Martin Erlić (Croatian pronunciation: [mǎrtin êːrlitɕ]; born 24 January 1998) is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Midtjylland in the Danish Superliga and for the Croatia national team.
Career Path
Erlić was born on 24 January 1998 in Zadar, Croatia.
He began his youth career at a small local club, then joined the youth ranks of Dinamo Zagreb before moving on to HNK Rijeka.
In 2014 he moved abroad to join the youth academy of Parma Calcio 1913. After Parma’s bankruptcy, he continued his youth development at US Sassuolo Calcio.
His first senior-level playing time came on loan at FC Südtirol during the 2017-2018 season, where he made 30 appearances and scored a goal.
After that, he spent time with Spezia Calcio — initially on loan, then permanently — playing regularly in Italy’s lower divisions and then Serie A.
In 2021, he returned to Sassuolo for a period.
Most recently (as of 2025), he joined FC Midtjylland in Denmark, signing a five-year contract. This transfer reportedly cost around €5 million (plus potential bonuses), making him one of Midtjylland’s most expensive signings.
On the international side, he progressed through Croatian youth national teams (U17, U18, U19, etc.) and in 2022 made his debut for the senior Croatia national football team.
Playing Style
Erlić stands out physically — at about 1.92 meters tall, he has the height and build advantageous for a central defender (aerial duels, physical challenges).
He is primarily a right-footed centre-back, comfortable in typical central-defender tasks: marking, tackling, aerial duels, defensive awareness.
According to data from his recent matches (club & European competitions), he shows good defensive statistics: decent number of recoveries, tackles, and pass completion rates — which suggests he combines defensive solidity with reasonable ball-playing ability.
He brings leadership and composure: some sources describing his move to Midtjylland emphasise his character, discipline, and ability to organize the defense.
Achievements & Recognition
He rose through competitive youth systems in Croatia and Italy, which laid a strong technical and tactical foundation.
Made his senior professional breakthrough with consistent play time at Südtirol and Spezia, then eventually cemented himself in top-level football with Sassuolo and later Midtjylland.
His transfer to Midtjylland in 2025 marked a high-profile move: reportedly the club’s record signing, underlining how he is valued as a top centre-back.
At the national level, earning call-ups to the Croatia national team and making his senior debut in 2022 shows he’s recognized as part of Croatia’s defensive pool.
