Dani Olmo’s Gesture That Earned Applause From the Croatian Press

An Emotional Return to Croatia

Dani Olmo returned to Croatia with the Spanish national team for a very special match, but he ended up moving the local press before even stepping onto the field. During the pre-match press conference, the FC Barcelona player spoke about the close bond he still has with the country where he completed a key part of his development as a footballer.

The attacking midfielder, who is set to play on Croatian soil for the first time since leaving Dinamo Zagreb, answered in perfect Croatian when asked about a charitable initiative he had previously kept away from the spotlight.

Olmo confirmed that he gives part of his salary to help families in Vukovar and other cities affected by the Balkan wars. His answer immediately drew applause from the journalists in the room.

“I Felt I Owed Something to Croatia”

The Spain international explained that he began making the contributions after leaving Dinamo and continued doing so during his spell at Leipzig and now as a Barcelona player.

“I didn’t know this had become public. When I left, I felt I owed something to Croatia and wanted to give something back, so we decided to make this donation to families in Vukovar. I felt I owed something and believed this was the best idea,” he explained.

For Olmo, the gesture is closely tied to the years he spent in the country and everything he received during a crucial stage of his career. The Spaniard arrived in Zagreb at a young age and took the steps there that eventually propelled him into European football’s elite.

An Experience That Stayed With Him

The support is not limited to Vukovar. It also reaches places such as Slavonski Brod, where Olmo had the chance to spend time with children and take part in different sports activities.

“I was there with the kids and we played a little that day. We did some activities related to sports,” the midfielder recalled.

That experience reinforced his desire to maintain a deeper connection with Croatia. “I felt I had to give something back to Croatia for everything it had given me, and I thought doing it through Common Goal was the best way,” he added.

One Percent of His Salary to Help Others

The amount Olmo contributes to the initiative represents 1% of his gross salary and is donated through Common Goal, the charitable movement launched by Juan Mata that brings together footballers and other figures from the sport to support social projects.

The organization works with initiatives aimed mainly at young people and vulnerable communities in different countries, using football as a tool to fight social inequality.

For Olmo, however, there is something far more personal behind the percentage. Croatia was his home for years and played an essential role in his development. Now, every season, a small part of what he earns goes back to the country that helped shape his career.

A Bond Dani Olmo Has Never Forgotten

• Olmo donates 1% of his gross salary through Common Goal.
• Part of the support goes to families in Vukovar and Slavonski Brod affected by the consequences of war.
• His explanation in Croatian earned applause from the local press during the news conference.

Subscribe to watch beIN SPORTS LIVE

You Might Also Like: