A Croatian goalkeeper who played for clubs like Hajduk Split and Tottenham Hotspur, and represented Croatia in three World Cups and two European Championships.
Stipe Pletikosa is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, earning him the nickname "Octopus" for his exceptional reflexes and coordination. With a career spanning over a decade, he is known for his remarkable performances on the field, representing top-notch clubs like Hajduk Split, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Pletikosa was born on January 8, 1979, in Split, Croatia. He began his professional career with Hajduk Split in 1999, quickly becoming the first-team goalkeeper for the 1999-1999 season. His impressive skills earned him the Croatian Player of the Year award in 2002, making him the only goalkeeper to achieve this feat besides Zoran Simović.
In 2003, Pletikosa transferred to Shakhtar Donetsk alongside teammate Darijo Srna for 2 million euros. Although he faced a brief setback, being loaned back to Hajduk in 2005, he regained his form and earned a starting place in Croatia's 2006 World Cup squad. His second stint at Hajduk was a success, and he eventually returned to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Pletikosa made his international debut for Croatia in 1999 and went on to represent the country in five major tournaments. He is the fourth-most capped player in Croatian history, with 114 appearances, behind Luka Modrić, Darijo Srna, and Ivan Perišić.
Some of his notable achievements include:
After retiring from international football in 2014, Pletikosa played for Rostov and Deportivo de La Coruña before hanging up his boots in 2015. As of 2021, he works as the technical director of the Croatian national senior and under-21 teams at the Croatian Football Federation.
Pletikosa's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on Croatian football. His incredible reflexes, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership qualities have inspired a generation of goalkeepers. He remains one of the most capped players in Croatian history, and his contributions to the national team have cemented his place as a legend in Croatian football.
As a technical director, Pletikosa continues to shape the future of Croatian football, working behind the scenes to develop talented young players and guide the national team towards success.
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