CLUB HISTROY
The history of NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac began on 14 May 1975, when NK Trnsko 75 was founded. In its very first official season, the club demonstrated its ambition and sporting character by finishing first in the Municipal League and earning promotion to a higher division. This marked the beginning of the club’s continuous rise through the ranks.
In 1976, the club changed its name to ONK Novi Zagreb, under which it continued to operate and develop strongly over the following years. The 1980s were marked by important organisational and infrastructural progress. In 1983, changing rooms were built next to Dom Siget, the playing field was expanded, and the club adopted its first statute, crest and flag. The same year also saw the establishment of the first youth teams, including cadets and younger age groups, laying the foundations for long-term development and the creation of the club’s own player development system.
At the beginning of the 1990s, the club adopted a clear development programme aimed at creating the conditions required to compete in higher divisions by improving its staff, infrastructure and playing potential. In 1992, during the extremely difficult circumstances of the Croatian War of Independence, the club changed its name once again, becoming NK Novi Zagreb. It was precisely during this challenging period that the club demonstrated its strength and character. The team finished first and earned promotion to the South League, before winning the title again the following season and securing promotion to the Third League.
A historic moment came on 22 February 1994, when the club adopted the name it still proudly carries today, NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac. The name symbolises fighting spirit, unity and the spirit of the period in which the club developed, as well as the values that remain deeply embedded in its identity.
Over the years, Hrvatski Dragovoljac has achieved numerous significant successes, including several appearances in Croatia’s top football division, as well as international appearances in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1997, 1998 and 1999. The club has always been recognised as an environment that gives talented players the opportunity to develop, and many notable footballers have worn the Hrvatski Dragovoljac shirt, including Marcelo Brozović, Robert Prosinečki, Blaž Slišković, Boris Živković, Ivan Strinić, Ardian Kozniku, Vladimir Vasilj and many others.
Today, NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac plays its home matches at the Stjepan Spajić Football Centre, named in honour of the club’s first president. The stadium remains the place where new chapters in the club’s rich history continue to be written.
The history of Hrvatski Dragovoljac is a story of perseverance, hard work and belief in its own values. It is the story of a club that has grown alongside its city, its community and its country.