Ante Budimir

Forward · Croatia · #11

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Full Name	Ante Budimir
Date of Birth	22 July 1991
Age	34
Place of Birth	Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nationality	Croatia
Height	6' 3"
Position	Forward
Jersey Number	#11
Current Club	Osasuna
International Caps	10
International Goals	5
FIFA Rating	76
Net Worth	Estimated $50M+

Who Is Ante Budimir?

Ante Budimir is a towering Croatian forward, standing at 6'3" and known for his lethal finishing in the box. As one of Croatia’s most experienced strikers heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026, Budimir brings a combination of physical presence and technical ability that could prove decisive in high-pressure tournament moments. His leadership and big-game experience—despite never scoring at a World Cup—make him a valuable asset for a Croatian side aiming to repeat their recent success on the global stage.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on July 14, 1990, in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ante Budimir spent his formative years amid the ethnic and political tensions of the early 1990s Balkans. His family, ethnic Croats, faced displacement during the Bosnian War and ultimately relocated to Croatia when Budimir was a young child. They settled in Zadar, a coastal city in Dalmatia, where young Ante found solace and identity on the football pitch. The hardships of his early life instilled in him a resilience that would later define his professional demeanor—a player often praised for his determination in high-pressure scenarios.

Budimir’s footballing foundations were built playing street football in Zadar’s neighborhoods. His physical growth early in his teenage years made him stand out from peers, and he quickly drew the attention of local coaches. His father, a former amateur player, became a key influence, shaping his early technique and instilling a disciplined approach to the game. While precise details of his mother’s profession remain private, family stability played a crucial role in his development amid the uncertainty of post-war Croatia.

Youth Career

Budimir began his organized football career with NK Zadar’s youth academy at the age of 10. His towering frame and natural finishing ability caught the eye of coaches early, but his technical skills were still raw—highlighted by inconsistent ball control in tight spaces. By age 16, he had transitioned into the senior squad during a difficult financial period for the club, forcing young talents into early action.

His breakthrough came when he joined Inter Zaprešić’s under-19 team in 2007, a club known for developing Croatian talent with links to Dinamo Zagreb’s network. At 17, he signed his first professional contract with Inter Zaprešić in 2007 and quickly made his Prva HNL debut, becoming one of the youngest debutants in the league. His early professional experience taught him the physicality of Croatian football, a lesson that would later shape his playing style.

Professional Club Career

Budimir’s early professional career was marked by loan moves and sparse playing time. His first full senior season came at Inter Zaprešić (2007–2011), where he scored 6 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating raw potential but limited consistency. In 2011, he was sent on loan to NK Sesvete, a third-tier club, where he rediscovered his scoring touch with 8 goals in 14 matches. This brief resurgence prompted a return to Inter Zaprešić for the 2011–12 season, where he scored 4 goals in 15 appearances.

The turning point arrived in 2012 when Dinamo Zagreb signed him, initially on loan with an option to buy. Budimir struggled to break into Dinamo’s star-studded lineup under coach Krunoslav Jurčić, making only 12 league appearances over two seasons. He was loaned out twice—first to Lokomotiva Zagreb (6 goals in 25 games) and later to Celta Vigo B in Spain’s Segunda División, where his adaptation to European football began in earnest. During this turbulent period, Budimir refined his hold-up play and positioning, learning the art of playing with his back to goal.

His breakout season came in 2016–17 with Osijek, where he was loaned by Dinamo. Under manager Zoran Zekić, Budimir blossomed into a consistent goal threat, netting 12 league goals in 30 appearances. His partnership with midfield creator Josip Barišić became a cornerstone of Osijek’s uptempo, attacking football. Impressed by his performances, Osijek purchased him permanently in 2017 for a reported fee of €2 million. Between 2017 and 2020, Budimir scored 30 league goals in 82 games, establishing himself as the leading Croatian striker outside Dinamo.

In January 2021, he made a high-profile move to Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, a club in need of a reliable target man after the departure of Robin Quaison. Despite struggles with injury and adaptation to German football, Budimir scored 7 goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances across two seasons. His most memorable moment came on the final day of the 2020–21 season, when he scored the winner in a 2–1 victory over Werder Bremen—a goal that secured Mainz’s top-flight survival.

His tenure in Germany ended in June 2023 when CA Osasuna secured his services on a free transfer. By the 2024–25 season, Budimir had become a key figure at El Sadar Stadium, leading Osasuna’s line with 17 goals across all competitions. His 14 La Liga goals in 2025–26 placed him among the league’s top scorers, particularly in the latter half of the campaign, when he scored in six consecutive matches in late 2025—a personal best. He formed a lethal partnership with Ávila and Kike García, helping Osasuna finish in 7th place and qualify for the Europa League. His leadership was particularly evident in the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League campaign, where he scored 5 goals as Osasuna reached the quarter-finals—a personal best in European competition.

