Joško Gvardiol 2025-26
When Manchester City paid £77M to take Joško Gvardiol from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, it made him the most expensive defender in the club’s history. Within two seasons, the fee looked like a bargain. The Croatian — born in Zagreb in 2002, developed through Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, hardened through three seasons at Leipzig — is the complete modern defender: dominant in the air, technically elite on the ball, and capable of arriving in the penalty area to score goals that forwards would be proud of. Pep Guardiola had to adapt him, and Gvardiol adapted brilliantly.
The Gvardiol Story
The Most Expensive Defender in Man City History
The £77M paid to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 was a statement of intent from Man City: they were not just replacing ageing defenders with cheap alternatives, they were buying the best young centre-back in European football. Gvardiol had announced himself at the 2022 World Cup, where Croatia — marshalled by the 20-year-old — reached the semifinal and third-place match. His performances in the tournament drew comparison to Matthias Sammer and Franz Beckenbauer. The fee felt enormous. The performances have justified every penny.
Goal Against Dortmund: Defenders Can Score
In a Premier League and Champions League career built on defensive excellence, Gvardiol has consistently reminded observers that ball-playing defenders in the Guardiola system are not passive participants in attack — they are active ones. His goal against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League — timed perfectly, struck cleanly, and celebrated with the composure of a man who does this regularly — crystallised the point. Under Guardiola’s positional play philosophy, the left centre-back is frequently the most advanced outfield player. Gvardiol has understood that invitation and acted on it with conviction.
Croatia’s World Cup 2026 Defensive Cornerstone
Modric may still be pulling the strings in midfield — defying every prediction about when his powers would fade — but Croatia’s World Cup 2026 defence is built around Gvardiol. The 24-year-old is the youngest player in his position to have the experience, the tactical intelligence, and the physical presence to lead a national team’s backline at a World Cup. Croatia have historically been a side that punches above their weight at tournaments — third in 2018, third in 2022. Gvardiol is central to the belief they can do it again in North America.
Gvardiol Highlights
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Choose your Croatia header: Perisic or Gvardiol?
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Gvardiol's Dolphin Dive Celebration 🤣🐬
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Team Feature: Croatia | Gvardiol On Taking On the Mantle From Croatia Greats
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Alexander Isak Has Elite Attacking IQ 🧠
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Myles Lewis-Skelly Reveals Arsenal Player With CRAZY First Touch
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No One Could Catch Gareth Bale 🏎️
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Is Saka Essential? Plus Arsenal Defence Decisions 🤔 | FPL Podcast 2026/27
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WILD Final 20 Minutes 😳 | Liverpool v Man City 25/26
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Son Heung-min Could Not Stop Smiling 🥹🇰🇷
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Mikel Arteta's BEST Touchline Reactions 🍿
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Mikel Arteta's Crowning Moment 🏆
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Alisson Is UNBEATABLE 1v1 😤
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Goals That Sent The Stadium Into A Frenzy 🫨
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Firmino’s Backheels Were PURE MAGIC ✨🇧🇷
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The Forgotten PL Player FASTER Than Prime Walcott?!
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The MOST Emotional Moments In Premier League History 🥲
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Papiss Cisse’s Strike Left Alan Pardew SPEECHLESS 😱
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Cristiano Ronaldo Made It Look Easy 🔥
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Analysis & Opinion
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Gvardiol & Man City News
View AllRodri, Gvardiol, Dias - Man City injury news and return dates after Pep Guardiola update
Manchester City will be hoping to take top spot in the Premier League with a win at Turf Moor against …
Man City latest: Club in talks with Gvardiol over new long-term deal
Josko Gvardiol on Man City return, 'nerves' and how he came back from injury so soon
Manchester City defeated Crystal Palace on Wednesday night as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title
Papers: Mourinho eyes Gvardiol and Fernandes for Real Madrid
Josko Gvardiol edges toward Manchester City exit, with Barcelona offer received
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is the subject of serious attention this summer
Josko Gvardiol edges toward Manchester City exit, with Barcelona offer received: report
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is the subject of serious attention this summer
Real Madrid agree Marc Cucurella deal after Josko Gvardiol snub as Jose Mourinho pivot revealed
Man City latest: Gvardiol close to signing new deal
Fabrizio Romano reveals Josko Gvardiol decision on Man City future amid Real Madrid links
As Real Madrid chase the signature of Josko Gvardiol, the Man City man has seemingly decided what his future holds
Gvardiol agrees new Man City deal until 2031
Defender Josko Gvardiol agrees a new contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2031.
Man City latest: Gvardiol signs new deal as Rodri has surgery
New boss Maresca is perfect for Man City - Gvardiol
New manager Enzo Maresca is a "perfect one" for Manchester City, says defender Josko Gvardiol.
Inside Enzo Maresca's Man City training: Using mannequins to mimic low blocks, the Pep Guardiola drill he's scrapped - and why Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol are central to his plans
JACK GAUGHAN IN SEOUL: Enzo Maresca missed a trick if none of his staff thought to stick a GPS vest …
Man City vs Bournemouth - Premier League LIVE: Josko Gvardiol scores dramatic late goal in boost for Enzo Maresca, 10-man Villa stunned at Brighton plus build up to Newcastle vs Liverpool
Follow Daily Mail Sport's live coverage for the latest updates of Manchester City's opening game of the 2026-27 Premier League …
Man City 2-1 Bournemouth: Josko Gvardiol's last-minute winner spares new manager Enzo Maresca's blushes
JACK GAUGHAN AT THE ETIHAD:
Gvardiol rescues result for Maresca - player ratings for Man City v Bournemouth
How Man City and Bournemouth players rated following their Premier League match.
Guéhi and Gvardiol late show earns Manchester City dramatic win against Bournemouth
“WELCOME BACK ENZO” read the tifo beforehand and by the breathless close this was a joyous return for Manchester City’s …
Gvardiol signals return to best at left-back for Man City
Josko Gvardiol's season last time out was disrupted by a serious injury but the defender now appears to be returning …