Name: Milan Badelj

Nationality: Croatia

Position: Central midfielder / Defensive midfielder

Date of birth: February 25, 1989

Place of birth: Zagreb, Croatia

Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)

• Youth career: NK Zagreb (youth)
• Senior clubs (selected):
  • NK Zagreb (2007–2012)
  • Dinamo Zagreb (2012–2013)
  • Hamburger SV (2013–2014)
  • Fiorentina (ACF Fiorentina) (2014–2018)
  • Genoa (loan 2018; then permanent 2018–2019)
  • Hellas Verona (2020–2023)
  • Return to Dinamo Zagreb (2023– )
• Fiorentina details:
  • Joined Fiorentina in summer 2014 from Hamburger SV.
  • Role: central/holding midfielder, known for passing ability, positional sense and leadership.
  • Made regular Serie A appearances across multiple seasons, contributing to ball circulation and defensive cover in midfield.
  • Left the club in January 2018 on loan to Genoa.
• International career:
  • Croatia national team regular across 2010s.
  • Participated in major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2012, UEFA Euro 2016, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup (part of the squad that finished runners-up, though his playing time was limited).
  • Over 50 caps for Croatia.
• Playing style & strengths:
  • Calm on the ball, good range of passing and ability to recycle possession.
  • Strong positional awareness and tactical intelligence.
  • Reliable in defensive duties as a screening midfielder; capable of starting attacks from deep.
• Honors (selected):
  • With Dinamo Zagreb: Croatian league titles and domestic cups (during his spells with the club).
  • With Croatia: FIFA World Cup 2018 — runner-up.

Note: Appearance and goal numbers change over time; for the latest statistics consult current club sources or football databases.