Ana Maria Marković has made a name for herself in women’s football, but there’s more to her than just her skills on the field. From her early life to her inspiring journey through injuries, here are seven things you might not know about the Croatian football star.
1. She Was Born in Croatia but Grew Up in Switzerland
Ana Marković was born in Split, Croatia, but moved to Switzerland with her family at the age of 12. She spent most of her childhood in Zürich, where she was introduced to football and eventually began her career.
2. She Comes from a Football-Loving Family
Marković isn’t the only footballer in her family. Her younger sister, Kristina Marković, also plays professionally and is part of the Croatian national team. Kristina currently plays for FC Rapperswil-Jona in the Swiss Women’s Super League.
3. She Was Inspired by the Growth of Women’s Football
Marković started playing football at 14, motivated by the increasing visibility of women’s football. Her passion for the sport grew as she witnessed its rise in popularity, ultimately pushing her to pursue a professional career.
4. She Made Her Professional Breakthrough in Switzerland
Before making a move to Portuguese club S.C. Braga, Marković played for FC Zürich’s U21 squad for three seasons and later joined Grasshoppers. It was during her time at Grasshoppers that she gained recognition and was called up to the Croatian national team.
5. She Overcame a Serious Injury
In March 2023, during a match against her former club FC Zürich, Marković suffered a severe setback when she tore her ACL and meniscus. Such injuries can be career-threatening, but she has shown resilience in working toward her comeback.
6. She Scored Her First International Goal in a Crucial Match
Marković’s first goal for Croatia came during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Moldova. Her performance on the international stage solidified her as an important player for the national team.
7. She Recently Signed with S.C. Braga
On August 9, 2024, Marković made a significant career move by signing with the Portuguese club S.C. Braga. This marks a new chapter in her football journey as she continues to make strides in the sport.
Ana Marković’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and dedication to football. As she continues her career with Braga and the Croatian national team, she remains a player to watch in the world of women’s football.