Adrian Segečić switches allegiance to Croatia from Australia

The Croatian Football Federation has persuaded another promising diaspora player to represent the national team, with Adrian Segečić, a 21-year-old midfielder from Portsmouth, officially switching his international allegiance from Australia to Croatia.

Segečić previously featured for Australia at youth levels — U17, U20 and U23 — but has now opted to continue his international career with the country of his family’s origin.

Born in Westmead, a suburb of Sydney, the midfielder built his reputation in the Australian league before earning a move to England. Since joining Portsmouth, who compete in the Championship, he has quickly attracted attention, scoring the winning goal on his debut.

Eligible immediately for Croatia U21

By changing his sporting nationality, Segečić becomes eligible to play for Croatia’s U21 side, coached by former international striker Ivica Olić.

His decision follows a growing trend of the Croatian federation successfully recruiting players from the global diaspora, strengthening youth squads with talent developed abroad.

Emotional decision for the midfielder

Segečić admitted the choice was difficult, given his upbringing in Australia, but said his family roots ultimately proved decisive.

“It wasn’t easy to make this decision because I grew up in Australia and represented it at youth levels. I want to thank the coaches and teammates I shared a dressing room with,” he said.

“But my family is from Croatia and I feel a connection to the Croatian people, which made me want to represent Croatia as my homeland. I’m grateful to the federation for their dedication during this process — I clearly felt they wanted me to be part of the Croatian football family. I’m looking forward to joining coach Olić.”

Croatia have long relied on players from abroad to strengthen their squads, and Segečić’s arrival adds another option to a generation aiming to progress toward the senior national team.