Croatian Vietnamese born in 2008 is making waves in Europe, earning the nickname 'Little Modric'

Vietnamese Croatian player Antonio Moric is gaining significant recognition within Croatia's youth football leagues.

Antonio Moric, born in Hanoi, has now officially obtained a Vietnamese passport. This is considered a major advantage, allowing the forward born in 2008 to be ready to play for national teams at any level at any time.With mixed heritage—his father being Croatian and mother Vietnamese—Moric is becoming a highly anticipated talent among experts focusing on attracting Vietnamese-origin players from abroad.

In fact, Moric’s connection to Vietnamese football began five years ago when he returned to Hanoi to participate in an U13 tournament. There, he delivered an outstanding performance and won the "Best Player of the Tournament" award. This early achievement not only strengthened his bond with his maternal homeland but also demonstrated his exceptional potential from a young age.

Now 17 years old, Antonio Moric is steadily establishing himself in the competitive European football scene. He plays for NK Trnje in Croatia’s third-tier league. Standing at an impressive 1.81 meters and capable of playing various positions such as midfielder and winger on both sides, Moric is highly regarded for his physique, consistent speed, and very agile ball control skills. His style and nickname draw parallels to the Croatian legend Luka Modric.

This youth season, Antonio Moric has shown remarkable goal-scoring form. In 14 appearances (7 starts), he has scored 6 goals. His consistent scoring rate and ability to operate widely on both wings make him one of NK Trnje’s standout young players, often creating breakthroughs with his rapid dribbling.

Moric’s progress is further recognized by his promotion to train and compete with NK Trnje’s first team despite being born in 2008. To date, he has made 3 professional appearances, including 1 regional cup match and 2 games in the national second division. Early exposure to senior-level European football has been crucial in building his match experience and composure.

Combining modern football intelligence, strong physicality, and having completed all legal procedures with a Vietnamese passport, Antonio Moric represents a promising prospect for the future. Fans eagerly await the day this young player dons the red jersey of Vietnam’s youth national teams to contribute to his homeland’s football.