Tonči Gabrić, the legendary goalkeeper of the Croatian national football team and one of Hajduk‘s greatest first-team players, died suddenly in Split at 63.
Gabrić participated in the Croatian national football team‘s first historic match, a friendly match against the USA on October 17, 1990, in Zagreb. It was also his first of nine appearances for the Flames. He spent most of his time in the national team as a substitute for the first goalkeeper, Dražen Ladić, and he also participated in the 1996 European Championship in England.
He started his senior career in Čelik Zenica and then continued it in Rijeka, the Greek PAOK, and he experienced his most significant days in Hajduk. He appeared in more than 100 games for the first division team from Split while receiving the ‘Heart of Hajduk’ award for the 96/97 season.
He stood out the most in defense during Hajduk’s appearance in the Champions League, when he was perhaps the best player of that team. He finished his career in 1999 and was succeeded by Stipe Pletikosa at Hajduk.
SOURCE: Croatian Football Federation
