Ivan Perisic has represented Croatia for 21 years, but his passion for his country burns as fiercely as ever.
“I feel a deep pride to represent Croatia and hopefully inspire younger generations who dream of following the same path,” he says. Sky Sports ahead of this summer’s WC, having just won the Eredivisie with PSV.
It will be his eighth major tournament with the senior team and fourth World Cup. The 37-year-old – who first pulled on the famous red and white checkered shirt for the Under-17s in 2005 – has seen some incredible moments on the biggest stage.
Perisic was a breakout talent in 2014, scoring twice in three games. Four years later, he scored one and set up another as Croatia beat England in the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup. He then equalized against France in the final, which Croatia eventually lost 4-2.
At the 2022 World Cup, he became Croatia’s top scorer in major tournaments, scoring in the round of 16 before a semi-final defeat to eventual winners Argentina. A third place play-off victory was secured with the help of a Perisic assist.
“It’s hard to pick one moment,” says Perisic, reflecting on the wild World Cup days. “The whole World Cup in 2018 was unforgettable.
“Reaching the final stands out the most. Even though we didn’t win, it was a historic achievement for Croatia and a moment that united the whole country.
“That feeling and the connection we shared with people back home is something I will carry with me forever and especially right now.”
Those second and third places – after the country’s third-place finish in their first ever World Cup in 1998 – are monstrous achievements for a nation of just 3.8 million people. What is the secret?
“Croatia may be a small country but we have shown that with passion, togetherness and commitment you can compete on the biggest stage,” said Perisic, who has earned 152 caps.
It’s a country blessed with talented players – Luka Modric and Josko Gvardiol are among the other star names lining up for them in North America this summer – but the sense of purpose the players feel when they wear the shirt also seems strong.
“There’s always a huge sense of excitement, but also responsibility,” Perisic says of playing at a World Cup.
“You carry the pride and emotion of an entire nation with you. More than pressure, it brings gratitude. I often reflect on our journey as a country and what it means to stand on the world stage wearing the Croatian shirt. That feeling never loses its meaning.
“Every World Cup feels special. No matter how many you play in, you never quite get used to the scale of it or what it represents.”
The Croatian team, wearing clothing from Mackage, the official outfitter of the national team
A special England opener
This starts with a particularly striking inventory. It’s England v Croatia on June 17 in Texas.
The two teams have a recent history, from that World Cup semi-final in 2018, through England’s Nations League revenge later that year to England’s opening game win at Wembley at Euro 2020.
Ivan Perisic scores for Croatia against England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals
Perisic has been at the heart of the competition and, having played 50 games for Tottenham between 2022-24, has added connection, excitement and motivation to the game.
“Absolutely,” he says when asked if facing England has extra significance.
“Playing in the Premier League gave me a real appreciation for the intensity, quality and culture of English football.
“There is a lot of mutual respect when we play England, especially after some important games over the years.
“It’s always exciting games to be a part of and I’m really looking forward to this upcoming one.”
Mackage is the official outfitter of the Croatian national team.