Fans struggle to recognise Premier League hero who scored four against Liverpool

On Feb 22, 2023

Former Premier League marksman Mark Viduka looks almost unrecognisable in his new life as a coffee shop owner.

Viduka, 47, scored 92 goals in 240 English top flight appearances for Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, four of which came against Liverpool in a memorable 4-3 victory at Elland Road in November 2000.

Since hanging up his boots aged 33 in 2009, however, he’s opted to shy away from the limelight with his wife and three sons. Up until 18 months ago he didn’t even have a social media account.

Instead, Viduka has been living a quiet life in the hills north of the Croatian capital Zagreb, where he moved to as a teenager from Melbourne Knights in his home country.

“I left Australia to sign for Dinamo Zagreb aged 19 and fell in love with the lifestyle,” he told the Daily Mail in September 2021. “And we’d always wanted to run a cafe, for fun really, one where everyone was welcome.

“So here we are. Listen, my missus does all the work, I just sit here and drink coffee.”

Did you recognise Viduka? Let us know in the comments section.

Viduka now lives a quiet life in the Croatian hills
(Image: Instagram/markviduka9)

He looks almost unrecognisable from his playing days
(Image: Instagram/markviduka9)

Viduka will always have a place in Leeds folklore for his four-goal heroics against Liverpool – but the man himself didn’t even think it was that impressive.

He said: “I didn’t play that well. Some bad touches, poor hold-up play, that stays in your mind. I had four shots that day, scored four goals. How often does that happen?”

Viduka memorably scored four goals for Leeds against Liverpool in November 2000
(Image: Getty Images)

Since taking to Instagram in late 2021, Viduka has been giving fans an insight into his activities in Croatia, where his parents were born. And when he’s not helping out at coffee shop Non Plus Ultra, the ex-striker tries his hand at music.

“Other than drink coffee, I play the guitar,” Viduka added. “My son, Oliver, is a drummer in a band. When one of his mates can’t make it, I jump in.

“We use our basement. The neighbours aren’t very happy about it! Me and the boys love Arctic Monkeys. The lyrics, man, genius.”