Josko Gvardiol's Journey from Doubt to Success at Manchester City
Josko Gvardiol's £77 million transfer to Manchester City from RB Leipzig in August 2023 has made him the second-most expensive defender in history.
However, the 23-year-old Croatian international recently disclosed that he nearly abandoned his "dream" career in football while playing for Dinamo Zagreb.
"I was contemplating quitting because I also enjoy basketball," Gvardiol told BBC Sport.
At the age of 16 and struggling for playing time with Zagreb's youth team, Gvardiol considered alternatives outside of football.
"I was uncertain about my future in football because when I arrived at the training ground, I didn't feel happy anymore," he reflected. "I was just trying to find other solutions to feel happier than I did before, especially since all my friends were playing basketball."
Gvardiol persevered, eventually breaking into the senior team, winning consecutive titles with Zagreb, and concluding his time there with a league and cup double before transferring to the Bundesliga for £16 million—a record fee for a Croatian teenager.
He made a significant impact during his two seasons in Germany, and after 87 appearances for RB Leipzig, he signed a five-year deal with Manchester City in 2023.
Harry Maguire remains the only defender to have transferred for a higher fee, moving to Manchester United from Leicester City for £80 million in 2019.
Gvardiol expressed, "My dream has always been to become a professional football player, but I never anticipated reaching this level. If you had asked me five years ago if I could see myself at Manchester City in 2023, I would have said it was impossible."
Gone are the days of Gvardiol struggling for playing time. He has become an essential part of Pep Guardiola's system, leading all defenders in goal scoring in the Premier League since his arrival.
"Last season, I was determined to play no matter how I felt, whether I was fit or not; I just wanted to compete and help the team," Gvardiol stated.
Despite battling a knee injury, which he has now fully recovered from, he logged over 6,000 minutes of playing time for club and country last season, participating in 55 of City's 61 matches and missing only 140 minutes in the Premier League.
A recent Fifapro report ranked Gvardiol eighth among the top 10 players globally for matchday squad inclusions for the 2024-25 season.
Guardiola noted, "We should not forget that last season, he was one of our most crucial players, consistently playing. He is still very young, physically outstanding, and can perform effectively in two roles. He is incredible, eager to learn, and committed to improving, which will only enhance his abilities as a player."
Guardiola primarily utilized Gvardiol at left-back for most of last season, including during a challenging period when the defending champions secured only one win in 13 matches.
This marked their first trophy-less season since 2016-17, and Gvardiol commented on their struggles: "Once the poor form began, it was quite difficult to overcome. We discussed it frequently, trying to find solutions. Ultimately, we succeeded in qualifying for the Champions League and reached the FA Cup final."
In the current season, Guardiola's City appears to have moved past last season's difficulties, bolstered by new signings. After losing two of their first three Premier League matches, City is currently on a five-match unbeaten streak, with Gvardiol returning to his preferred position as left-sided centre-back.
"I’m pleased to be back in my position. My focus is on playing simply—protecting and defending the goal," he said. "We have new objectives this season, and we aspire to achieve great things. However, it's still early to discuss our goals; we must take it game by game."
Former England and Manchester City forward Ellen White remarked that Gvardiol's return to centre-back has significantly strengthened City’s defense this season. "He performed well at left-back and scored numerous goals, but the statistics indicate that they are now conceding fewer goals and facing fewer shots. The partnership he has developed with Ruben Dias, along with Rodri in front and Gianluigi Donnarumma behind, is fostering the connections and relationships that were lacking last season."