Ante Budimir Biography: From Croatian Roots to International Stardom

Ante Budimir is a Croatian football player born on 22 July 1991 in Zenica, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia. He presently plays for Osasuna, wearing jersey number 17.

He plays as a striker who started his career with the team Radnik Velika Gorica in the year 1998.

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Ante Budimir spent his childhood days in Croatia

Born in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on July 22, 1991, Ante Budimir spent his early years in Croatia after his family relocated there. He showed an innate flair for football as a child, and his love for the game was apparent from an early age. 

As Budimir honed his skills in the Croatian football system, his Croatian upbringing greatly influenced the course of his career.

He probably had to overcome the difficulties of growing up as a refugee because of the Bosnian War, but he found inspiration in football and a means of assimilating into his community.

Budimiri playing for his old team, Mallorca. Source: RD Mallorca

He was regarded as a quiet and reflective youngster who would rather practice his skills than be distracted. His family was crucial in helping him achieve his goals; they supported his desire to play professional football while making sure he remained grounded.

His professional career was eventually made possible by his commitment to the sport.

Ante Budimir Spent His Childhood Learning Football

From an early age, his primary focus was on advancing his football career. In his early years, he probably juggled his studies with intense training sessions, like many would-be football players.

Budimir entered the youth program of NK Radnik Velika Gorica to start his football career. Significant commitment would have been needed for this experience, which frequently resulted in less focus on academic goals as he advanced in competitive football.

Football academies frequently have their players attend classes during practice. But they frequently modify their schedules to fit in with their athletic obligations.

Although his academic background may not be widely known, Budimir’s professional and disciplined attitude to his football career indicates that it would have enhanced his early growth on both a personal and professional level.

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Ante Budimir’s Family Were A Refugee

The family of Ante Budimir is from the Bosnian hamlet of Ozimica. They escaped the war to Croatia when he was only six months old. He was born in Zenica since, at the time, it was the closest town with a hospital that could offer quality care.

Unfortunately, while he was very little, his father died in a car accident. Following their relocation from Zenica due to the conflict, his mother, Janja Budimir, reared him and his two sisters, Renata and Irena, in Velika Gorica.

Although Budimir’s parents are rarely mentioned in public, their impact can be seen in the principles he upholds, which include perseverance, self-control, and commitment.

His character and work ethic, which have been crucial to his football career, were probably greatly influenced by his family.

Ante Budimir Officially Started Playing Football at the age of 7 

Before joining NK Inter Zaprešić, Ante Budimir started his club career with NK Radnik Velika Gorica, where he demonstrated his talent as a promising striker. Due to his performances, he was transferred to NK Lokomotiva in 2013 and then to HNK Gorica.

Budimir made his first foray outside of Croatia in 2014 when he joined FC St. Pauli of Germany; however, he was unable to establish himself.

He joined the Italian team Crotone in 2016, and his contributions helped them advance to Serie A. Budimir left Sampdoria for a short time, then went back to Crotone before relocating to Mallorca, Spain.

He performed exceptionally well in Mallorca, which helped the squad be promoted to La Liga.

Budimir was loaned to CA Osasuna, a top-tier team, on October 5, 2020, for the 2020–21 campaign. Osasuna declared on June 7, 2021, that Budimir had signed a permanent contract that will last until June 2025.

Budimir playing for his current team, Osasuna. Source: Transfermarkt

He achieved a new personal record in La Liga with 17 goals in the 2023–24 season, making him the team’s top scorer.

Due to his steady performances, he was transferred to CA Osasuna, where he established himself as a vital member of the team and was renowned for his ability to score important goals in top-tier football.

Ante Budmir Debuted for Croatia in 2020

He made his debut for the Croatian national team in a friendly match against Switzerland on October 7, 2020, marking the start of his international career later than usual.

His promotion was a result of his diligence and steady play at the club level, especially with Mallorca and Osasuna in Spain’s La Liga.

Budimir demonstrated his talent for being effective in front of goal on November 11, 2020, when he scored his first goal for his country against Turkey in another friendly encounter.

Despite not being a consistent starter, he has been an asset to the team and given Croatia a dependable attacking option because of his physicality, strength in the air, and ability to hold up play.

Budimir at 2024 Euro. Source: Croatiansports.com

Budimir played for Croatia in important competitions, such as the World Cup qualifying tournament and the UEFA Nations League. In one of the most competitive national teams in Europe, his contributions highlight his role as a reliable team player.

Ante Budimir stands out with his perfect, dynamic playing style

A legendary target man, Ante Budimir is renowned for his physical presence, aerial prowess, and deft boxing technique.

His ability to win duels, hold up play, and link assaults makes him a useful weapon for teams that rely on direct play and crosses. He stands tall. 

Under duress, Budimir maintains his composure and frequently converts important opportunities with headers or accurate finishes.

His adaptability is enhanced by his work rate and defender-pressing skills, and his tactical understanding allows him to adjust to various systems with ease.

Ante Budimir Is Married To Monika Budimir

Monika Budimir is the wife of Ante Budimir, a Croatian forward who plays for Osasuna and the Croatian national team. They got married in 2019 after dating for a number of years. From Vukovar, Monika appreciates her privacy and keeps a low profile, even if her spouse is well-known.

Budimir with his family. Source: vecernji

Together, they have three kids, including their son Tom. Monika frequently attends Ante’s games and gives him her whole support, as she was spotted in Qatar during the world cup match between Croatia and Morocco in December 2022. 

Ante Budimiri Real-Life Personality

Being up in the Croatian village of Zenica, he is renowned for having a grounded and modest demeanor. Budimir is calm and focused on and off the field, and many who know him describe him as industrious, disciplined, and restrained.

In his football career, he has gained the respect of his teammates and coaches by valuing collaboration and acting professionally.

Budimir has a really quiet existence away from the field. Although he keeps his personal matters quiet, he is known to love spending time with his loved ones and close friends.

His progression from local Croatian leagues to international football demonstrates his tenacity and fortitude, two qualities that are fundamental to his personality.

Budimir’s disposition also exhibits a deep appreciation for the chances football has given him.

What is the FIFA rating of Ante Budimiri?

The Croatian professional football player Budimir’s overall rating is 78, and he has a powerful and accurate heading style with higher jumps and better aerial presence. He weights around 75 kg and has a height of 6 feet 3 inches.

Ante Budimiri Net Worth

Ante Budimir’s contract with Osasuna (La Liga) expires on June 30, 2027, having three years and €4,050,000 in estimated gross salary left on it. For the 2024–2025 season, 33-year-old Ante Budimir’s estimated base salary is €1,350,000, or €25,962 gross per week (not including bonuses).

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Aastha Pokharel

Aastha Pokharel

Hello, This is Aastha Pokharel belonging to a culturally diversified country Nepal. Being a passionate football fan , I delved into the world of sports for providing the latest rumors, personal informations or events relating to the football to our core football fans. So join me in as I strive to capture the details creating engaging content that celebrates the sports we all admire.
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Player Info

Full Name

Ante Budimir

Nickname

Not Known

Date Of Birth

July 22, 1991

Place Of Birth

Zenica, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia

Nationality

Croatian

Ethnicity

Croatian

Height

6 feet 3 inch

Marital Status

Married

Parents

  • Not Known

Instagram

Twitter

Professional Career

Current Team

Osasuna

Club Jersey Num

17

National Team

Croatia

Youth Team(s)

  • Radnik Velika Gorica
  • LASK

Position(s)

Striker

Preferred Foot

Left

Playing Style

Centre-forward with great head style

Market Value

5 million euros

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