Alen Bokšić

Lore & Background

Bokšić started his club career at Zmaj from Makarska, then moved to Hajduk Split. He won the Yugoslav Cup in 1987 and 1991 with Hajduk. He moved to Cannes in 1991–92, then to Marseille in 1992. With Marseille he won the 1992–93 UEFA Champions League and was Ligue 1 top scorer. He joined Lazio in December 1993. He later played for Juventus (1996–97), returned to Lazio in 1997, and finished his career at Middlesbrough. He won Serie A titles with Juventus (1996–97) and Lazio (1999–2000). He played for Croatia at Euro 1996 and the 2002 World Cup, but missed the 1998 World Cup due to injury.

In Their Own Story

Bokšić received the ball near the halfway line, the crowd holding its breath. With a flick of his left foot, he bypassed two defenders, the leather sticking to his boot like glue. He drove toward the byline, the blue shirts surging behind him. A cross curled perfectly into the box, a moment of pure artistry that silenced the opposition and ignited the Curva Nord.

Reader's Guide

Bokšić was a dynamic, physically strong forward known for technique, power, and pace. He was injury-prone. He played as a forward, not as a left winger or attacking midfielder. He was voted fourth for the 1993 European Footballer of the Year and named Croatian Footballer of the Year in 1993.

Did You Know?

• Bokšić scored the last ever goal in the Yugoslavian Cup, in the 1991 final against Red Star Belgrade.
• He was the joint top scorer for Marseille in the 1992–93 UEFA Champions League with six goals.
• He provided the assist for Alessandro Del Piero's goal in the 1997 UEFA Champions League final.
• He was Middlesbrough's Player of the Year in the 2000–01 season.