Zvonimir Boban Returns to Dinamo Zagreb as President, Outlines Vision Amid Criticism of Football Governance
Zvonimir Boban has returned to Dinamo Zagreb and was elected president in September, framing the club as the last stop of his football career. He described taking on this role as his life's mission, emphasizing the emotional and personal significance of Dinamo Zagreb in his life and making it clear that he does not intend to step away from the club.
Boban also detailed his plans for the club’s future, highlighting the appointment of Capellas to head Dinamo’s academy. The strategy is to develop a La Masia–style program to attract and nurture young talents, drawing on past successes such as Dani Olmo’s pathway through Dinamo. Promising young players like Sergi Domínguez and 17-year-old Cardoso Varela have been identified as part of this development vision.
He cited Atalanta as a model for smart, data-driven club development and aims to position Dinamo as a credible stepping stone for players moving from smaller leagues to Europe.
Reflecting on his previous roles, Boban resigned from UEFA in January 2024 after disagreements over statute changes that would have enabled a fourth term for UEFA leadership, specifically criticizing Aleksander Ceferin. Previously, he was FIFA deputy secretary general from 2016 to 2019 and served as Milan’s chief football officer, a position from which he was dismissed in 2020 after publicly criticizing the club’s ownership.
Boban defended the use of VAR, arguing it has improved integrity and transparency in football by reducing corruption, citing metrics on interventions and throw-ins. He also criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino for awarding a World Cup draw peace prize to Donald Trump, calling the move disrespectful and irresponsible and accusing FIFA leadership of politicizing the sport.
