HNK Gorica

HNK Gorica, officially known as Hrvatski Nogometni Klub Gorica, is a professional football club based in Velika Gorica, Croatia. Established in 2009, the club has quickly risen through the ranks of Croatian football, showcasing its prowess in the sport and earning a reputation as a formidable competitor in the Croatian First Football League.

The club's history is relatively short but impressive. HNK Gorica was formed as a merger of two local clubs, NK Radnik and NK Polet Buševec, to create a stronger team capable of competing at a higher level. The merger was successful, and the club quickly ascended from the county leagues to the top tier of Croatian football.

In its inaugural season, HNK Gorica won the First County League and earned promotion to the Fourth Division. The club's rise was meteoric, achieving successive promotions in the following years. In 2013, Gorica reached the Second Division, and by 2018, they had earned a place in the Croatian First Football League, the highest level of competition in the country.

Despite being newcomers to the top tier, HNK Gorica proved they belonged among the elite. In their debut season, they finished in a respectable 6th place, a commendable achievement for a club of their stature. The following season, they improved their standing, finishing 5th and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, a first in the club's history.

HNK Gorica's home ground is the Stadion Radnik, a multi-purpose stadium in Velika Gorica with a capacity of 3,000 spectators. The stadium, while modest in size, is known for its passionate and loyal fan base, who are affectionately known as "Goričani".

The club's colours are blue and white, and their crest features a stylized football and the club's name. The team's mascot, a blue and white lion named "Gogo", is a popular figure among fans and often makes appearances at home games.

Over the years, HNK Gorica has developed a reputation for nurturing young talent, with several players going on to represent the Croatian national team. The club's youth academy is highly regarded and has produced several notable players, including Kristijan Lovrić and Jiloan Hamad.

Despite its relatively short history, HNK Gorica has made a significant impact on Croatian football. The club's rapid rise through the ranks, coupled with its commitment to youth development and community engagement, has earned it a respected place in the Croatian football landscape. As HNK Gorica continues to grow and evolve, it remains a symbol of ambition and success in Croatian football.