NK Varaždin, a football club based in the city of Varaždin, Croatia, has a rich history and has made significant strides in Croatian football. Known for its passionate fan base and dedication to developing local talent, NK Varaždin continues to make its mark in the Croatian football scene.
History of NK Varaždin
NK Varaždin was founded in 1931 and has undergone several name changes and rebranding throughout its history. The club has experienced various levels of success, including stints in Croatia’s top football divisions.
Key Historical Moments:
- 1931: Club founded as SK Slavija.
- 1945: Renamed NK Varaždin.
- 1991: Rebranded as NK Varteks due to sponsorship, achieving notable success in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- 2012: Original NK Varaždin dissolved due to financial difficulties.
- 2012: New club founded as Varaždin ŠN, later renamed back to NK Varaždin.
NK Varaždin’s re-establishment in 2012 marked a new era for the club, focusing on rebuilding and striving to return to the heights of Croatian football.
Notable Persons
The coaching staff and the team’s roster largely determines the success of the club. The coaches are responsible for the tactical and strategic training of the players, while the players, in turn, carefully implement all the plans and give their best in training.
Players
NK Varaždin has been home to several talented players who have made significant contributions to the club and Croatian football.
Igor Štimac: Born on September 6, 1967, Štimac is a former Croatian international who started his career at NK Varaždin before making his mark with Hajduk Split and moving to the English Premier League with Derby County and West Ham United. Štimac also had a notable coaching career and served as the head coach of the Croatian national team.
Davor Vugrinec: Born on March 24, 1975, Vugrinec is one of the top goalscorers in Croatian football history. He had several successful spells with NK Varaždin and other clubs like Dinamo Zagreb and Trabzonspor. Vugrinec’s prolific goal-scoring ability made him a key player for every team he played for.
Leon Benko: Born on November 11, 1983, Benko is a prolific striker known for his goal-scoring prowess. He played a crucial role in NK Varaždin’s successes and had stints with various other clubs, including FC Nürnberg and Al-Faisaly. Benko’s impact at NK Varaždin remains memorable.
Coaches
Over the years, NK Varaždin has had several influential coaches who have helped shape the team’s strategies and development.
Branko Ivanković: Born on February 28, 1954, Ivanković is a highly respected coach who led NK Varaždin during some of its most successful periods. Known for his tactical knowledge and leadership, Ivanković has also coached the Croatian national team and clubs in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Samir Toplak: Born on April 23, 1970, Toplak is known for his tactical acumen and has had multiple stints with NK Varaždin. He has a reputation for guiding teams through challenging situations and has managed several other Croatian clubs, including NK Inter Zaprešić and Slaven Belupo.
NK Varaždin aims to establish itself as a stable team in the top tier of Croatian football. The club focuses on developing young talent and creating a competitive squad capable of challenging for higher league positions.
White Stones
This football team known as the “White Stones” represent an example of indestructibility and the will to win. Despite funding problems, on-field defeats and internal disputes, the club continues to nurture a true championship ambition that has earned it honor and respect among football fans.