Josip Stanisic's remarkable rise: From Leverkusen loanee to Croatian national hero
- Rob Fleming
- 9 September 2023
In a strategic move, Bayern Munich loaned Josip Stanisic to Bayer Leverkusen with high hopes of the young defender gaining more consistent playing time under the guidance of coach Xabi Alonso.
However, Stanisic's potential impact on the pitch extends far beyond the Bundesliga, as he's rapidly emerged as a key player for the Croatian national team.
Stanisic's international journey began with an emotional phone call from the Croatian Football Federation, offering him a spot on the senior national team.
"I was perplexed at first, then I looked to my right. My parents started crying, my sister was crying — it was a very emotional moment, and I was very happy my family were able to experience it first-hand with me," Stanisic revealed in an interview with FCBayern.com.
The 23-year-old defender credits his parents for his remarkable career progression, saying, "They brought me to where I am now. My parents took on all sorts of hardships. My mother, no matter what happened, was always there for me and took care of everything. My father has always really pushed me. They've had a huge impact on me."
Playing for Croatia has been a game-changer for Stanisic, culminating in a remarkable journey to the World Cup semifinals. "It was a huge experience. To come third with a small country like Croatia is just amazing.
"I've experienced an enormous amount of positive things in the past two years, many things I would never have dreamed of in my life," Stanisic reflected.
As Stanisic continues to impress both at Bayer Leverkusen and on the international stage, his story serves as a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and unwavering family support in the world of football.
