# Jerko Leko

> Croatian footballer

**Wikidata**: [Q314759](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314759)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerko_Leko)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jerko-leko

## Summary
Jerko Leko is a Croatian footballer and coach known for his professional career spanning nearly two decades. Born on April 9, 1980, he transitioned from playing to coaching, contributing to both domestic and international football. His career reflects his dedication to the sport, culminating in a transition to coaching after retiring as a player in 2016.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 9, 1980  
- **Nationality**: Croatian  
- **Known for**: Professional football career and transition to coaching  
- **Employer(s)**: Various football clubs (specific teams not detailed in source material)  
- **Field(s)**: Association football  

## Contributions
Jerko Leko dedicated 17 years to professional football, beginning his career in 1999 and retiring in 2016. He transitioned to coaching, extending his involvement in the sport. While specific achievements or leadership roles are not detailed in the source material, his longevity in the field underscores his commitment to Croatian and international football.

## FAQs
- **What is Jerko Leko’s primary profession?** He is a Croatian footballer and coach, active from 1999 to 2016.  
- **What roles has he held in football?** Leko worked as both a professional player and a coach, though specific team affiliations are not provided.  
- **Why is his career notable?** His nearly two-decade career and transition to coaching highlight his sustained impact on the sport.  

## Why They Matter
Jerko Leko’s career exemplifies the trajectory of many professional footballers who transition to coaching, ensuring continuity and knowledge transfer in the sport. His long-term involvement in Croatian football contributes to the country’s sporting culture and development of future athletes.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: A 17-year professional football career (1999–2016).  
- **Dual Role**: Transition from player to coach, reflecting expertise in both aspects of the sport.  
- **National Representation**: Part of Croatia’s football community, though specific international caps or honors are not detailed.  

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jerko Leko was born on April 9, 1980, in Croatia. He began his professional football career in 1999, though specific early teams or youth development programs are not documented in the source material.

### Professional Career
Leko’s career as a footballer spanned from 1999 to 2016, during which he played for various clubs. While the source does not specify his positions, achievements, or notable matches, his physical attributes are recorded: a height of 187.0 cm and a weight of 78.0 kg. These details suggest he may have played in defensive or midfield roles, common for players with such physical profiles.

### Transition to Coaching
Following his retirement as a player in 2016, Leko transitioned to coaching. This shift leveraged his experience to contribute to the development of new talent, though specific coaching roles or teams are not outlined in the provided data.

### Legacy
Leko’s career reflects the broader trends of Croatian football during the 2000s and 2010s, a period marked by the country’s growing international presence, including participation in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. While his individual contributions are not highlighted in the source material, his sustained involvement in the sport underscores his role in maintaining Croatia’s football traditions.

### Connection to Croatian Football
As a Croatian national, Leko’s career is intrinsically linked to the development of football in Croatia. The country’s footballing identity, shaped by its history and cultural influences, provided a context for his professional growth. Croatia’s admission to the European Union in 2013 and adoption of the euro in 2023 during his career highlight the socioeconomic backdrop of his work in the sport.

## References

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