# Goran Vlaović

> Croatian footballer

**Wikidata**: [Q444323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q444323)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goran_Vlaović)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goran-vlaovic

## Summary
Goran Vlaović is a Croatian footballer who played professionally from 1989 to 2004. He is best known for his career as a forward in association football, representing Croatia internationally and contributing to the country's footballing legacy during its early years of independence.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 7, 1972
- **Nationality**: Croatian
- **Occupation**: Association football player (forward)
- **Known for**: Professional football career spanning 1989–2004
- **Field(s)**: Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Goran Vlaović's contributions to football include:
- Playing as a forward in professional leagues, contributing to the development of Croatian football during the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Representing Croatia in international competitions, helping establish the nation's presence in global football following its independence in 1991.

## FAQs
**What position did Goran Vlaović play?**
Goran Vlaović was a forward in association football, known for his offensive role on the field.

**When was Goran Vlaović active as a footballer?**
He played professionally from 1989 to 2004, during a pivotal era for Croatian football post-independence.

**What is Goran Vlaović's nationality?**
He is Croatian, born in the country after its declaration of independence from Yugoslavia.

## Why They Matter
Goran Vlaović's career coincided with Croatia's emergence as an independent nation and its growing prominence in international football. As part of the first generation of Croatian players to compete on the global stage, he contributed to the country's footballing identity and inspired future athletes.

## Notable For
- One of the early professional footballers from independent Croatia.
- Played during the formative years of Croatian football (1990s–early 2000s).
- Represented Croatia in international competitions, helping build the nation's football reputation.

## Body

### Early Life and Career
Goran Vlaović was born on August 7, 1972, in Croatia. He began his professional football career in 1989, a period marked by significant political changes in the region, including Croatia's declaration of independence in 1991.

### Professional Football Career
Vlaović played as a forward, a key offensive position in association football. His career spanned from 1989 to 2004, during which he contributed to the development of Croatian football. He was part of the first wave of Croatian players to gain recognition in international leagues, helping to establish the country's presence in global football.

### International Representation
As a Croatian footballer, Vlaović represented his nation in international competitions. His career aligned with Croatia's early years as an independent state, and his performances contributed to the country's growing reputation in the sport.

### Legacy and Influence
Goran Vlaović's career reflects the broader story of Croatian football's rise in the 1990s and early 2000s. His contributions on the field helped inspire a new generation of Croatian players and solidified the country's place in international football. His work ethic and skill as a forward set a standard for future athletes.

### Retirement and Later Years
Vlaović retired from professional football in 2004, concluding a career that spanned over a decade. His legacy remains tied to the early success of Croatian football and the country's integration into global sports culture.

## References

1. Transfermarkt
2. FBref
3. Argentine Soccer Database
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013