Boris Zivkovic

Boris Živković (Croatian pronunciation: [bôːriz ʒǐːʋkoʋit͡ɕ]; born 15 November 1975) is a former Croatian footballer of Bosnian descent. He played as right and left full back and centre back. At one point of his career he even played as defensive midfielder.

Živković started his career at FK Sarajevo as a youth player, before being signed by NK Marsonia (from Slavonski Brod). He gained a good reputation at Marsonia, first appearing in the 1994/95 season, during which he made 13 appearances. The next season he played a further 31 games before transferring to NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac (from Siget, Zagreb). He only spent one season at his new club however, before impressive performances persuaded German club Bayer Leverkusen to sign him.

Živković went on to play 6 seasons for the German club, playing over 150 times, including the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final. Following his contract expiring in the summer of 2003, Živković stated his desire to play in the English FA Premier League, and was signed later that summer by Portsmouth F.C.

Živković started his Pompey career well, instantly claiming a regular starting place. However, in December, a public fall-out with manager Harry Redknapp led to him being released, having played only 18 times for the club. VfB Stuttgart stepped in to bring Živković back to Germany, and the Croatian joined them in January. In August 2006 he moved to Hajduk Split.

Živković was a regular for the Croatian national team, making 39 appearances and scoring twice. He was part of the squad at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but in his first game against Mexico, he caused a penalty in the 59th minute after which he was sent off and the Mexicans went on to score from the penalty mark and win the game by 1-0. He was no longer in the team for the remaining two games Croatia played on the tournament before being relegated — Italy and Mexico progressed from the group to the playoffs instead.

He also played two games at Euro 2004. Boris was out of favour for the Zlatko Kranjčar's World Cup 2006 campaign but many defender injuries forced Slaven Bilić to give him a call for the Euro 2008 spring qualifying games.