PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stjepan Radeljić |
| Date of Birth | 05/09/1997 (Age: 28) |
| Place of Birth | Travnik (Nova Bila), Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Nationality | Bosnian / Croatian |
| Height | 2.00 m / 6 ft 7 in |
| Weight | 86 kg |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #6 |
| Current Club | Dinamo Zagreb |
| Previous Clubs | VfB Stuttgart II, Osijek, Široki Brijeg (loan), Sheriff Tiraspol (loan/permanent), Rijeka |
| International Caps | 7 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2030 |
| Market Value | €3.0M |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico was supposed to be the culmination of Stjepan Radeljić’s remarkable journey. The towering centre-back had fought his way through the ranks of Bosnian, German, Moldovan, and Croatian football to earn a place in his country’s first-ever World Cup squad.
The tournament proved a historic achievement for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who defied expectations to advance to the Round of 16. Radeljić was a pillar of that success, appearing in all four matches as the Dragons made their mark on the global stage. In the group stage, he started all three matches, playing 270 minutes and earning a rating of 4.25 from German football publication kicker. His presence at the back provided the defensive stability that underpinned Bosnia’s historic run.
Then came the cruelest of blows. Facing co-hosts United States in the Round of 16, Bosnia’s dream run ended in a 2-0 defeat. Radeljić started and played the full match, but the tournament that had promised so much ended in heartbreak. For the 28-year-old, the experience was bittersweet—a World Cup debut on the grandest stage, but one that ended sooner than anyone had hoped.
Origins
Born on September 5, 1997, in Travnik (Nova Bila), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stjepan Radeljić began his football journey at NK Vitez before joining Zrinjski Mostar’s youth academy in 2014. His development at Zrinjski earned him a move abroad.
In July 2016, at the age of 18, Radeljić signed with German side VfB Stuttgart, where he spent two seasons playing for the reserve team, VfB Stuttgart II, in the Regionalliga Südwest. He made 43 appearances and scored two goals across the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
Radeljić represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the youth level, earning one cap for the U19 team in 2015 and 12 caps for the U21 team between 2017 and 2018.
The European Forge
VfB Stuttgart II (2016-2018):
Radeljić’s German adventure saw him make 43 appearances in the Regionalliga Südwest over two seasons, scoring two goals. The experience exposed him to German football’s physical demands and tactical discipline.
Osijek (2018-2022):
In June 2018, Radeljić moved to Croatian side Osijek. He made his professional debut in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Petrocub on July 12, 2018, at the age of 20. However, opportunities in the first team were limited, and he sought regular football elsewhere.
Loan to Široki Brijeg (2020):
In January 2020, Radeljić was sent on loan to Bosnian Premier League side Široki Brijeg. He made 18 appearances and scored two goals, including his first professional goal on February 29, 2020, against Mladost Doboj Kakanj. The loan was extended for an additional season in July, but he would move again before that spell was completed.
Loan to Sheriff Tiraspol (2021-2022):
In February 2021, Radeljić was sent on loan to Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol with an option to make the transfer permanent. His time at Sheriff proved transformative. He made his UEFA Champions League debut against Shakhtar Donetsk on September 15, 2021. Sheriff’s remarkable Champions League campaign that season saw them defeat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu—an achievement that put the club and its players on the global map.
Sheriff Tiraspol (2022-2023):
In January 2022, Sheriff exercised their option to make the transfer permanent. Radeljić made 48 league appearances across his two-and-a-half-year spell, scoring three goals and winning three Moldovan Divizia Națională titles (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23) and two Moldovan Cups (2021-22, 2022-23).
Rijeka (2023-2026):
In July 2023, Radeljić signed a three-year deal with Croatian club Rijeka. He made his official debut in a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Dukagjini on July 27, 2023. On August 10, he scored his first goal for Rijeka in the same competition against B36 Tórshavn. Two weeks later, he made his league debut against Lokomotiva.
His time at Rijeka was the most productive of his career. He made 77 league appearances across three seasons, scoring four goals and providing two assists. His first league goal came on August 25, 2024, in a victory over his former club Osijek. He won his first trophy with Rijeka on May 25, 2025, when they were crowned HNL champions. He also won the Croatian Cup in the 2024-25 season.
Dinamo Zagreb (2026-Present):
In July 2026, following his World Cup campaign, Radeljić made a significant move to Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb. He signed a contract with the club, continuing his career at one of the region’s most successful teams and positioning himself for UEFA Champions League football.
The Anatomy of His Game
Stjepan Radeljić is a towering centre-back who uses his 2.00 m frame to dominate in the air and command his defensive area. His physical attributes, combined with his tactical intelligence, make him a formidable presence.
In Possession:
Radeljić is a composed passer who contributes to build-up play. In the 2025-26 HNL season, he achieved a pass completion rate of 90% at the World Cup, with 174 ball contacts. His passing range allows him to play out from the back effectively. He has provided three assists in the HNL, with an expected assists (xA) of 2.75, placing him in the 97th percentile among defenders.
Out of Possession:
Radeljić is a dominant defender in the air and in physical duels. At the 2026 World Cup, he won 86% of his duels. In the HNL, he averages 1.73 tackles and 1.73 interceptions per 90 minutes, along with 5.20 clearances. His defensive actions include 13 goals conceded and 12 clean sheets across 25 matches in the 2025-26 season. His discipline has been a concern—he has received 18 yellow cards and one red card in the HNL.
