Dani Olmo Set for Emotional Split Return with Spain in Nations League

Olmo will return to Split on Tuesday with Spain seeking to maintain their perfect Nations League record, but the fixture carries a personal significance for the Barcelona playmaker after six formative years in Croatian football.

From Dinamo Zagreb to Barcelona return

1. Olmo left Barcelona’s academy in 2014, aged 16, to join Dinamo Zagreb. The move was considered a sizeable risk for a player departing the Catalan club’s youth system at such an early stage.
2. Dinamo’s faith in him and its development plan convinced Olmo to make the switch. He progressed through the academy before establishing himself in the first team between 2015 and 2020.
3. During his Dinamo career, Olmo scored 34 goals in 124 appearances in all competitions, building the reputation that led to a move to RB Leipzig in 2020.
4. He spent four years in Germany before returning to Barcelona in 2024. Since rejoining the club, he has won two La Liga crowns and the Copa del Rey, recording 20 goals across 96 matches.

Olmo described the trip as an emotional occasion, saying Croatia had given him so much both as a player and as a person. He said his time at Dinamo was among the finest periods of his career, having spent six years in the country.

Spain aim to extend winning run

Spain arrive in Split top of their Nations League group with nine points from three matches. Their previous meeting with Croatia ended in a 4-1 Spanish win in Seville.

Croatia are third on three points, behind England, who sit second with six. Olmo expects a demanding evening against a Croatian side supported by a fiercely committed home crowd.

He said Croatia’s supporters consistently drive their team on, while insisting Spain are ready for the challenge. His experience of the country could prove useful as the visitors pursue another important result in the group.

Olmo praises Yamal’s impact

Olmo also highlighted the contribution of Barcelona and Spain teammate Lamine Yamal during the international break. The Ballon d’Or nominee has made a decisive contribution in each of Spain’s matches so far.

1. Yamal scored in Spain’s 3-2 victory over England.
2. He struck twice and supplied an assist against Croatia.
3. He then added another goal in the 3-1 win over the Czech Republic.

Olmo said Yamal appears more accomplished with every match and praised his influence both in open play and in front of goal. He added that the teenager has become an important figure for both Barcelona and the national side.