Martin Baturina: Powerful Rise of Croatia’s Creative Star
introdution
Martin Baturina is a Croatian professional footballer known for his vision, close control and creative midfield play. He represents Como 1907 in Italy and the Croatia national team.
Born in Switzerland and developed in Croatia, he rose through Dinamo Zagreb’s academy before becoming one of the club’s most valuable young players. His move to Serie A opened an important new chapter in his career.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martin Baturina |
| Date of Birth | 16 February 2003 |
| Age | 23 years old |
| Birthplace | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Nationality | Croatian |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Position | Attacking midfielder |
| Height | 1.72 metres |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Como 1907 |
| Shirt Number | 20 |
| National Team | Croatia |
| Father | Mate Baturina |
| Brother | Roko Baturina |
| Famous For | Creative midfield play for Croatia and Como |
Who Is Martin Baturina?
Martin Baturina is an attacking midfielder who can create chances, carry the ball forward and connect midfield with attack.
He became widely recognised during his successful period at Dinamo Zagreb. His performances in Croatia’s domestic league and European competitions showed that he could influence matches despite his young age.
Baturina later moved to Como, where he continued his development in Serie A under head coach Cesc Fàbregas.
Readers interested in other young midfield talents can also explore the career of Bradley Ibrahim, an English midfielder known for his competitive approach.
Early Life and Football Family
Martin Baturina was born on 16 February 2003 in Zurich, Switzerland. He was born there while his father was playing professional football in Switzerland.
His father, Mate Baturina, was a professional striker who played for clubs including Hajduk Split. Growing up in a football family gave Martin an early understanding of training, competition and professional standards.
His older brother, Roko Baturina, also became a professional footballer. Roko plays primarily as a centre-forward.
Martin and Roko both spent time in Hajduk Split’s youth system. Their shared football background helped make the sport an important part of family life.
Youth Career and Development
Baturina began his football education with Hajduk Split before continuing his development at RNK Split.
In 2017, he joined the Dinamo Zagreb academy. The move proved important because Dinamo has a strong reputation for producing technically gifted Croatian players.
He developed his passing, movement and decision-making within the academy. His ability to find space and create attacking opportunities helped him progress through the youth levels.
His path shares some similarities with Federico Redondo, another midfielder who entered professional football with the influence of a successful footballing father.
Dinamo Zagreb Debut
Baturina made his senior Dinamo Zagreb debut on 16 May 2021 against Gorica.
He was still a teenager, but his technical confidence allowed him to compete for further first-team opportunities. He also gained experience with Dinamo Zagreb II during the early stage of his senior career.
His first senior goal for Dinamo came against Šibenik in March 2022. It was another sign that he could contribute directly in attacking areas.
Baturina continued to earn more responsibility as he developed. He moved from being a promising academy graduate to becoming a regular creative player for the senior team.
European Football Experience
Playing for Dinamo gave Baturina opportunities to appear in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
One of his most memorable early European appearances came against Chelsea in September 2022. Dinamo earned a famous 1–0 Champions League victory in Zagreb.
European competition exposed him to faster matches, stronger opponents and greater tactical pressure. These experiences helped prepare him for the demands of a major European league.
His development as an attacking midfielder may also interest readers following Rico Richards, who can operate between midfield and wide attacking positions.
Career Achievements at Dinamo Zagreb
Baturina enjoyed a highly successful period with Dinamo Zagreb. According to Como 1907, he made 165 senior appearances for Dinamo across all competitions.
He recorded 22 goals and 33 assists during that period. These figures showed his ability to score as well as create chances for teammates.
He also made 38 appearances in UEFA competitions and scored three European goals.
His honours with Dinamo included:
- Four Croatian league titles
- Two Croatian Cups
- Two Croatian Super Cups
Baturina’s domestic success made him one of the most accomplished Croatian players of his age group.
Move to Como 1907
Como officially announced Baturina’s signing in June 2025. The transfer became effective on 1 July 2025.
He signed a five-year contract running until June 2030. The move gave him the chance to test himself in Serie A and work under former Spain and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas.
Baturina explained that Como’s project and ambitions influenced his decision. He was also attracted by the coach’s plans for his development.
Moving from Croatia to Italy brought new challenges. Serie A required him to adapt to greater tactical discipline, defensive organisation and faster decision-making.
Readers exploring other players with Italian football experience can read about Giacomo Raspadori, another technically skilled attacking player.
First Season in Serie A
Baturina did not immediately become an automatic starter at Como. He had to compete for opportunities and adjust to a different football environment.
