Roberto Punčec

Roberto Punčec is a Croatian defender from Varaždin who developed at NK Varteks, later renamed NK Varaždin. He made his senior debut in 2008–09 and moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2011, appearing in five Europa League group-stage matches. Punčec then joined 1. FC Union Berlin, first on loan and later permanently, and made 128 appearances across five seasons in the 2. Bundesliga. Returning to Croatia with HNK Rijeka in 2017, he helped the club finish second twice and win the 2019 Croatian Cup. He moved to Sporting Kansas City before the 2020 season and was named the club’s Defensive Player of the Year in his debut campaign. A centre-back noted for positioning, interceptions and distribution, Punčec has also represented Croatia from under-14 through under-21 level. He later returned to NK Varaždin, bringing experience from football in Croatia, Israel, Germany and the United States.