Zrinka Ljutić wins first-ever World Cup slalom globe

(Photo credit: Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool)

Croatian ski star Zrinka Ljutić has made history by winning the 2024/25 Slalom World Cup title, securing her first-ever Crystal Globe.

The 21-year-old from Zagreb capped off an incredible season with three World Cup victories, four podium finishes, and nine top-10 results. Ljutić’s triumphs came in Semmering (Austria), Kranjska Gora (Slovenia), and Courchevel (France)—cementing her place among the best in the world.

She sealed the title with a 10th-place finish at the World Cup final in Sun Valley, USA, which was enough to maintain her lead and claim the Small Crystal Globe for slalom.

Zrinka Ljutic celebrates during the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025 in Killington, Vermont, USA (Photo credit: Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool)

Ljutić became only the second woman from Croatia to win the slalom World Cup title after Janica Kostelić. 

Ljutić’s rapid rise is drawing comparisons to Kostelić, Croatia’s greatest skiing legend. Kostelić remains the most decorated female alpine skier in Olympic history, winning four gold medals, including three at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

She also claimed three overall World Cup titles and victories in all five disciplines.

With her first Crystal Globe now secured, Ljutić has firmly established herself as the new face of Croatian skiing. At just 21, her journey is only beginning, and Croatia will be eagerly watching what she achieves next.