Dani Olmo's international career could have taken a very different path. The Spain star has revealed that he turned down approaches from Croatia before the 2018 World Cup, choosing instead to wait for the opportunity to represent the country where he was born.
Key Points:
- Dani Olmo rejected a fast-track route into international football with Croatia ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
- He waited for his Spain debut, which came against Malta in November 2019.
- Olmo has since won multiple major international trophies with La Roja.
- His six years in Zagreb remain an important part of his development and connection with Croatia.
Choosing Spain Over Croatia
The decision dates back to Olmo's breakthrough years at Dinamo Zagreb. Impressed by his rapid development, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) explored the possibility of naturalising the attacking midfielder.
For Olmo, however, the choice was clear. He wanted to represent Spain and was prepared to wait for his opportunity. That chance eventually arrived in November 2019, when he made his senior debut against Malta. Looking back, Olmo has no regrets about turning down Croatia's approach.
A Trophy Cabinet That Justifies His Decision
Speaking ahead of a UEFA Nations League meeting, Olmo acknowledged Croatia's interest and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity they offered.
"They told me about it. I was very grateful," Olmo explained. "But my dream is and always was to play for my national team. Fortunately, I was able to fulfil it."
His international honours with Spain underline how well that decision has worked out. Olmo has already won what he described as the trophies "every footballer wants to win: a European Championship, a World Cup, a Nations League." Those successes have turned his childhood ambition of representing Spain into reality.
Zagreb Remains Important to Olmo
Choosing Spain did not weaken Olmo's connection with Croatia. After joining Barcelona's La Masia academy at 16, he moved to Zagreb and spent six transformative seasons with Dinamo Zagreb.
Olmo established himself as a key player during his time at the club, scoring 34 goals in 124 appearances. He also became fluent in Croatian, reflecting the strong connections he developed during his formative years in the country.
His time in Zagreb played a major role in shaping the player who would later become an important figure for Spain's Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup victories.
Spain Face Croatia in Nations League
Spain head into their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixture in Split looking for maximum points as they aim to strengthen their position at the top of Group A3. La Roja already recorded a 4-1 victory over Croatia earlier in the campaign and will be confident of another positive result.
Croatia, meanwhile, will be looking to respond after their heavy 7-0 defeat to England. With both sides looking to strengthen their positions before the international break in November, Olmo could have a particularly significant role to play against the country that once tried to recruit him.
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