ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2025) – Orlando City SC has acquired winger Marco Pašalić as a Designated Player from HNK Rijeka of Croatia’s Supersport HNL, it was announced today. The Croatian winger will join the Lions on a three-year contract through 2027, with a Club option in 2028, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
“This is an exciting signing for us and we’re happy to have Marco join us here in Orlando,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “His desire to take on defenders and ability to be a constant threat on goal is exactly what we’ve been looking to add during this transfer window. He has a great personality and competitive drive that we feel truly fits the culture we’ve built here at Orlando City and moreover he has a constant desire to win that is infectious. We’re excited to have him wear purple and look forward to all he’ll achieve while representing our Club.”
Pašalić, 24, comes to Orlando with over 200 games of experience in the European leagues, including appearances for Borussia Dortmund, matches in the DFL-Supercup and appearances in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers while at HNK Rijeka. To date, the winger has scored 44 goals and provided 28 assists in professional matches.
"I think it was an easy option for me to decide on. I want to come here to take the next step here in Orlando and come here to show what I can do,” said Pašalić. “I play with heart and I am a fighter on the field, my left foot is my weapon, as well as my dribbling, and I hope to show that here.”
The Karlsruhe, Germany native has made 11 appearances for Croatia’s National Team across all age levels, scoring one goal to date for the Vatreni. Pašalić made his senior national team debut on June 3 of 2024, subbing onto the field in the second half of an international friendly against North Macedonia before scoring his first international goal in the 3-0 win. Pašalić has since featured for Croatia in two more friendlies, as well as two European Qualifiers against Latvia and Armenia, both wins.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC acquires winger Marco Pašalić as a Designated Player from HNK Rijeka of Croatia’s Supersport HNL on a three-year contract through 2027, with a Club option in 2028, pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
Marco Pašalić (MAR-koh PASH-ah-leech)
Number: 87
Position: Forward
Height: 5-9
Born: Sept. 14, 2000, in Karlsruhe, Germany
Hometown: Karlsruhe, Germany
Citizenship: CRO
