Nikica Jelavić

Nikica Jelavić, born on August 27, 1985, is a distinguished Croatian football manager and former professional player, renowned for his role as a forward. Currently, he serves as the manager of Lokomotiva, a club in the Croatian Football League, where he applies his extensive experience from his playing days.

Jelavić's football journey commenced in 2002 with Hajduk Split, a prominent team in the Prva HNL. His talent quickly caught the attention of international clubs, leading him to the Belgian Pro League with Zulte Waregem in 2007. The following year, he made a move to the Austrian Bundesliga, joining Rapid Wien, where he continued to hone his skills.

In 2010, Jelavić signed with Rangers, where he enjoyed significant success, winning both the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish League Cup in his debut season. His career took him to England in January 2012, where he played for Everton, and later Hull City, further establishing his reputation in top-tier football.

On the international stage, Jelavić represented Croatia, earning his first cap in 2009 and continuing until his retirement in 2014. He was part of the national squad during UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his talent on some of the biggest stages in football.