Croatia Chase Another Diaspora Talent

The Kovač brothers, Ivan Rakitić and Josip Šimunić all made it at the international level for Croatia, despite not growing up in the country. Croatia’s large diaspora population means the Croatian football federation keeps its eyes peeled regularly for talent abroad…

The latest name to pop on their radar is American-born attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic. Although he has played for the United States under-17 team, it has not stopped the FA trying to convince the talented Borussia Dortmund youth academy teen to don the red and white checks of Croatia.

“He can play for Croatia, the question is will he. Croatian FA technical director Romeo Jozak has spoken to him and his family, for now the answer is negative, but we are not giving up,” said Croatia U-17 coach Luka Pavlović.

Pulisic, whose grandfather Mate emigrated to the United States from Croatia, is in the process of obtaining a Croatian passport. Early this year Pulisic moved on a five-year deal from the U.S to Germany, along with his father Mark, who also was a decent footballer. Christian is considered to be one of the brightest talents for his age in the U.S.