Petar Musa (Croatian pronunciation: [pětar mûsa]; born 4 March 1998) is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Major League Soccer club FC Dallas and the Croatia national team.

Career Path

• Date of Birth: 4 March 1998 in Zadar, Croatia.

• Early Career:

  • Petar Musa started his football journey in the youth ranks of Zadar, his hometown club, before moving to Dinamo Zagreb‘s youth academy, where he continued his development as a striker.

• Club Journey:

  • Dinamo Zagreb (2015–2017): Musa’s early years were spent at Dinamo Zagreb. Although he was part of the first-team squad, he primarily played for their B team, Dinamo Zagreb II, in the Croatian second division.

  • Loan Spells: To gain more experience, he was loaned out to various clubs, including NK Lokomotiva(2017–2018), where he impressed with his goal-scoring ability in the Croatian First League.

  • Slovan Bratislava (2019–2021): Musa made a move to Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia, where he played in both the domestic league and UEFA Europa League, helping the club win multiple Slovak Super Liga titles and competing on the European stage.

  • Benfica (2021–2023): After a successful stint in Slovakia, Musa signed with Benfica in Portugal. However, he spent much of his time with the B team, gaining valuable experience while also making appearances for the first team in Primeira Liga and European competitions.

  • FC Dallas (2023–present): In 2023, Musa made the move to Major League Soccer and joined FC Dallas, continuing his career in the MLS. His move to the U.S. represents an exciting new chapter in his career, where he aims to make a big impact as a key player.

• International Career:

  • Musa has represented Croatia at various youth levels, and he earned his first senior call-up to the Croatia national team in 2022. His inclusion in the senior squad showcases his growing reputation as a forward with potential to contribute at the international level.

Playing Style

• Position: Musa is primarily a striker, known for his ability to play as a central forward or target man. His playing style is traditional for a physical forward but with a modern twist, as he is also capable of dropping deeper to link play or drifting wide when necessary.

• Strengths:

  • Goal Scoring: Musa is a natural goal-scorer. He is clinical inside the box, with a strong ability to finish chances. Whether it’s with his head, left foot, or right foot, he’s known for his predatory instincts in front of goal.

  • Aerial Ability: Standing at 1.90 meters (6’3″), Musa is a powerful aerial threat, especially from crosses or set pieces. His heading ability makes him dangerous in both attacking and defensive situations.

  • Physicality & Hold-Up Play: Musa uses his physicality to hold off defenders and bring teammates into play. His strength allows him to win duels and retain possession, making him an effective focal point for attacks.

  • Movement & Positioning: Although tall, Musa is agile and has good movement in the box. He can find pockets of space and make well-timed runs to meet crosses or through balls from midfielders.

  • Finishing in Tight Spaces: Musa excels in tight areas, showing a knack for scoring under pressure or in crowded penalty boxes, which is vital for a striker of his caliber.

Achievements & Recognition

• Domestic Success:

  • Slovan Bratislava: Musa enjoyed success with Slovan Bratislava, winning Slovak Super Liga titles and making an impact in both league and UEFA Europa League matches.

  • Benfica: Although his time at Benfica was limited, he contributed to the team’s Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal successes, even if much of his time was spent with the B team.

  • FC Dallas: At FC Dallas, Musa is beginning to make an impact in Major League Soccer and is seen as an important attacking addition to the team.

• International Career:

  • Croatia National Team: Musa’s move into the Croatia national team fold began with youth selections and later transitioned to the senior team. While still early in his international career, his presence is indicative of his ability and future potential for Croatia.

  • UEFA Euro 2024 & Beyond: As Croatia looks to the future, Musa’s growth as a striker could be an asset in upcoming international tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cupqualifiers.

• Individual Recognition:

  • Musa is widely recognized for his physical presence, aerial ability, and goal-scoring instincts. He is seen as a striker with significant potential, both in MLS and on the international stage.