Toni Vuković from Hajduk Signs for Torino: Contract Until 2029
Young Croatian defender Toni Vuković, who went viral at age 11 for celebrating Jan Mlakar's goal at Rujevica, has left Hajduk and signed with Italian Serie A side Torino.
Young Croatian defender Toni Vuković, who went viral at age 11 for celebrating Jan Mlakar's goal at Rujevica, has left Hajduk and signed with Italian Serie A side Torino.
The story that began five years ago as a boy's honest reaction at a football match has now found its continuation in Italy. Sixteen-year-old defender Toni Vuković has signed a contract with Torino, taking a major step in his young career and becoming the newest member of the famous Italian club's youth setup.
Vuković first became known to the wider public after an unforgettable Adriatic derby at Rujevica. As an 11-year-old, he was part of Rijeka's football school and served as a ball boy during that match. Hajduk celebrated a dramatic comeback victory, winning 3-2, with Jan Mlakar scoring the decisive goal for the visitors in the 98th minute.
Amid the wild celebrations of the Split players, young Vuković couldn't hide his excitement and celebrated the goal. The footage of his reaction quickly spread across social media, but what was a moment of pure football joy for him sparked a wave of negative comments from a section of Rijeka's fans.
The reactions to the viral video were so intense that his parents soon requested his release from Rijeka after the derby. The young footballer left his boyhood club and joined Hajduk's football academy, where he continued his development.
Five years later, Vuković is ready for an entirely new chapter. Torino has offered him a contract until June 30, 2029, and he will first showcase his talent through the club's youth system. After Rijeka and Hajduk, his path now leads to Serie A.
