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‘A special match’ – Barcelona star Dani Olmo returns to Croatia, where it all began

FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo will be returning to Croatia to play for world champions Spain, in a match with some personal significance. Despite being born in Catalonia and passing through Espanyol and Barcelona’s youth academies, he joined Dinamo Zagreb’s…

By Luis Mazariegos · Barca Blaugranes

Published: Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Barcelona's Dani Olmo called Spain's upcoming match against Croatia in Split a very special occasion.
Olmo moved to Dinamo Zagreb at age 16, spending six years developing in Croatia before joining RB Leipzig.
Croatia reportedly tried to convince Olmo to represent their national side, but he chose to represent Spain.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo is returning to Croatia with the Spanish national team for a UEFA Nations League match in Split. Olmo described the upcoming fixture as a very special match, having spent six formative years of his life and development playing in the country.

Olmo joined Dinamo Zagreb's youth system at age 16 after developing at Espanyol and Barcelona. Although Croatia previously attempted to recruit him for their national team, Olmo remained with Spain, eventually featuring for RB Leipzig before returning to Barcelona.

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‘A special match’ – Barcelona star Dani Olmo returns to Croatia, where it all began

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