Nikola Katić

Nikola Katić ( born 10 October 1996) is a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Swiss Super League club Zürich and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

Katić started his professional career at HNK Stolac, before joining Neretvanac Opuzen in 2014. Two years later he switched to Slaven Belupo. In 2018, he was transferred to Rangers, who loaned him to Hajduk Split in 2021. The following year, he signed with Zürich.

A former Croatian youth international, Katić even made his senior international debut for Croatia, only to switch his allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024.

Early career
Katić came through the youth setup of HNK Stolac, which he joined in 2001. He made his professional debut in 2013 at the age of 16, before moving to Croatian team Neretvanac Opuzen in March 2014.

In December 2015, he switched to Slaven Belupo. On 7 May 2017, he scored his first professional goal in a triumph over Istra 1961.

Rangers
In June 2018, Katić was transferred to Scottish side Rangers for an undisclosed fee. He made his official debut for the club in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Shkupi on 12 July. On 2 August, he scored his first goal for Rangers in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Osijek. A week later, he made his league debut against Aberdeen. On 20 April 2019, he scored his first league goal for the team in a defeat of Hearts.

In October, Katić signed a new four-year contract with the squad.

In July 2020, he suffered a severe knee injury, which was diagnosed as an anterior cruciate ligament tear and was ruled out for at least six months. Over a year after the injury, on 24 July 2021, he returned to the pitch.

He won his first trophy with the club on 7 March, when they were crowned league champions.

In August, he was sent on a season-long loan to Hajduk Split.

Zürich
In August 2022, Katić moved to Swiss outfit Zürich on a three-year deal. He made his competitive debut for the side in a UEFA Europa League game against PSV. A week later, he made his league debut against Winterthur. On 13 November, he scored his first goal for Zürich in a victory over Servette.

In October 2023, he extended his contract with the team until June 2026.

International career
After representing Croatia at the under-21 level, Katić made his senior international debut in a friendly game against Mexico on 28 May 2017. However, in April 2024, he decided that he would play for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the future.

In May, his request to change sports citizenship from Croatian to Bosnian was approved by FIFA. Later that month, he received his first senior call-up, for friendly games against England and Italy. He debuted against the former on 3 June.

Honours
Rangers
 * Scottish Premiership: 2020–21

Hajduk Split
 * Croatian Cup: 2021–22