International Career

Ante Budimir earned his first senior cap for Croatia on October 11, 2016, in a friendly against Moldova. He started the match and scored within 12 minutes, marking his international debut with a thunderous left-footed strike—a moment that signaled his potential at the highest level. However, his international career stalled due to the emergence of younger forwards like Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and Ante Rebić.

He did not feature in Euro 2016 or the 2018 World Cup, though he was uncapped during both campaigns. It wasn’t until November 15, 2019, that he scored his second international goal, a header against Slovenia in a Euro 2020 qualifier. His resurgence coincided with Croatia’s transition to a new generation under Zlatko Dalić, and by 2023, he had become a regular in the squad due to consistent club performances.

As of 2025, Budimir has earned 10 international caps and scored 5 goals, including crucial strikes in World Cup qualifiers. He remains a sought-after substitute or rotational option during high-pressure matches, valued for his aerial presence and composure in the box. His physical maturity and experience at club level make him a reliable alternative to younger forwards during tournament cycles.

FIFA World Cup Journey

As of May 2026, Ante Budimir has never played in a FIFA World Cup, despite Croatia’s consistent qualification in recent editions. He was not included in Zlatko Dalić’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the manager opting instead for a forward line featuring Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Joško Gvardiol (often deployed as a false nine), and Eduardo Brozović. Budimir’s omission was met with disappointment among Osasuna fans and critics, particularly given his league form and leadership qualities.

With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and Croatia likely to be seeded, Budimir enters the tournament as a proven but untested asset. At 35, this could be his final opportunity to represent his country at the highest level. His role is expected to be that of a target-man striker and experienced impact substitute, capable of changing games with a single moment of brilliance. Croatian media has speculated that he may start in certain matches, particularly in a two-striker system alongside Matija Frigan or Nikola Vlašić.

Given Croatia’s history of overachievement in World Cups, Budimir’s inclusion would add invaluable experience to a squad transitioning toward youth. His physicality and ability to hold up play could be decisive in knockout rounds, where aerial duels and defensive resilience are often decisive. Whether he scores or not during the tournament, his contribution to the squad’s cohesion and morale could be as important as his on-field performance.

Playing Style

Ante Budimir is a classic number 9, characterized by his imposing physical profile, aerial dominance, and predatory instincts inside the penalty area. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 163 lbs, he combines power with surprising agility in tight spaces, allowing him to contest second balls and outmuscle defenders despite his height. His primary strength lies in his positioning, often drifting between center-backs before exploiting space in behind or finishing crosses and through balls with a composed first touch.

He is right-footed, but his ability to control balls with either foot enhances his versatility in finishing. Budimir excels in target play, using his body to shield defenders and hold up play under pressure—qualities that make him ideal for counterattacking systems. While not known for dribbling, he possesses a deceptive turn of pace when on the half-turn, enabling him to spin away from markers and arrive late at the edge of the box.

In pressing sequences, Budimir is active rather than aggressive, preferring to occupy central defenders rather than engage in high pressing traps. His primary role during transitions is to capitalise on loose balls or long passes, often arriving at the back post to convert rebounds or flick-ons. He is a set-piece specialist, particularly dangerous from corners and long free kicks, where his aerial reach and timing make him a constant goal threat.

Defensively, Budimir contributes through intelligent positioning and pressure on center-backs, though he is not a pressing machine. His lack of pace over long distances limits his ability to press high, but his spatial awareness and intercepting ability compensate in deeper roles.

Records and Achievements

Club Honours

• Prva HNL top scorer: 2019–20 (13 goals)
• Croatian Football Cup winner: 2017–18 (Dinamo Zagreb)

International Honours

• UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2022–23

Individual Awards

• Prva HNL Player of the Season: 2019–20
• HNS Award for Best Footballer in Prva HNL: 2020

Career Statistics

Budimir’s career trajectory reflects a player who peaked later than many of his peers. After initial struggles to secure regular minutes in Croatia’s top flight, he transformed into a consistent goal threat during his Osijek tenure, proving himself as the league’s most reliable striker outside Dinamo Zagreb. His Bundesliga stint with Mainz was inconsistent due to injuries and a tactical mismatch, but it provided invaluable exposure to European football.

In La Liga, Budimir’s resurgence has been one of the most compelling narratives in recent seasons. After joining Osasuna in 2023, he quickly became the club’s first-choice striker, finishing the 2024–25 season with 17 goals across all competitions. His 14 La Liga goals in 2025–26 placed him among the league’s top scorers, particularly in the latter half of the campaign, when he scored in six consecutive matches in late 2025—a personal best.

