Biography
Who is Darijo Srna?
Early life and beginnings
Darijo Srna was born on May 1, 1982, in Metković, Croatia. He showed football talent from a young age, catching the attention of scouts in his home country. His early promise made him a desirable prospect for domestic clubs, leading him to sign with HNK Hajduk Split.
During his time with Hajduk Split, he played a role in domestic competitions and won trophies including the Croatian Cup and the Prva HNL. He made dozens of appearances and scored multiple goals for the club before transferring to a team abroad.
Career with Shakhtar Donetsk
In 2003, Darijo joined Ukrainian Premier League club FC Shakhtar Donetsk alongside teammate Stipe Pletikosa. He established himself as a regular player and later became team captain, making a big impact in the league and European tournaments.
Over his long tenure with Shakhtar Donetsk, he won numerous titles, including multiple Ukrainian Premier League trophies, Ukrainian Cup titles, and Super Cup trophies. He also captained the squad to a UEFA Cup victory in 2009, providing the decisive assist in the final against Werder Bremen. He finished his career as the most capped player in the club's history with over five hundred appearances.
International career
Darijo made his international debut for the Croatia national team in November 2002. He represented his country across various youth levels, including under-17, under-19, under-20, and under-21 squads, before becoming a mainstay in the senior team.
He played in major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cups in 2006 and 2014, as well as several UEFA European Championships. In 2009, manager Slaven Bilić appointed him team captain, a role he maintained until his retirement from international football with over one hundred caps.
Player profile and later work
Throughout his playing days, Darijo primarily operated as a right wing-back. His consistent performances and playing style earned him comparisons to the famous Brazilian defender Cafu, and fans dubbed him the Icon of Shakhtar.
After concluding his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and management roles. He returned to Shakhtar Donetsk to work in an official capacity as the director of football, contributing his vast experience to the club.
Birthday and age
Darijo Srna was born on May 1, 1982, which makes Darijo 44 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Darijo shares the date with 60 other famous people.
Explore more
