Damir Kreilach (foto: //)
Croatian footballer Damir Kreilach, originally from Vukovar, has achieved legendary status in MLS, becoming a beloved figure at Real Salt Lake.
Damir Kreilach, a Croatian footballer hailing from Vukovar, has spent the past six years making a name for himself in MLS, achieving legendary status at Real Salt Lake. Kreilach began his career in the youth ranks of Rijeka, and in 2013 he signed for Union Berlin in the German second division.
Five years later, he made the move to America, where he joined Real Salt Lake in 2018. Over his time at the club, Kreilach became an irreplaceable figure, making 166 appearances and scoring 56 goals. His performances cemented him as one of the most beloved players in the club's history.
Last year, Kreilach left Salt Lake and joined Vancouver Whitecaps, but he is now set to return to the place where he enjoyed such immense success. In anticipation of his return, Real Salt Lake dedicated a special tribute to their former captain, emphasizing his impact on the club and its fans.
"He was unlike anything we had ever seen..."
"When we signed him in 2018, one of the first things we noticed was the pure love, respect, and outpouring of emotion from Union Berlin fans after his transfer was confirmed, which was unlike anything we had ever seen for a player joining us."
Through his behavior, respect, and interactions with others, Kreilach quickly won the hearts of his teammates, fans, and staff—an admiration that will last throughout his time at the club.
The architect of a legendary victory over Los Angeles
A special highlight in Kreilach's time at Real Salt Lake came during the 2018 playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in a dramatic victory over Los Angeles FC. In that match, Kreilach opened the scoring to put Salt Lake ahead, but LAFC soon turned the game around. However, Kreilach once again stepped up, scoring the equalizer and leading his team to an eventual victory over the top-seeded LAFC, which featured Carlos Vela, the league’s best player at the time.
"RSL was trailing and needed a hero, a savior. Fans looked to the heavens for a miracle, begging for divine intervention, and the gods answered in the form of Kreilach. From the ashes of despair, the future captain emerged once again as the team’s brightest beacon of hope and light in the darkness."
"Captain, hero, leader. Top protagonist"
"When he scored, it was truly a remarkable effort and a magical, surreal moment for a midfielder. One that undoubtedly deserves the highest honors and greatest exaltations. RSL emerged victorious, with Kreilach reigning as the eternally shining white knight, announcing himself on the biggest stages in the most magnificent, inspiring manner."
The tribute concluded with:
"Captain, hero, leader. Top protagonist. King Kreilach. A true legend among legends. The embodiment of everything RSL stands for and a reflection of everything the club hopes to become. A player who won’t be forgotten anytime soon."