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<p>Exclusive Interview</p>
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<img alt="Ivanović discusses record transfer to Benfica and new market value" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/franjo-ivanovic-benfica-lissabon-2025-1761670808-181489.jpg" title="Ivanović discusses record transfer to Benfica and new market value" />
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p>One year ago, striker Franjo Ivanović (22) shared his extraordinary journey into professional football with <em>Transfermarkt</em>. Following his rise at Union SG, a Belgian championship title, and a record-breaking transfer to Benfica in Lisbon, we caught up with the Austrian-born Croatian to discuss his achievements in Saint-Gilles, his new market value, and his experience at the Portuguese giants, which he described as like being in Disneyland.</p>
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<p>In the latest market value update, Ivanović hit a €20 million valuation for the first time on <em>Transfermarkt</em>. "The past few years have been unbelievable," he reflects. "When my value first reached €5 million, I thought it was incredible. Each subsequent update felt surreal, and this latest valuation is just fantastic."</p>
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<h2>Aiming High: Ivanović Sets his Sights on a £100 Million Valuation</h2>
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<p>Regarding his rising market value, Ivanović shares with a smile, "As a player, you're always striving to improve, and market values reflect that. I'm aiming for €30 million now, but ultimately, I'd love to see €100 or €150 million. You should always aim high."</p>
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<p>Reflecting on last summer, Ivanović notes that Royale Union Saint-Gilloise celebrated a championship victory for the first time in 90 years, a success significantly aided by his contributions. "Joining Royale Union Saint-Gilloise was truly a stroke of luck for me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity the club provided," he recalls.</p>
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<p>He praises the Belgian league as an "outstanding" platform for young talent, citing players like Ardon Jashari and himself as examples of the league's effectiveness in fostering development in various aspects, both professionally and personally.</p>
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<h2>Ivanović on Championship Victory Celebrations with Union SG</h2>
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<p>During our last conversation in October 2024, Ivanović had already made a significant impact at Union in both the European Cup and the Jupiler Pro League. However, it wasn't clear at that point that the Blue and Yellows would eventually become champions, despite his contributions of nearly a dozen goals afterward.</p>
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<img alt="Ivanović's breakthrough at Union Saint-Gilloise was a stepping stone to Benfica" height="282" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/ivanovic-franjo-2025-union-sg-1749647993-169929.jpg?lm=1749648007" title="Ivanović's breakthrough at Union Saint-Gilloise was a stepping stone to Benfica" width="503" />
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<p>Ivanović's breakthrough at Union Saint-Gilloise was a stepping stone to Benfica.</p>
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<p>At the end of the regular season, KRC Genk topped the league table, leading by nine points over Club Brugge, with Union in third place. Ivanović reflects, "At that time, we were still finding our rhythm as a team. We were a bit careless and inconsistent, conceding avoidable goals. I never felt other teams were superior; once we gelled, I knew we’d be unstoppable."</p>
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<p>What followed was a remarkable playoff run where Union excelled, winning nine out of ten games while Ivanović continued to score. Across all competitions, he netted 21 goals and provided seven assists, including a pivotal goal on the last matchday that secured victory against Gent.</p>
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<h2>Ivanović Critiques Belgium's Playoff System</h2>
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<p>"In such crucial matches, you're always under intense pressure and fears of failure. When you reach this stage, losing is not an option," states the young striker. "It may sound easy: one game to become champions, but that can turn very quickly. Fortunately, it all worked out in our favor."</p>
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<p>Reflecting on the championship celebration, Ivanović shares, "I had bought cigars in advance, fully confident we would win. I was shocked by their price! We celebrated all night, and I regretted not freshening up before the gala; I may not have smelled my best!"</p>
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<p>While Union benefitted from the playoff format, Ivanović expresses criticism towards its fairness: "Certainly, playoff systems add thrills, but from a player's perspective, it feels unjust. Genk played exceptionally well for months but received no reward in the end."</p>
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<p>The striker's remarkable growth did not go unnoticed by major European clubs. Notably, Bundesliga teams like Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern Munich showed interest, yet Ivanović chose to join Benfica for a record fee of €22.8 million—marking Union’s highest transfer income just ahead of Victor Boniface. At Benfica, only previous young stars Enzo Fernández and Darwin Núñez had been transferred for larger amounts.</p>
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<h2>Discussions with German Clubs and Benfica's Allure</h2>
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<p>"It's a tremendous pride to be linked with such clubs," Ivanović says. "Indeed, I had discussions with some German teams, but my gut feeling at Benfica, combined with the ambitious future plans they presented, was the deciding factor."</p>
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<p>In his early days in Lisbon, Ivanović experienced the enormity of Benfica; with membership eclipsing 400,000, he witnessed the club's massive following firsthand upon arrival, with dozens of journalists and fans eager for his attention.</p>
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<p>"Benfica carries a unique legend, and everything is on a grand scale," he remarks. "At the airport, I was met by 30-40 journalists, and my Instagram was flooded with messages after the transfer was confirmed. The club’s status is apparent in every interaction, as people often seek photos and autographs."</p>
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<h2>Ivanović at Benfica: "It Felt Like Disneyland"</h2>
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<p>Describing his first impressions, Ivanović expresses, "Entering the training ground felt like stepping into Disneyland. The complex is vast, and the facilities are top-notch. But the standout moment was my first home game—the atmosphere made us all run faster and work harder."</p>
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<p>The persistence of Benfica president Rui Costa greatly influenced his decision to join: "When he walks into a room, you feel his presence. He’s a football icon, and it was inspiring to speak with him. Each conversation revealed his deep passion for Benfica, which he strives to instill in others."</p>
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<p>With his transfer fee of €22.8 million, Ivanović ranks among Benfica's top five signings in history, donning the iconic number 9 shirt, a role loaded with expectations. Does this create pressure? "The pressure comes with any high transfer fee, regardless of the shirt number," he clarifies. "You learn to disregard the pressure to perform; on the field, I feel joy rather than stress. Being a professional footballer is the ultimate privilege."</p>
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<h2>Staying Grounded Despite Success</h2>
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<p>Despite his escalating profile, Ivanović emphasizes the importance of humility: "Why should I change just because I’m now a pro earning a bit more? I see players splurging on luxury; that won’t be me. Before indulging in luxury, I’d rather spend quality time with my family in Croatia. A saying I live by is, 'I only have to ensure my inner peace and contentment.'</p>
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<p>Ivanović recalls his first Champions League experiences with humility. "The Champions League anthem carries a unique magic. It represents the pinnacle of club football. As a child, I toured Stamford Bridge; it felt surreal to be in those dressing rooms as a professional. I was like many kids—told to sleep before the match ended. Now I relish every moment in the Champions League."</p>
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<p>2025 also marked his debut for the Croatian national team in March, where he has since earned eight caps and scored two goals. "I’ve always been a fan of the Croatian national team, and stepping onto the pitch was like a scene from a sports ad, realizing my childhood dream," he shares, noting the influence of Ivan Perišić: "His dedication, especially recovering from injury, is truly inspiring."</p>
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<h2>Grateful for Mourinho as His Coach</h2>
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<p>The former FC Augsburg youth player is eager to learn from one of football’s greatest, José Mourinho, who took the helm at Benfica in September. "He has a dual nature," Ivanović explains. "Off the field, he’s fun and approachable. On the pitch, he’s serious and detail-oriented. I'm incredibly thankful to be coached by him. I absorb everything he says, striving to emulate his success, particularly in winning the Champions League."</p>
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<p><em>Interview by Henrik Stadnischenko</em></p>
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