Slaven Bilić poised for Croatia return following Dalić exit
Slaven Bilić is reportedly set to return as the head coach of the Croatia national team, taking over from Zlatko Dalić with a lower base salary supplemented by major performance bonuses.
The Croatian Football Federation is reportedly finalizing an agreement to appoint Slaven Bilić as the new head coach of the national team. Bilić will succeed Zlatko Dalić, who stepped down following Croatia’s Round of 32 exit against Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.
This appointment marks a highly anticipated return for Bilić, who previously managed the national squad between 2006 and 2012.
Financial details indicate Bilić will earn a base salary of €1 million per year, which is half of what his predecessor Dalić commanded. However, the contract structure heavily features lucrative performance-based bonuses designed to reward international success.
The federation favors Bilić’s extensive experience and deep familiarity with the national setup to navigate the team through its upcoming transition period.
