HNK Hajduk Split, one of the most storied football clubs in Southeast Europe, is far more than just a team—it is a movement, a legacy, and a symbol of Dalmatian pride. With a history dating back more than a century, a trophy room filled with silverware, and a fan base renowned for its passion, Hajduk Split has remained at the heart of Croatian and former Yugoslav football. Their journey spans empires, wars, LIÊN MINH KJC and league systems, but through it all, one thing has remained constant: Hajduk never stops fighting.

A Century of Tradition

Founded in 1911 by a group of students returning from Prague, Hajduk Split quickly grew into the pride of the coastal city of Split and became a cultural cornerstone in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The club took its name from the “hajduks,” freedom fighters and rebels from Balkan folklore—an identity that perfectly matched the club’s spirit.

From the early days, Hajduk positioned itself not just as a sports institution but as a reflection of Croatian identity, resistance, and community unity. Today, they play their home games at the Poljud Stadium, a 33,000-seat architectural icon that resonates with history and deafening fan support.

Titles and Honors

Hajduk Split has amassed an impressive collection of trophies across different footballing eras. As of 2024, their achievements include:

• 9 Croatian First League titles (Prva HNL) since the league’s formation in 1992
• 9 Yugoslav First League titles, won during their time in the now-defunct league (from 1923 to 1991)
• 8 Croatian Cups, the most recent coming in 2022–23
• 5 Yugoslav Cups, including back-to-back triumphs in the 1970s
• 6 Croatian Super Cups
• Several regional titles and honors from earlier pre-Yugoslav competitions

Though Dinamo Zagreb has been dominant in recent Croatian seasons, Hajduk remains their eternal rival and the most widely supported club in Dalmatia and across the diaspora.

Goal Machines and Legends

Across more than 110 years of football, Hajduk Split has scored well over 10,000 goals in official domestic and international matches. Their style has often combined Mediterranean creativity with Balkan toughness—producing some of the most elegant and feared footballers in the region.

Some of their most iconic scorers and stars include:

• Frane Matošić, the club’s all-time top scorer with 729 goals, including an astonishing 211 in official league matches
• Jurica Jerković and Ivica Šurjak, who lit up the 1970s with attacking brilliance and led Hajduk’s most successful era
• Alen Bokšić, a powerful striker who went on to shine for Marseille, Lazio, and Juventus after emerging from Hajduk
• More recently, Marko Livaja has become the face of modern Hajduk, leading the line with goals, leadership, and hometown passion

These players—and many more—have helped Hajduk build one of the richest attacking histories in Croatian and Yugoslav football.

European Journey

Hajduk has long been a respected name in European competitions. The club reached the European Cup quarterfinals three times (1976, 1980, and 1984) and has competed regularly in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

In 2023–24, Hajduk returned to the Europa Conference League, reigniting their hopes of making a deep run on the continental stage once more. Though they have yet to win a European title, their history of knocking out major clubs and creating electric atmospheres at Poljud is well established.

Supporters and Culture

No story about Hajduk is complete without mentioning the Torcida Split—one of Europe’s oldest and most passionate ultras groups, founded in 1950. Their presence turns every home game into a spectacle, with flares, chants, and visual displays that rival any stadium in the world.

Hajduk’s fan-owned model and transparent governance have made them a rare example of modern football integrity. Supporters play a real role in club decisions, strengthening the bond between the team and its people.

Final Thoughts

HNK Hajduk Split is more than just a football club—it is a heartbeat of Croatian culture, history, and resistance. With thousands of goals, dozens of trophies, and unwavering support from generations of fans, Hajduk continues to burn as an eternal flame in Balkan football. Their past is rich, their spirit unbreakable, and their future full of promise.