His performances improved during 2026. He became more influential as he gained confidence and understood the team’s tactical system.
He finished the 2025–26 Serie A season with six goals and three assists from 29 league appearances. His attacking output was particularly impressive because he played only 1,569 league minutes.
FIFA highlighted his progress during 2026, noting that his form placed him more firmly in the conversation around Croatia’s future midfield. His improvement demonstrated patience and the ability to respond positively to competition.
Croatia Youth Career
Baturina represented Croatia at several youth levels before reaching the senior national team.
He played for the country’s under-15, under-16, under-18, under-19 and under-21 sides. These appearances allowed him to develop within Croatia’s national football system.
He made 14 appearances and scored twice for the under-21 team.
His steady progress through different age groups showed that national coaches had followed his development for several years.
Senior Croatia Career
Baturina made his senior Croatia debut on 18 November 2023. He entered as a substitute during a 2–0 European Championship qualifying victory over Latvia.
He was later selected for Croatia’s UEFA Euro 2024 squad. The tournament gave him his first experience at a major senior international competition.
He scored his first senior international goal against Poland in the UEFA Nations League in October 2024.
By the 2026 World Cup, Baturina had become a more established member of the Croatian squad. He started alongside experienced midfielders Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić against Panama during the group stage.
FIFA has described him as an important part of Croatia’s emerging generation as the team prepares for life beyond some of its most experienced stars.
Martin Baturina’s Playing Style
Baturina mainly plays as an attacking midfielder. He can also work in central midfield or move into wider creative areas.
His key strengths include:
- Close ball control
- Accurate forward passing
- Vision around the penalty area
- Quick combinations
- Dribbling in tight spaces
- Progressive ball carrying
- Long-range shooting
- Creating chances for forwards
He likes to receive possession between the opposition’s midfield and defence. From there, he can turn, carry the ball forward or find a teammate with a decisive pass.
Baturina is not a defensive midfielder, but his intelligence and movement allow him to contribute during pressing situations.
Another technically intelligent midfielder featured on the website is Azzedine Ounahi, who is also recognised for creativity and ball progression.
Comparison With Luka Modrić
Baturina has often been compared with Croatian legend Luka Modrić because both players are creative midfielders who developed at Dinamo Zagreb.
However, Baturina has said that there will never be another Modrić. He believes they have different styles even though they share certain technical qualities.
Baturina generally operates closer to the opposition’s goal. He looks for assists, shots and combinations in advanced areas.
Modrić has influenced matches from deeper positions for much of his career. The comparison can therefore create unrealistic expectations for a young player who is still building his own identity.
Personality and Interests
Baturina has presented himself publicly as an ambitious but calm young player.
He enjoys playing video games and follows both the NBA and UFC. Stephen Curry is his favourite basketball player, while he has also spoken positively about UFC fighter Ilia Topuria’s mentality.
He enjoys psychological thriller films and follows several sports outside football.
Baturina has named Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić among the elite players he enjoys watching.
Current Status
As of June 2026, Martin Baturina plays for Como 1907 and remains under contract until June 2030.
He completed a productive first Serie A campaign and increased his importance within the Croatia national team.
At 23, he still has time to improve his consistency, tactical awareness and influence across full matches. His development in Italy could determine how far he progresses at club and international level.
Conclusion
Martin Baturina has developed from a talented football child into an important Croatian international and Serie A midfielder.
His successful Dinamo Zagreb career brought trophies, European experience and national recognition. His move to Como then gave him the opportunity to prove himself in one of Europe’s strongest leagues.
His vision, close control and attacking intelligence make him one of Croatia’s most exciting young players. The next stage of his journey will show whether he can become a long-term leader for both Como and the national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Martin Baturina?
He is 23 years old as of June 2026.
When was Martin Baturina born?
He was born on 16 February 2003.
Where was Martin Baturina born?
He was born in Zurich, Switzerland.
What is Martin Baturina’s nationality?
He is Croatian.
What position does Martin Baturina play?
He mainly plays as an attacking midfielder.
Which club does Martin Baturina play for?
He plays for Como 1907 in Italy.
What is Martin Baturina’s height?
He is approximately 1.72 metres tall.
Who is Martin Baturina’s father?
His father is former professional footballer Mate Baturina.
Does Martin Baturina play for Croatia?
Yes, he represents Croatia at senior international level.
How many goals did he score in the 2025–26 Serie A season?
He scored six league goals for Como.



