‘World’s most lovely footballer’ and her switch twists as ace breaks silence on transfer

Ana Maria Markovic, who has been dubbed ‘the world’s most beautiful footballer’ has moved to her fifth club in just three years.

Markovic, 26, will be bringing her gorgeous looks and footballing skills to Croatian giants Hajduk Split. The stunning striker had to set the record straight about Split last year – with Wikipedia claiming she was born in the coastal city.

“Thank you Wikipedia for spreading false information for five years. Can you delete it now,” she joked in a recent interview – revealing she was born in Zurich. However, Markovic elected to represent the Croatian national team over her native Switzerland.

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It was in Zurich where Markovic made her professional debut, turning out for Grasshoppers after working her way through the ranks of local rivals FC Zurich.

And at Grasshoppers, Markovic met her now-boyfriend Tomas Ribiero – who was playing for the men’s side. However, when he moved to Vitória Guimarães in his homeland, she also made the jump to Portugal.

Markovic signed on the dotted line with Braga, the move offered her a fresh start after a horror injury that had threatened to derail her career. During the Zurich derby, she suffered a torn ACL, torn meniscus and a broken lower leg.

But it was tough spell in the Portuguese capital for the striker as she made just three competitive appearances for the club and left eight months later.

However, she had unfinished business in Portugal and moved to Damaiense – who also play in the top tier.

America was calling for Markovic last summer when she took the trip stateside to sign for Brooklyn FC – who had been founded in 2023, but the only started playing in 2024. It was a family affair in the US, as she played alongside her sister, Kiki.

She said: “I’ve played in incredible places, but I can already feel the energy around this club and city. Sharing this experience with my sister makes it even more special, and we’re both here to make an impact on the field!”

Her latest club is Hajduk Split, a move which she has described as a “dream”. “Hajduk has always been more than a club for my family and me.

“Following Hajduk from the diaspora was part of everyday life, and now wearing this shirt at Poljud brings special pride and responsibility!”