Mladen Petrić: A Career Journey Through European Football
Mladen Petrić established himself as a versatile and clinical striker, carving out a distinguished career across some of Europe's most competitive leagues. From his early breakthroughs in Switzerland to high-profile stints in Germany, England, and Greece, Petrić demonstrated a consistent ability to find the back of the net and adapt to various tactical systems.
Key Facts
- Swiss Success: Won two championships with Grasshopper Club and one with FC Basel.
- Top Scorer: Finished as the Swiss Super League's top goal scorer in the 2006–07 season with 19 goals.
- Bundesliga Impact: Played for both Borussia Dortmund and Hamburger SV.
- Premier League Experience: Had spells with Fulham and West Ham United.
- Versatility: Once stepped in as an emergency goalkeeper for FC Basel, successfully saving a penalty.
Early Career and Rise at Grasshopper Club
Petrić began his professional ascent at Grasshopper Club (GC), signing ahead of the 1999–2000 Nationalliga A season. His start was challenging under head coach Roy Hodgson, who frequently preferred foreign players in attacking roles. However, the appointment of Hans-Peter Zaugg saw Petrić break into the first team, scoring three goals in his first five appearances.
During his tenure at GC, Petrić secured two league championships (2000–01 and 2002–03). While he reached the Swiss Cup final in 2002 and 2004, the club finished as runners-up on both occasions. By the time he departed in the summer of 2004, Petrić had recorded 30 league goals in 114 domestic appearances.
Dominance with FC Basel
In 2004, Petrić moved to FC Basel for a transfer fee of approximately €3 million. Under coach Christian Gross, he quickly integrated into the squad, debuting on July 17, 2004. Despite an injury that sidelined him for the end of his first season, he contributed five league goals to Basel's 2004–05 championship win.
Petrić's European pedigree grew during the 2005–06 UEFA Cup campaign, where he scored his first European goal against NK Široki Brijeg. He played 13 of 14 matches that season, helping Basel reach the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by Middlesbrough.
The 2006–07 season marked a personal peak for Petrić. He finished as the league's top scorer with 19 goals and was voted Player of the Year by fans. He also helped Basel secure the Swiss Cup with a 1–0 victory over Luzern. One of the most memorable moments of his Basel career occurred on November 23, 2006, when he acted as an emergency goalkeeper after Franco Costanzo was sent off, successfully saving a penalty from Mickaël Chrétien to preserve a 2–2 draw against Nancy.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Super League | 72 | 38 |
| Swiss Cup | 11 | 4 |
| UEFA Competitions | 29 | 8 |
| Friendly Games | 29 | 29 |
| Total | 141 | 79 |
The Bundesliga Years: Dortmund and Hamburg
On June 11, 2007, Petrić joined Borussia Dortmund. Although initially signed as a playmaker in a 4–4–2 diamond system, he proved more effective as a striker. He enjoyed a strong debut season, including a brace against Werder Bremen and a stoppage-time equalizer against Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final.
In August 2008, Petrić transferred to Hamburger SV in a deal involving Mohamed Zidan, with Dortmund receiving an undisclosed fee believed to be around €5 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring the winner against Bayer Leverkusen in September 2008 and netting five goals across three matches in late September and early October.
One of his standout moments at Hamburg came in the 2010 Europa League semi-final, where he scored a crucial free-kick goal against Fulham, though Hamburg ultimately lost the tie 2–1 on aggregate.
English Premier League and Final Chapters
Following his release from Hamburg in 2012, Petrić signed a one-year contract with Fulham to reunite with manager Martin Jol. He enjoyed a spectacular debut against Norwich City, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 5–0 victory.
After leaving Fulham, he joined West Ham United on a one-year deal in September 2013. However, his time in East London was brief; he made only four appearances before being released in December 2013.
Petrić spent the final stage of his career in Greece with Panathinaikos, signing a one-and-a-half-year deal in January 2014. He scored key goals against PAOK, Olympiacos, and PAS Giannina. He officially retired from professional football on May 28, 2016. Following his retirement, he pursued legal action in 2017 to recover €210,000 in unpaid wages from the Greek club.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which club did Mladen Petrić score the most goals for?
Mladen Petrić scored the most goals for FC Basel, netting a total of 79 goals across 141 appearances, including friendly matches.
Did Mladen Petrić ever play as a goalkeeper?
Yes, during a match for FC Basel against Nancy on November 23, 2006, Petrić took over in goal after the regular goalkeeper was sent off and all substitutions had been used. He successfully saved a penalty during this stint.
How many league titles did Petrić win in Switzerland?
Petrić won three Swiss league titles: two with Grasshopper Club (2000–01 and 2002–03) and one with FC Basel (2004–05).
Which English clubs did Mladen Petrić play for?
Petrić played for two English Premier League clubs: Fulham and West Ham United.
When did Mladen Petrić retire from professional football?
Mladen Petrić announced his retirement from professional football on May 28, 2016, after his tenure with Panathinaikos.