Name: Milan Badelj

Nationality: Croatia

Position: Central midfielder / Defensive midfielder

Date of birth: February 25, 1989

Place of birth: Zaprešić, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia

Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Club career (selected):

• NK Inter Zaprešić (youth / early career)
• Dinamo Zagreb (2010–2012) — Croatian league champion; key domestic club
• Hamburger SV (loan 2012) — Bundesliga
• Hajduk Split (loan 2012–2013) — Croatian top flight
• GNK Dinamo Zagreb (return) / continued domestic play
• Fiorentina (2013–2018) — Serie A; established as first-team midfielder
• SS Lazio (2018–2020) — Serie A; squad and rotation player
• Genoa CFC (2020–2022) — Serie A
• HNK Rijeka (2022– ) — returned to Croatia later in career

International career (Croatia):

• Senior debut: 2010
• Caps: Over 50 appearances for the Croatia national team
• Tournaments: Part of squads for UEFA Euro 2012, UEFA Euro 2016, and UEFA Euro 2020; also a member of squads during World Cup qualifying cycles and Nations League campaigns
• Role: Central/defensive midfield contributor known for passing range, positional discipline, and leadership qualities

Playing style & strengths:

• Calm on the ball, accurate short and long passing
• Strong tactical awareness and ability to read the game
• Good aerial ability and physical presence for a midfielder
• Capable of shielding the defense and initiating build-up play

Notable facts:

• Served as a reliable midfield option for both club and country across top European leagues.
• Respected for professionalism and consistency throughout his career.