is a player of remarkable consistency and longevity. Kramarić has scored 135+ goals for Hoffenheim, 36 goals for Croatia in 119 appearances, and has been a key figure in three World Cup campaigns. His two goals against Canada in 2022 were a highlight of his international career.
The Present Tense
Andrej Kramarić is 35 years old and one of the most experienced players in the Croatia squad. He is a key player for Hoffenheim and a leader for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup.
The Hoffenheim Story:
Kramarić has become Hoffenheim’s all-time top scorer with 137 goals. He has made over 300 appearances for the club. His contract with Hoffenheim runs until June 2026.
The World Cup Campaign:
Kramarić was named in Zlatko Dalić’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He top-scored for Croatia in qualifying with six goals. He is one of the veteran leaders in the squad, alongside Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić. Croatia were drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Ghana.
International Record:
Kramarić has 119 caps for Croatia and has scored 36 goals. He has played in three World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026). He is Croatia’s fourth-highest all-time goalscorer.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Kramarić is defined by his leadership and his deep connection to the Croatian national team. He has spoken about the importance of the 1998 generation as an inspiration: “That generation inspired all of us who are here today… All of our successes have been built on the foundation laid in 1998.”
He is also a father figure to the younger players in the squad. “We older players have motivation and character, the young ones bring extra energy,” he said.
His decision to remain at Hoffenheim for over eight years reflects his loyalty and commitment. He is a player who has found a home at the Bundesliga club.
The Verdict from the Camp
Zlatko Dalić, Croatia head coach:
Dalić has selected Kramarić for three World Cups, valuing his goalscoring ability and leadership.
Andrej Kramarić:
“We older players have motivation and character, the young ones bring extra energy.”
“If you win a medal at a World Cup you become an immortal hero in your country.”
“Luka Modrić is like a lighthouse guiding all of us.”
Statistic:
Kramarić has scored 36 goals in 119 appearances for Croatia.
Statistic:
Kramarić is Hoffenheim’s all-time top scorer with 137 goals.
Where Next?
Andrej Kramarić is 35 years old and in the twilight of his career. He is under contract with Hoffenheim until June 2026. His immediate focus is on Croatia’s World Cup campaign. After the tournament, he may choose to extend his stay at Hoffenheim or consider retirement.
For Croatia, Kramarić is a key leader. His experience, goalscoring ability, and mentorship of younger players make him invaluable. The 2026 World Cup is likely his last major tournament.
From Zagreb to Dinamo, from Rijeka to Leicester to Hoffenheim, Andrej Kramarić’s journey is a story of longevity, consistency, and extraordinary goalscoring ability. The boy who scored 450 goals in Dinamo’s youth academy has become a legend of Croatian football.
