Joško Gvardiol Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few defenders have risen as rapidly or impressively as Joško Gvardiol. At just 23 years old, the Croatian international has transformed from a promising academy graduate into one of the most coveted and technically gifted center-backs on the planet.
A cornerstone of Manchester City’s defense, a leader for the Croatian national team, and a symbol of the modern, ball-playing defender, Gvardiol’s journey is a story of vision, adaptability, and elite performance under pressure.
Then: The Early Years – A Defensive Prodigy in Croatia (2002–2020)
1. Humble Beginnings in Zagreb
Born on February 23, 2002, in Zagreb, Croatia, Joško Gvardiol was immersed in football from an early age. His father, Igor Gvardiol, was a former professional footballer, giving young Joško both genetic talent and deep footballing insight.
He joined the famed Dinamo Zagreb academy at just 8 years old, where his composure, intelligence, and left-footed elegance stood out—even among elite peers.
2. Senior Breakthrough and European Recognition
Gvardiol made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb in 2019 at just 17 years old. His performances were immediately impressive:
- Strong in the air
- Calm under pressure
- Exceptional with the ball at his feet
In the 2019–20 season, he helped Dinamo win the Croatian First League and impressed in the UEFA Youth League, drawing attention from top European clubs.
By 2020, he was a full international, making his debut for Croatia in November 2020—becoming one of the youngest defenders ever to represent the nation.
Related: Matheus Nunes Then and Now
The Rise: Leipzig and the Making of a Modern Defender (2021–2023)
1. Move to RB Leipzig – A €18 Million Investment in the Future
In August 2021, RB Leipzig signed Gvardiol for €18 million—a significant fee for an 19-year-old defender. The German club saw in him the prototype of the modern center-back: left-footed, mobile, and comfortable in possession.
Under managers Jesse Marsch and Marco Rose, Gvardiol flourished:
- Became a regular starter
- Excelled in Leipzig’s high-pressing, possession-based system
- Scored crucial goals, including a long-range strike against Bayern Munich
His performances in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League confirmed his status as one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents.
2. World Cup Stardom – A Breakout on the Global Stage
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Gvardiol announced himself to the world. Playing every minute for Croatia, he was a rock in defense and a creative outlet from the back.
His standout moment came in the quarterfinal against Brazil, where he:
- Scored a stunning long-range goal
- Made 10+ clearances
- Held firm against Neymar and Richarlison
He was named Man of the Match and earned praise from legends like Thierry Henry and Gary Lineker, who called him “the future of defending.”
By tournament’s end, Croatia finished third, and Gvardiol was named in the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.
Related: Wesley Fofana Then and Now
Now: The Manchester City Era and Global Dominance (2023–2025)
1. Record-Breaking Move to Manchester City
In July 2023, in one of the most significant defensive transfers in history, Manchester City signed Joško Gvardiol for a reported €90 million—making him the most expensive defender ever at the time.
The move was a strategic masterstroke by Pep Guardiola, who sought a left-footed center-back capable of building play from the back and adapting to multiple roles.
2. Seamless Integration into a Treble-Winning Side
Despite joining a team fresh off a historic treble (2022–23), Gvardiol adapted quickly. By the 2023–24 season, he had become a vital part of City’s defense:
- Played 4,000+ minutes across all competitions
- Formed a formidable partnership with Rúben Dias and Manuel Akanji
- Excelled in Guardiola’s possession-based system, averaging 92% pass accuracy
- Contributed 5 goals and 3 assists, showcasing his attacking threat from set-pieces
He played a crucial role in Manchester City’s back-to-back Premier League titles (2023, 2024) and their 2023 FIFA Club World Cup victory.
3. 2024–25 Season: Defensive Maestro and Leadership Emergence
By the 2024–25 season, Gvardiol had fully matured into a world-class defender:
- Named vice-captain of Manchester City in 2024, reflecting his leadership and consistency
- Key in City’s Champions League campaign, neutralizing elite forwards like Mbappé and Haaland
- Developed a reputation for calmness under pressure, tactical intelligence, and clean tackling
- Frequently deployed as a left-sided center-back in a back four or as a ball-playing pivot in a back three
His ability to carry the ball forward, switch play with long passes, and support the left flank has made him indispensable in Guardiola’s evolving system.
Related: Kalvin Phillips Then and Now
International Career: Croatia’s Defensive Lighthouse
1. The Post-Modrić Era Begins
With Luka Modrić nearing retirement, Croatia is transitioning into a new era—and Gvardiol is at its heart. As of 2025, he is widely seen as the next national team captain.
He led Croatia to the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2024, delivering standout performances against Italy and Germany. Though they fell short, Gvardiol was praised for his composure, leadership, and maturity.
2. Symbol of a New Generation
Alongside Luka Sučić and Martin Baturina, Gvardiol represents Croatia’s next golden generation. He’s not just a defender—he’s a symbol of continuity and ambition for a nation that consistently punches above its weight.
Playing Style and Tactical Evolution
Gvardiol’s game is defined by:
- Left-footed elegance – rare for a center-back, allowing balanced build-up
- Ball-playing ability – comparable to top midfielders in passing range
- Positional intelligence – reads the game like a veteran
- Athleticism – strong in the air, fast over ground
- Set-piece threat – scores and creates from corners and free kicks
Under Guardiola, he’s refined his decision-making, defensive discipline, and spatial awareness, evolving from a raw talent into a complete defender.
Related: Lisandro Martínez Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Known for his maturity, humility, and professionalism, Gvardiol remains grounded despite his fame. He is in a long-term relationship with his childhood sweetheart, and the couple often appears at charity events in Croatia and Manchester.
He’s also a role model for young Croatian athletes, frequently visiting youth academies and funding football programs in underprivileged areas.
Off the pitch, he’s known for his quiet confidence and strong work ethic, often staying late after training to work on set-pieces and passing drills.
Cultural Impact and Legacy (As of 2025)
Joško Gvardiol represents the future of defending in elite football:
- A defender who doesn’t just stop attacks—but starts them
- A leader who leads with actions, not words
- A player who combines Croatian grit with modern technical excellence
He’s also a global ambassador for Croatian sport, joining the legacy of Modrić, Mandžukić, and Šuker.
His jersey is one of the top-selling in the Premier League, and he’s a key figure in ad campaigns for Nike, EA Sports, and Croatian tourism.
Related: Takefusa Kubo Then and Now
Conclusion: Joško Gvardiol – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 17-year-old from Zagreb, making his debut for Dinamo, dreaming of playing in Europe.
- Now: A €90 million Manchester City star, World Cup hero, Euro 2024 standout, and widely regarded as the best left-footed center-back in the world.
Joško Gvardiol’s journey is a testament to vision, hard work, and footballing intelligence. He didn’t just adapt to the highest level—he mastered it.
As he enters his prime in 2025, one thing is clear:
Joško Gvardiol isn’t just protecting the backline.
He’s shaping the future of football.
🛡️ “I don’t just defend. I build. I lead. I win.” – Joško Gvardiol
Related: Yassine Bounou Then and Now