Latvian champions FC RFS have secured a new first-choice goalkeeper just in time for their European adventure, bringing in Croatian shot-stopper Marko Marić.
The 29-year-old arrives from Bosnian Premier League side Zrinjski Mostar, where he spent the last two seasons. During his time there, Marić featured in 88 matches, helping the club to two league titles and two cup victories. His standout contributions came in the 2022/23 season, when Zrinjski made history by reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage. There, he played a pivotal role in the club’s memorable win over AZ Alkmaar and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against English Premier League side Aston Villa.
Though Marić holds Croatian citizenship, he was born in Vienna and began his footballing journey in the youth academy of Austrian giants Rapid Wien. He progressed through the ranks and made his Austrian Bundesliga debut in 2014 at just 18 years old.
In 2015, Marić was signed by Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim for €500,000. However, he never made an appearance for the German side’s senior team and instead gained experience through loan spells — first with Lechia Gdańsk in Poland’s Ekstraklasa, and later with Norwegian top-tier club Lillestrøm.
In 2020, Marić made the move to Major League Soccer, playing two seasons with Houston Dynamo. Before his stint in Bosnia, he also spent over a year as the backup goalkeeper at Greek Super League club Atromitos.
RFS were in urgent need of a new goalkeeper after last season’s number one, Fabrice Ondoa, left the club following the expiration of his contract on June 30. With veteran Jevgenijs Nerugals and young talent Sergejs Vilkovs failing to convince head coach Viktors Morozs, the club opted to bring in a more experienced and reliable option for the crucial summer ahead.
Marić is expected to play a key role as RFS prepare to face Estonian champions FCI Levadia in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
