Josip Šutalo

Josip Šutalo, born on 28 February 2000, is a promising Croatian centre-back currently plying his trade with Ajax in the Eredivisie. With a career that began at a young age, Šutalo has quickly established himself as a formidable presence in defence, showcasing both skill and determination on the pitch. His journey from the youth ranks of Dinamo Zagreb to one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs is a testament to his talent and hard work.

Šutalo’s footballing journey commenced in July 2014 when he joined the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb, quickly rising through the ranks. He made his professional debut at just 18 years old on 1 September 2018 for Dinamo Zagreb II. His breakthrough into the first team came on 30 October 2019 during a Croatian Cup match against Opatija. A pivotal moment in his development was a loan spell at Istra 1961 in early 2021, where he gained valuable first-team experience, despite a challenging cup final where he unfortunately scored an own goal against his parent club.

Returning to Dinamo, Šutalo made significant strides, recording his first goal and assist in a league match in July 2021, and later making his mark in European competitions. Notably, he scored his first Europa League goal in a victory over Rapid Wien and made his Champions League debut against Chelsea in September 2022. His performances did not go unnoticed, and on 21 August 2023, he made a high-profile move to Ajax for a reported fee of €20.5 million, signing a five-year contract with the club.

Internationally, Šutalo has represented Croatia at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2022, where he has since earned five caps and scored one goal. Known for his strong tackling and aerial ability, Šutalo continues to impress both fans and critics alike as he embarks on what promises to be a bright future in football.