Josko Gvardiol Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 21, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few defenders have risen as rapidly or impressively as Josko Gvardiol. At just 23 years old, the Croatian center-back has transformed from a promising talent into one of the most complete, technically gifted, and tactically intelligent defenders on the planet.
A key pillar for Manchester City and the Croatia national team, Gvardiol embodies the modern defender: fast, fearless, intelligent, and capable of influencing games from the back.
Then: The Making of a Prodigy (2002–2021)
1. Early Life and Roots in Croatia
Born on January 23, 2002, in Zagreb, Croatia, Josko Gvardiol grew up in a football-loving family. His father, Igor Gvardiol, was a former professional footballer and youth coach, instilling in Josko a deep understanding of the game from an early age.
He joined the academy of Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia’s most successful club, at just 10 years old. Coaches immediately noticed his athleticism, composure, and maturity beyond his years.
2. Breakthrough at Dinamo Zagreb
Josko Gvardiol made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb in December 2019, at just 17 years old. In his debut season (2019–20), he played 30 matches, helping the club win the Croatian First Football League and Croatian Cup.
What stood out was not just his defensive solidity, but his offensive contributions:
- Scored 5 goals as a center-back
- Showed comfort on the ball, capable of playing precise long passes
- Demonstrated exceptional pace and recovery speed
By 2020, he was named Croatian Football Hope of the Year, and by 2021, he was a full international.
3. International Debut and Euro 2020
Josko Gvardiol earned his first cap for Croatia in 2021, and was selected for UEFA Euro 2020—despite being one of the youngest players in the squad. Though Croatia exited in the Round of 16, Gvardiol impressed with his calmness under pressure and ability to neutralize top attackers.
His performances caught the eye of Europe’s elite clubs.
Related: Phil Foden Then and Now
The Rise: RB Leipzig and World Cup Heroics (2021–2023)
1. Move to RB Leipzig – A €18 Million Gamble
In August 2021, RB Leipzig signed Gvardiol for €18 million—a significant investment in a teenager with high potential. Under manager Marco Rose, he quickly became a starter.
His Bundesliga debut season (2021–22) was impressive:
- 31 appearances
- 3 goals, including a stunning long-range strike
- Consistent defensive performances against elite attackers
He earned praise for his versatility, often playing as a left-sided center-back in a back four or dropping into a back three.
2. World Cup 2022 – A Star is Born
Josko Gvardiol’s true global breakout came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. As a key member of Croatia’s third-place finish, he delivered a series of man-of-the-match performances:
- Scored against Brazil in the quarterfinals with a powerful header
- Dominated in duels against Neymar, Richarlison, and Vini Jr.
- Named in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament
- Finished 3rd in the Young Player of the Tournament voting
His blend of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the world.
Related: Raphinha Then and Now
Now: The Manchester City Era and Global Stardom (2023–2025)
1. A Record-Breaking Move to Manchester City
In July 2023, in one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer, Manchester City signed Josko Gvardiol for a reported £90 million (€105 million)—making him the most expensive defender in Premier League history at the time.
The move shocked many—City already had world-class defenders like Ruben Dias and John Stones—but Pep Guardiola saw in Gvardiol the perfect modern center-back for his system: fast, left-footed, and comfortable in possession.
2. Seamless Integration and Historic Success
Despite the pressure, Gvardiol adapted quickly to the Premier League’s pace and Guardiola’s demanding tactical system. By the 2023–24 season, he had become a regular starter, especially in big games requiring pace and recovery.
His contributions were pivotal in Manchester City’s historic 2023–24 season, which saw the club win:
- Premier League title (fourth in a row)
- FA Cup
- UEFA Champions League (second consecutive title)
- FIFA Club World Cup
Gvardiol played a crucial role in the Champions League knockout stages, using his speed to contain elite wingers like Vinícius Júnior and Mohamed Salah.
3. Tactical Evolution in 2024–2025
By 2025, Gvardiol has evolved into a complete, multi-role defender:
- Left-sided center-back in a back four
- Ball-playing defender who initiates attacks with precise long passes
- Occasional left-back in a back three or emergency situations
- Set-piece threat – scored 4 goals in 2024–25, including a curling strike against Liverpool
He’s also improved his positioning, aerial duels, and leadership, often organizing the backline in the absence of Dias.
4. Stats and Recognition (As of 2025)
- 50+ appearances for Manchester City
- 6 goals, 5 assists – remarkable for a center-back
- PFA Team of the Year (2024)
- Included in Ballon d’Or shortlist (Top 30, 2024)
- Ranked among the top 3 defenders in the world by UEFA and CIES Football Observatory
Pep Guardiola has called him “the future of defending” and “a joy to coach.”
Related: Mason Mount Then and Now
International Career: Croatia’s Defensive Rock
1. Leadership in a New Era
With veterans like Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić nearing retirement, Gvardiol has emerged as a leader of Croatia’s new generation. In UEFA Euro 2024, he captained the side in multiple matches and led a resilient defense that reached the quarterfinals.
His performance against Italy in the Round of 16—where he made 12 clearances, 5 interceptions, and an assist—was hailed as defensive masterclass.
2. Legacy in the Making
Gvardiol is on track to become:
- Most-capped defender in Croatian history
- First Croatian defender to win the Champions League
- Potential future captain of the national team
He’s already considered one of Croatia’s greatest-ever defenders, alongside Dario Šimić and Vedran Ćorluka.
Related: Dušan Vlahović Then and Now
Playing Style: The Modern Defender Perfected
Gvardiol’s game is defined by:
- Explosive pace – crucial for covering against fast wingers
- Left-footedness – rare and valuable for balance in defense
- Ball-playing ability – excels in Guardiola’s build-up system
- Tactical intelligence – reads the game exceptionally well
- Aerial strength and tackling – improved significantly since 2023
He’s the prototype of the “sweeper-center-back” in a high-line system—able to step up, intercept, and launch attacks.
Personal Life and Character
Known for his calm demeanor, humility, and professionalism, Gvardiol lives a grounded life in Manchester with his long-term partner. He’s active in charity work, supporting youth football programs in Croatia and advocating for mental health awareness among athletes.
He’s also a social media presence, with over 5 million followers on Instagram, where he shares training clips, family moments, and messages of gratitude.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Josko Gvardiol represents a new wave of technically gifted, tactically intelligent defenders—a shift from the traditional “stopper” to the complete footballer in defense.
He’s also a source of national pride for Croatia, proving that even a small nation can produce world-class talent through strong academies and development.
His rise has inspired a generation of young defenders across Eastern Europe to play with confidence, pace, and purpose.
Related: João Félix Then and Now
Conclusion: Josko Gvardiol – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A 17-year-old from Zagreb, making his debut for Dinamo, dreaming of playing in the Champions League.
- Now: A Champions League winner, Premier League champion, Ballon d’Or contender, and one of the best defenders on Earth.
Josko Gvardiol’s journey is a testament to vision, hard work, and belief. He didn’t just adapt to the highest level—he mastered it.
As he enters his prime years (2025 and beyond), one thing is clear:
Josko Gvardiol isn’t just defending the goal.
He’s defending Manchester City’s legacy—and building his own.
🛡️ “I don’t chase fame. I chase perfection—one pass, one tackle, one game at a time.” – Josko Gvardiol
Related: Eduardo Camavinga Then and Now