Zvonimir Šarlija

Zvonimir Šarlija is a Croatian defender, born in Koprivnica on 29 August 1996. He developed at NK Slaven Belupo and gained senior experience through loan spells with NK Koprivnica and NK Solin between 2015 and 2017. After establishing himself in Slaven Belupo’s first team, Šarlija moved abroad in 2019, joining CSKA Moscow on loan and gaining experience in the Russian Premier League and UEFA Europa League. The move was not made permanent, and he continued his career in Turkey with Kasımpaşa before joining Ankaragücü. In 2021, Šarlija moved to Greece to sign for Panathinaikos, where he won the 2021–22 Greek Cup. He returned to Croatia in 2023 with HNK Hajduk Split, adding experience to the club’s defensive options. At 189 centimetres, Šarlija is a central defender associated with physical duels, aerial defending and a direct, defence-first approach.