Introduction: Meet the Defender
Antonio Milić is a Croatian professional footballer who has built a career as a formidable central defender across Europe. Currently a cornerstone for the Polish club Lech Poznań, Milić imposes himself on the game, a 1.90m bulwark whose commanding presence is as crucial to his team’s defense as his technical skill.
1. The Beginning at Hajduk Split (2011-2015)
Antonio Milić’s professional career began at the prestigious academy of Hajduk Split, his hometown club. He showed immense promise early on, making his first-team debut at the remarkable age of just 17. During his time with the club, he quickly established himself as a talented defender and achieved significant success.
- Croatian U-19 Championship: He was part of the team that won the national youth title in 2012.
- Croatian Cup: He lifted a major senior trophy, winning the Croatian Cup in the 2012–13 season.
- European Experience: Milić played a key role in a historic 2-0 victory against Italian giants Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro stadium in a UEFA Europa League match, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
2. Adventures in Belgium (2015-2021)
Milić made his next career move to Belgium, first joining K.V. Oostende and later transferring to the historic club Anderlecht. During his time in the Belgian league, he forged a reputation as a tough competitor, particularly in his recurring rivalry with KRC Genk. Over nine competitive matchups, Milić’s teams had a mixed record of four wins, three losses, and two draws.
The definitive high point of this period was Oostende’s famous 6-0 demolition of Genk, a moment of total dominance where Milić not only anchored the defense but also got his own name on the scoresheet.
3. A Spanish Chapter: Rayo Vallecano (2019-2020)
Milić spent a season on loan in Spain with Rayo Vallecano. Competing in the highly physical and tactical Spanish Segunda División, he further diversified his experience by adapting to a new style of football in a different competitive environment.
4. Champion in Poland: Lech Poznań (2021-Present)
On January 10, 2021, Antonio Milić transferred to Lech Poznań, a move that would spark one of the most successful chapters of his career. He quickly became an integral part of the team, cementing his status as a top defender in the Polish Ekstraklasa.
- Ekstraklasa Champion: He was a defensive pillar in the side that won the Polish league title with Lech Poznań in the 2021–22 season.
5. Playing for Croatia
Milić has represented his home country at nearly every level of the sport. He was a consistent presence in Croatia’s youth system, playing for the U16, U17, U19, and U21 teams. His hard work and strong club performances culminated in a call-up to the senior Croatia national team in 2018. He earned 3 caps, making his official debut in a friendly match against Portugal.
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