Andrej Kramarić: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Dinamo Zagreb

Kramarić made his first senior appearance for Dinamo Zagreb at age 17, debuting against Zagreb on 24 May 2009. Initially struggling for consistent playing time, he still managed important contributions, including seven goals leading to a league title in the 2009-10 season. However, a lack of starts in subsequent seasons led to a loan to Lokomotiva Zagreb.

Lokomotiva Zagreb

During his loan spell at Lokomotiva from February 2012, Kramarić emerged as a leading striker, scoring 20 goals in 44 league appearances. His performance there marked him as a rising star in Southeast Europe.

Return to Dinamo Zagreb

Returning to Dinamo for the 2013-14 season, excitement was high, but he quickly became unsettled due to limited opportunities, eventually leading to his transfer to Rijeka.

Rijeka

Joining Rijeka on 31 August 2013, Kramarić made an immediate impact, scoring his debut goal in his first match against Slaven Belupo. He ended his first season winning the Croatian Cup and scoring 27 goals. The 2014-15 season saw him notch five goals against Lokomotiva and accumulate over 20 goals by October, captivating European interest.

Leicester City

In January 2015, Premier League side Leicester City signed Kramarić for a record £9 million. Though he initially struggled to secure a starting position, he scored in his competitive debut against Arsenal. His time coincided with Leicester's formative period leading to their Premier League triumph, although he was not eligible for a winner's medal.

TSG Hoffenheim

Kramarić's loan to Hoffenheim in January 2016 turned permanent in May 2016. He thrived in Bundesliga, becoming Hoffenheim's top scorer several times and setting the record as their all-time top scorer. His prolific performance included an iconic four-goal match against Borussia Dortmund and numerous crucial goals across domestic and European competitions.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Kramarić's national team journey started young, scoring prolifically through various youth levels. Notably, he scored in the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championship where Croatia reached the semi-finals.

Senior National Team

Kramarić made his senior team debut in 2014, contributing to Croatia's qualifications and campaigns across three European Championships and two World Cups. A key highlight includes his significant role in Croatia's 2018 World Cup run to the final and a memorable two-goal performance against Canada in the 2022 World Cup.

Andrej Kramarić is a prominent Croatian footballer renowned for his striking prowess and significant contributions to the sport. Currently plying his trade at Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim and representing the Croatian national team, Kramarić holds numerous records, including being Hoffenheim's all-time top goalscorer and the Bundesliga's all-time top Croatian goalscorer. His career features notable stints at clubs like Dinamo Zagreb and Leicester City, alongside impactful performances on the international stage, where he has competed in major tournaments like the UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Prva HNL: 2009–10, 2010–11 (Dinamo Zagreb)
• Croatian Cup: 2010–11 (Dinamo Zagreb), 2013–14 (Rijeka)
• Croatian Super Cup: 2013 (Dinamo Zagreb), 2014 (Rijeka)
• FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2018; third place: 2022 (Croatia)
• UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2022–23 (Croatia)

Individual Achievements

• Prva HNL Player of the Year: 2014
• Prva HNL Top goalscorer: 2014–15
• Hoffenheim Player of the Season: 2016–17
• Bundesliga Player of the Month: September 2020

Awards and Recognition

Kramarić's talents have been acknowledged through numerous awards such as the Football Oscar Team of the Year and Ivica Jobo Kurtini Award in 2014. He also received the prestigious Order of Duke Branimir in 2018.

Career Overview

Throughout his career, Kramarić has established himself as a critical figure in club and international football, influencing games with his tactical flexibility and scoring prowess. His journey from youth prodigy to club legend at Hoffenheim highlights his enduring football impact and contributions to Croatian football success.

Off the Field

Off the field, Kramarić maintains a positive public image and is known for his professionalism. Further details regarding charity or commercial engagements are not extensively documented.

Personal Life

Kramarić is married to Mia Ćurković, with whom he shares a son named Viktor, born in August 2021. His personal life is characterized by a committed family orientation, balancing professional sports demands with personal commitments.