Dani Olmo can count on one of the strangest ovations of his career when he plays for Spain against Croatia at Poljud Stadium in Split. Croatian fans are reported to be planning to stand up and applaud the Barcelona midfielder as he enters the field. However, Olmo, although he may technically be wearing the colors of Spain, has a deep connection with Croatia from his six years with Dinamo Zagreb, and a previously private promise to support the country has made his return even more meaningful.
Giving Back to Vukovar
Olmo's agent, Andy Bara, recently revealed that the Barcelona star has been donating two percent of his yearly gross salary to help Vukovar ever since he left Dinamo Zagreb in 2020. Olmo later confirmed he had been doing so, stating he felt he owed Croatia for all it had given him. This continued while he was at RB Leipzig and has continued since he returned to Barcelona.
Olmo speaks publicly of feeling indebted to Croatia, stating that he wanted to give something back for everything the country had given him. His support extends beyond Vukovar to Slavonski Brod, which shows the personal connection he has maintained with Croatia.
Croatian Fans Want to Show Their Appreciation
The revelation immediately struck a chord in Croatia. The reporters who attended the pre-match press conference where Olmo talked about the initiative applauded him, a strange applause for a man who was about to represent the opposition. Now, supporters appear ready to continue that appreciation inside Poljud. Amidst the general buzz amongst the fans, when Olmo is mentioned, it’s almost a given that all the supporters will stand up when he enters the pitch.
There will be no organized, official support for this. It’s just a fan plan, but it reflects the feeling of affection that Olmo enjoys among the Croatian public, even though he is now playing for Spain.
Where It All Began
The reception would be a fitting welcome given Olmo’s history in the country. It was at the age of 16 in 2014 that Olmo came to Dinamo Zagreb. He spent six formative years in Zagreb and developed from a gifted teen to one of the most talented young men in European football. He debuted for the main team of Dinamo, became a star, and was called up to Spain at the same time in Zagreb. These years were destined to make a well-rounded player who was to play for RB Leipzig and later on be purchased by Barça.
More Than Football
Olmo never concealed the importance of Croatia for his life and career. Ahead of the match, he spoke of returning to Croatia as a "very special" occasion, mentioning the country's influence on his development as a soccer player and a person. For Barcelona supporters, Olmo’s return to Croatia serves as yet another reminder of the man who lies behind the footballer.
To the Croatian people, his humble decision to be a good citizen in a place like Vukovar was the continuation of a story that began more than a decade ago. When Olmo enters the field at Poljud, he will be wearing the shirt of the Spanish team. But if the plans of the Croatian supporters come true, he may yet receive a thoroughly Croatian welcome.
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