Mario Mandžukić opens new pitch named after him in his hometown

(Photo: Nikola Sušac)

SLAVONSKI BROD, 8 June 2025 – A new football pitch at the Stanko Vlainić–Dida Sports Centre in Slavonski Brod has been officially opened, with support from the Croatian Football Federation (HNS).

The pitch is named after former international Mario Mandžukić, who hails from Slavonski Brod.

Before the ceremonial match, the pitch was formally opened with a plaque presented to Mayor Mirko Duspara on behalf of HNS President Marijan Kustić.

The honour was delivered by Andrea Dokuš, head of infrastructure at HNS.

“President Kustić couldn’t attend due to national team commitments, but on behalf of HNS, I thank Mayor Duspara, NK Željezničar President Petar Rosandić, and Mario Mandžukić for the initiative. Infrastructure projects like this are key to our strategy,” said Dokuš.

To mark the occasion, a friendly match was played between Croatian national team veterans and NK Željezničar legends.

The veterans’ squad, led by HNS senior advisor Zorislav Srebrić, included players like Mandžukić, Ivica Olić, Niko Kranjčar, Igor Bišćan and others.

(Photo: Nikola Sušac)

They faced a Željezničar side made up of former players who proudly wore the club’s purple jersey.

Mandžukić, a highlight of the match, expressed his delight: “It’s always a pleasure to return to my city and club. It’s an honour the pitch bears my name. Now, it’s up to the kids – with good facilities, hard work, and determination, success will come.”

Olić added: “It’s fantastic to see so many children here. These are the conditions we dreamed of.”

The match also had a charitable purpose. Funds raised will support Milan Amruš Primary School, which helps children with disabilities. NK Željezničar triumphed 2–1, with goals from Veldin Karić and Matej Sivrić. Boris Živković scored for the veterans.

(Photo: Nikola Sušac)

The opening event was held under the patronage of the City of Slavonski Brod and the Croatian Football Federation.