Josip Drmić
A Swiss striker whose career was a rollercoaster of promising breakthroughs and persistent, challenging injuries.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: August 8·Millennials
Biography
Josip Drmić's football story is one of tantalizing potential repeatedly interrupted. Born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, his early promise was unmistakable. A breakout season with FC Zürich earned him a move to the German Bundesliga, where at Bayer Leverkusen he seemed poised for a top-level career. His sharp finishing and clever movement even earned him a spot in Switzerland's 2014 World Cup squad. However, his trajectory was consistently derailed by serious knee and other injuries, which led to frustrating spells at clubs like Borussia Mönchengladbach, Norwich City, and HNK Rijeka. Each return to fitness brought hope, but the relentless physical setbacks ultimately defined his journey. His retirement marked the end of a career that, for many fans, was left wondering about the heights he might have reached with sustained health.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Josip was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Josip Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Josip's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored 17 goals in 33 league appearances for FC Zürich in the 2013-14 season, winning the Swiss Super League Golden Boot.
- Represented Switzerland at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
- Played in several top European leagues, including the German Bundesliga and English Premier League.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in German, Croatian, and English.
He holds both Swiss and Croatian citizenship.
His younger brother, Filip Drmić, is also a professional footballer.
He scored a hat-trick for Switzerland in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino.
“I just want to play football, but my body keeps saying no.”
