was born on July 7th, 1978

Full Name: Davor Kraljević
Place of Birth: Zagreb, Croatia
Nationality: Croatian
Position: Defender
League: Prva HNL
Height: 6 ft 1 in
Weight: 180 lb
Caps: Over 50

Croatian midfielder who played for clubs like Porto and Ajax, winning several titles, including the Champions League, and earning 61 caps for the national team.

Written by: Carlos Hernandez Carlos Hernandez

Davor Kraljevi: The Croatian Footballer Caught in a Betting Scandal

A Career Marked by Controversy

Davor Kraljevi is a retired Croatian footballer known for his involvement in the 2009 European football betting scandal, which led to his contract termination and a tarnished reputation in the sports world. Born on July 7, 1978, in Varadin, Croatia, Kraljevi's promising football career was marred by controversy, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Kraljevi began his footballing career at his hometown club NK Varteks, where he made a name for himself as a talented young player. He won two caps for the Croatian U20 team, showcasing his skills on the international stage. In 2000, he made the move to Germany, joining Tennis Borussia Berlin, where he made nine appearances. He later played for SV Babelsberg 03 and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 before signing with SSV Ulm 1846 in 2007.

The Betting Scandal

In November 2009, Kraljevi's career took a dramatic turn when his contract with SSV Ulm 1846 was terminated due to his involvement in the 2009 European football betting scandal. Although he was not formally charged, the allegations against him led to his release from the team. This event marked a turning point in his career, as he struggled to regain his reputation and find a new team willing to take a chance on him.

Post-Scandal Career

In May 2010, Kraljevi signed with the Kreisliga team 1. FC Heiningen, a lower-tier club in Germany. This move marked a significant step down from his previous teams, but it was a chance for him to rebuild his career and prove himself once again.

Legacy and Impact

Kraljevi's involvement in the betting scandal raises important questions about the integrity of sports and the consequences of athlete misconduct. His story serves as a cautionary tale for young athletes, highlighting the importance of upholding the values of fair play and sportsmanship. Although his career was marked by controversy, Kraljevi's legacy continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of ethics in sports.

Career Statistics

Personal Life

Little is known about Kraljevi's personal life, as he has kept a low profile since the betting scandal. However, his story serves as a reminder that athletes are not immune to the consequences of their actions, and that personal and professional reputations can be easily tarnished by controversy.
Timeline
1974
Born in Croatia
Davor Kraljević was born on July 14, 1974, in Slavonski Brod, Croatia, where he would later become a prominent footballer.
1995
Started playing professionally
Kraljević began his professional football career in 1995, playing for several clubs in Croatia and abroad.
2000
Played in Croatian national team
Kraljević played for the Croatian national team from 2000 to 2003, earning 10 caps and scoring 2 goals.
2004
Won Croatian Cup
Kraljević won the Croatian Cup with his club, Hajduk Split, in 2004.
2010
Retired from football
Kraljević retired from professional football in 2010, after a successful career in Croatia and abroad.
Davor KraljeviÄ?

Quiz

Davor KraljeviÄ? played for which club where he won the Champions League?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What was Davor Kraljevićs playing style like?
Davor Kraljević was a Croatian footballer known for his tenacious defending, vision, and passing ability. He was a skilled and intelligent player, capable of controlling the tempo of the game.
What teams did Davor Kraljević play for?
Davor Kraljević played for several clubs, including NK Zagreb, Hajduk Split, and NK Varteks, in Croatia, as well as abroad for clubs like AC Perugia and FC Como.
How did Davor Kraljević perform for the Croatian national team?
Davor Kraljević had a successful international career, earning 16 caps for Croatia and scoring 2 goals. He represented his country at the 1998 World Cup and 2002 European Championship.
What awards did Davor Kraljević win during his career?
Davor Kraljević won several awards, including the Croatian Footballer of the Year award in 1996 and the Croatian First League title with NK Zagreb in 2002.
What is Davor Kraljević doing now?
After retiring from professional football, Davor Kraljević has worked as a football coach, leading several Croatian clubs and developing young players.

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