Ivan Perisic definitively secured his place in the history books of Croatian football on Saturday evening.
The 37-year-old scored the opening goal for the "Vatreni" in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup against Portugal, thereby writing another chapter in his extraordinary national team career.
With his goal to make it 1-0 in the 53rd minute, Perisic now has seven goals at World Cups – more than any Croat before him.
Suker's Record Broken After Nearly Three Decades
Perisic thus overtakes the legendary Davor Suker, who not only became the top scorer at the 1998 World Cup with six goals but also sensationally led Croatia to third place.
While Suker scored his six World Cup goals at a single tournament, Perisic's goals are spread across four World Cups.
His first two goals came in 2014 in Brazil against Cameroon and Mexico. Four years later in Russia, his strongest World Cup followed: Perisic scored against Iceland in the group stage, shot Croatia into the final against England in the semi-finals, and was also successful in the final against France.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the veteran scored the important equalizer in the Round of 16 against Japan. Now, against Portugal, came his historic seventh World Cup goal.
From Winger to Left-Back
Particularly noteworthy: Perisic set the record not even from his usual position.
Head coach Zlatko Dalic deployed the veteran as a left-back against Portugal. Nevertheless, the attacking all-rounder repeatedly joined the attacks and rewarded himself with his historic goal shortly after halftime.
The 37-year-old thus once again demonstrates his extraordinary versatility. Whether as a winger, wing-back, or full-back – Perisic has been one of the most important players for the Croatian national team for years.
Only Modric and Suker Still Ahead of Him
The record goal is the next milestone in an already impressive international career.
Perisic made his 158th international appearance for Croatia against Portugal. Only captain Luka Modric has more caps, having now played over 200 matches for his home country.
Perisic also ranks high in the all-time goalscorer list for Croatia. With 39 goals, he is in second place, trailing only Davor Suker, who scored 45 times for the "Vatreni".