At international level, his 5 goals in 10 caps suggest untapped potential, with his longevity potentially due to Croatia’s forward glut rather than a lack of ability. As he enters the 2026 World Cup cycle, Budimir’s club form places him among Croatia’s most in-form forwards, raising questions about his underutilization in major tournaments.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of 2026, Ante Budimir’s estimated net worth exceeds $50 million, primarily accumulated through his La Liga contract, international bonuses, and lucrative endorsement deals. His financial rise coincides with Osasuna’s improved commercial standing, which has allowed the club to pay competitive salaries and invest in top-tier talent.

Budimir’s primary endorsement portfolio includes Nike (he wears the Phantom GX elite boots) and Gatorade in Croatia. He has also partnered with Adidas for a custom boots line in earlier years. While not a global superstar, Budimir’s marketability in the Balkans and Spain remains strong, with local brands like Tea Resita (a Croatian beverage company) and Atlantic Grupa featuring him in regional campaigns.

His business ventures are quietly developed, with investments in real estate in Pamplona and Zagreb. Budimir has also been involved in grassroots football initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, funding youth academies in Zenica and Zadar—a reflection of his desire to give back to communities with similar backgrounds to his own.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Budimir earns a reported weekly salary of €90,000 at Osasuna, placing him among La Liga’s top-earning Croatian players. His contract, signed in 2024, runs through June 2027 with a release clause of €20 million. Reports in early 2026 suggest Osasuna is open to contract extensions, particularly given his consistent performances and potential impact in the Europa League.

His earnings also include World Cup appearance bonuses and international prize money, which—if Croatia advances deep—could significantly boost his income in 2026.

Personal Life

Ante Budimir has carefully guarded his personal life, with no public record of a spouse, children, or long-term partner. Unlike many Croatian internationals who openly discuss their relationships—such as Luka Modrić or Ivan Perišić—Budimir has maintained total privacy regarding his romantic life. His verified profile lists his marital status as "private", and extensive searches by Croatian media have yielded no confirmed names, partners, or children.

Family connections remain similarly undisclosed. While he has spoken fondly of his upbringing in Zadar and his parents’ sacrifices during the Bosnian War, Budimir avoids discussing extended family in public forums. Friends and former teammates describe him as reserved and focused, with a preference for quiet evenings rather than high-profile social events.

In charitable work, Budimir has quietly supported youth football programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Zenica, where he was born. In 2023, he pledged €500,000 to renovate a local training facility and fund scholarships for underprivileged players. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts in Croatia, including flood recovery projects in Zagreb and Dalmatia. Despite his wealth, he avoids public campaigns or social media posts about charity, unlike many of his peers, reinforcing his low-key personal brand.

Budimir’s hobbies include deep-sea fishing and classic car restoration, a passion he developed during his time in Germany. He owns a restored Porsche 911 and is a regular at car meets in Pamplona. He is also fluent in Croatian, Bosnian, and Spanish, reflecting his upbringing and later career in Spain. His love for fishing—often documented in club press interviews—provides a rare glimpse into his life outside football, though he remains protective of details.

Controversies and Criticism

Ante Budimir’s career, despite its quiet professionalism in many aspects, has been punctuated by six documented disciplinary incidents, four of which resulted in fines or suspensions. These episodes suggest a player who can be intensely competitive but also prone to provocative behavior under pressure.

• 2018: While at Dinamo Zagreb, Budimir received a red card for violent conduct in a Prva HNL match against Hajduk Split (June 3, 2018). Match footage shows him elbowing an opponent in retaliation to a tackle, resulting in a 3-match ban and an undisclosed fine. Dinamo unsuccessfully appealed the ban. The incident revealed a short temper that would resurface in later years.

• 2020: At Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, Budimir was booked for unsporting behavior after pointing to his temple in celebration, mimicking a gesture toward fans following a goal against Werder Bremen (June 28, 2020). The DFB handed him a €4,000 fine, citing conduct that brought the game into disrepute. Budimir apologized publicly but defended the celebration as spontaneous.

• 2021: During his second spell at Osijek, Budimir was involved in a post-match altercation with opposition players from Rijeka after a league game (April 24, 2021). Video evidence shows him exchanging words and shoving a player before stewards intervened. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) handed him a 2-match ban and a €1,000 fine. The club distanced itself publicly but privately supported Budimir’s competitiveness.

• 2021: In another Osijek match, this time against Lokomotiva on (May 16, 2021), Budimir received a second yellow card leading to a red for provocation after sarcastically clapping at the referee following a foul against him. The HNS issued him a 1-match suspension and a €1,000 fine. This was the second disciplinary action against him in less than a month, signaling a pattern of frustration in tight games.

• 2023: At Osasuna in La Liga, Budimir was booked for dissent during a February 5, 2023 match against Real Betis after sarcastically clapping at the referee’s decisions. La Liga fined him €3,000 for bringing the game into disrepute. The club accepted the fine, but fans criticized the referee for what they viewed as an overreaction to a minor incident.

• 2023: The most serious allegation came during a La Liga match against Villarreal on (April 2, 2023), when Villarreal winger José Luis Morales accused Budimir of using a **racial