Psychological Edge:
Radeljić has demonstrated resilience throughout his career. He has played in five different countries across multiple leagues, adapting to different footballing cultures and styles. His experience in the UEFA Champions League with Sheriff Tiraspol and his World Cup debut with Bosnia mark him as a player who performs on the biggest stages.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HNL (Rijeka) | 25 | 22 | 1,976 | 2 | 1 | 12 | — |
| UEFA Conference League | 7 | — | 621 | 0 | — | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 4 | 360 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 90% |
| TOTAL | 36 | 26 | 2,957 | 2 | 1 | 13 | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2018 | VfB Stuttgart II | Regionalliga Südwest | 43 | 2 |
| 2018-2022 | Osijek | 1. HNL | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | Široki Brijeg (loan) | Bosnian Premier League | 18 | 2 |
| 2021-2023 | Sheriff Tiraspol | Divizia Națională | 48 | 3 |
| 2023-2026 | Rijeka | 1. HNL | 77 | 4 |
| 2026-Present | Dinamo Zagreb | 1. HNL | — | — |
| TOTAL | — | — | 186+ | 11+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 4 | 4 | 360 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| World Cup Qualifying | 3 | 3 | 270 | 0 | — |
| Friendlies | — | — | — | — | — |
| Bosnia Senior Career | 7 | — | — | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Professional Debut | VfB Stuttgart II |
| 2018 | Osijek Transfer | Move to Croatia |
| 2018 | European Debut | UEL qualifier vs Petrocub |
| 2020 | First Professional Goal | vs Mladost Doboj Kakanj |
| 2021 | Sheriff Tiraspol Loan | Move to Moldova |
| 2021 | Champions League Debut | vs Shakhtar Donetsk |
| 2024 | Bosnia Senior Debut | vs England |
| 2025 | HNL Champion | Rijeka |
| 2025 | Croatian Cup Winner | Rijeka |
| 2026 | World Cup Debut | Round of 16 |
| 2026 | Dinamo Zagreb Transfer | Move to Croatian giants |
These figures reveal a player of significant experience who has accumulated over 186 professional appearances across five countries. Radeljić has won three Moldovan league titles, two Moldovan Cups, and one Croatian league title—a trophy cabinet that reflects his ability to win at the highest level. His 7 caps and World Cup campaign demonstrate his status as a regular in the Bosnian national team setup.
The Present Tense
The Dinamo Zagreb Story:
In July 2026, Radeljić made a significant move to Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb, signing a contract that runs until 2030. The transfer followed his impressive World Cup campaign and marked a step up to one of the region’s most successful clubs. At Dinamo, he will have the opportunity to feature in the UEFA Champions League and compete for domestic titles.
The FIFA Club World Cup:
Radeljić has not yet featured in a FIFA Club World Cup. His clubs have not qualified for the tournament during his tenure, though his move to Dinamo Zagreb could present future opportunities.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico was a historic achievement for Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the country’s first-ever appearance at the tournament. Radeljić was a key figure in the squad, appearing in all four matches.
He started all three group-stage matches, playing the full 270 minutes and earning a rating of 4.25 from kicker. He also started the Round of 16 match against co-hosts United States, playing 90 minutes in the 2-0 defeat that ended Bosnia’s campaign. His tournament statistics include a 90% pass completion rate and 86% duels won, making him one of the most reliable performers in the squad.
International Record:
Radeljić made his senior debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 3, 2024, in a friendly against England. He has since accumulated 7 caps for the national team, appearing in World Cup qualifying (3 appearances) and the 2026 World Cup (4 appearances). He has not yet scored for the senior national team.
Current Status:
Radeljić is an established starter for Dinamo Zagreb and a regular member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team setup. His contract runs until 2030, providing stability and a platform for further development.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Stjepan Radeljić is an ethnic Croat who represents Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally. His football journey has taken him through five countries, adapting to different footballing cultures and styles.
Radeljić’s career has been punctuated by significant achievements. He has won three Moldovan Divizia Națională titles with Sheriff Tiraspol (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23) and two Moldovan Cups (2021-22, 2022-23). In Croatia, he has won the HNL championship with Rijeka (2024-25) and the Croatian Cup (2024-25). He also played in Sheriff’s historic Champions League campaign, where they defeated Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2021.
His annual salary is estimated at €150,000, and his market value is €3.0 million.
The Verdict from the Camp
Statistic:
Radeljić appeared in all four of Bosnia’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, playing 360 minutes.
Statistic:
Radeljić won 86% of his duels at the 2026 World Cup and completed 90% of his passes.
Statistic:
Radeljić has made 77 HNL appearances for Rijeka, scoring 4 goals.
Statistic:
Radeljić has won six major trophies across Moldova and Croatia—three league titles, two cups, and one supercup.
Where Next?
Stjepan Radeljić is 28 years old and entering his prime. His contract with Dinamo Zagreb runs until 2030, providing stability and a platform for further development. His performances at the World Cup and his consistent club form have established him as one of Bosnia’s most reliable defenders.
A move to a top European league is a realistic possibility, given his age, his performances at the international level, and his experience in European competitions. His physical attributes, technical ability, and winning mentality make him an attractive option for clubs across Europe.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Radeljić is a key squad player. His 7 caps and World Cup campaign make him a valuable presence in the national team setup. With the next World Cup cycle approaching, he will aim to continue his development and lead his country to further success.
From the youth fields of Travnik to the grand stages of the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup, Stjepan Radeljić’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and quiet excellence. The towering centre-back who once played in the German fourth tier, who defeated Real Madrid with Sheriff Tiraspol, who led Bosnia to their first World Cup, now faces the challenge of the next chapter—at Dinamo Zagreb and beyond.
