Ivan Perisic has been representing Croatia for 21 years but his passion for his country burns as fiercely as ever.
“I feel a deep pride in representing Croatia and hopefully inspiring younger generations who dream of following the same path,” he tells Sky Sports ahead of this summer’s World Cup, having just won 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 chequered shirt for the U17 team in 2005 – has experienced some incredible moments on the biggest stage.
Perisic was a breakout talent in 2014, scoring twice in three matches. Four years later, he scored one and set up another as Croatia beat England in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. He then equalised against France in the final, where Croatia ultimately lost 4-2.
Ivan Perisic scored against France in the 2018 World Cup final
At the 2022 World Cup he became Croatia’s top scorer in major tournaments, scoring in the last-16 before a semi-final defeat to eventual winners Argentina. A third-place play-off win was secured with the help of a Perisic assist.
“It’s difficult to choose just one moment,” says Perisic, when reflecting on those wild World Cup days. “The entire 2018 World Cup 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 the people back home, is something I’ll carry with me forever and especially right now.”
Those second and third place finishes – following the third place the country achieved in their first-ever World Cup in 1998 – are outrageous achievements for a nation made up of just 3.8m people. What is the secret?
“Croatia may be a small country but we’ve shown that with passion, unity, and commitment, you can compete on the biggest stage,” said Perisic, who has racked up 152 caps.
It is 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 wearing the shirt seems powerful, too.
“There’s always a huge sense of excitement, but also responsibility,” Perisic says about playing at a World Cup.
“You carry the pride and emotions 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 importance.
“Every World Cup feels special. No matter how many you play in, you never fully get used to the scale of it or what it represents.”
The Croatia squad, wearing outfits by Mackage, the official off-field outfitter of the national team
A special England opener
This one kicks off with a particularly significant fixture. It’s England against Croatia on June 17 in Texas.
The two teams have a storied recent history, from that 2018 World Cup semi-final, through England’s Nations League revenge later that year to the opening-game win for England at Wembley in Euro 2020.
Ivan Perisic scores for Croatia against England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals
Perisic has been at the heart of the contests and, having made 50 appearances for Tottenham between 2022-24, he has added connection, excitement and motivation for the fixture.
“Definitely,” he says when asked if facing England holds extra meaning.
“Playing in the Premier League gave me a real appreciation for the intensity, quality, and culture of English football.
“There’s a lot of mutual respect whenever we face England, especially after some important matches over the years.
“Those are always exciting games to be part of, and I’m really looking forward to this upcoming one.”
Mackage is the official off-field outfitter of the Croatia national team.
