1. Early Life and Background
1.1. Childhood and Youth Career
Elvis Sarić was born on 21 July 1990, in Dubrovnik, which was then part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He began his football journey within the youth setup of his hometown club, NK GOŠK Dubrovnik. He progressed through their ranks, eventually making his professional debut at the age of 18 in 2008.
2. Club Career
Sarić's professional club career began in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, before moving to Asia, then briefly returning to Europe, and finally settling in China.
2.1. Early Professional Career in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
After his professional debut with NK GOŠK Dubrovnik in 2008, Sarić continued to play in Croatia, joining NK Lučko in 2009. He remained with Lučko for four years. In 2013, he moved to NK Vinogradar and later that year, he had a brief stint back at Lučko before joining NK Inter Zaprešić in 2014.
In the summer of 2014, Sarić transferred to the Bosnian side FK Sloboda Tuzla. After two seasons with Sloboda Tuzla, he switched to FK Sarajevo in June 2016. He played for Sarajevo for two years, making significant contributions.
2.2. Asia and Later Career
In July 2018, Sarić made a significant move to Asian football, signing a three-year deal with South Korean club Suwon Samsung Bluewings. He made his competitive debut for Suwon Bluewings on 11 July against Jeonnam Dragons. His first goal for the club came on 8 August in a Korean FA Cup game against Cheonan City. Seven weeks later, on 28 September, he scored his first league goals for the team, netting a brace against Ulsan Hyundai. During his time in the K League 1, his registered name was 사리치Sari-chiKorean.
In July 2019, Sarić was transferred to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for an undisclosed fee. He made his official debut for Al Ahli on 22 August against Al-Adalah. In September 2020, he suffered a severe knee injury, diagnosed as an anterior cruciate ligament tear, which sidelined him for at least six months. He returned to the pitch on 15 April 2021, over seven months after his injury.
In September 2021, Sarić signed with HNK Gorica in Croatia. In January 2022, he returned to Suwon Samsung Bluewings for a second stint. In February 2023, Sarić joined Chinese Super League club Qingdao Hainiu, continuing his career in Asia.
3. International Career
Elvis Sarić has been a part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.
3.1. National Team Debut and Appearances
In January 2018, Sarić received his first senior call-up to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team for friendly games against the United States and Mexico. He made his senior international debut against the United States on 28 January 2018.
On 8 September 2018, Sarić scored his first senior international goal in a 2018-19 UEFA Nations League game against Northern Ireland. He earned 19 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina between 2018 and 2021.
4. Personal Life
Sarić's personal life includes his marriage and religious affiliation.
4.1. Marriage and Religious Affiliation
Elvis Sarić married his long-time girlfriend, Ivona, in June 2020. He adheres to the Muslim faith.
5. Career Statistics
This section presents comprehensive statistical data regarding Elvis Sarić's professional club and international career.
5.1. Club Statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| GOŠK Dubrovnik | 2008-09 | Croatian Second League South | 31 | 3 | - | - | - | 31 | 3 | |||
| Lučko | 2009-10 | Croatian First League | 24 | 6 | - | - | - | 24 | 6 | |||
| 2010-11 | 25 | 5 | - | - | - | 25 | 5 | |||||
| 2011-12 | Croatian Football League | 14 | 2 | - | - | - | 14 | 2 | ||||
| 2012-13 | Croatian First League | 15 | 6 | - | - | - | 15 | 6 | ||||
| Total | 78 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 78 | 19 | ||
| Vinogradar | 2012-13 | Croatian First League | 8 | 5 | - | - | - | 8 | 5 | |||
| Inter Zaprešić | 2013-14 | 14 | 1 | - | - | - | 14 | 1 | ||||
| Sloboda Tuzla | 2014-15 | Bosnian Premier League | 28 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 29 | 2 | ||
| 2015-16 | 24 | 3 | 7 | 0 | - | - | 31 | 3 | ||||
| Total | 52 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 5 | ||
| Sarajevo | 2016-17 | Bosnian Premier League | 27 | 4 | 7 | 0 | - | - | 34 | 4 | ||
| 2017-18 | 28 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 31 | 5 | |||
| Total | 55 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 9 | ||
| Suwon Samsung Bluewings | 2018 | K League 1 | 18 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | - | 23 | 4 | |
| 2019 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 14 | 2 | ||||
| Total | 30 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 6 | ||
| Al Ahli | 2019-20 | Saudi Professional League | 24 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 28 | 0 | |
| 2020-21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - | 6 | 0 | |||
| Total | 24 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 0 | ||
| Gorica | 2021-22 | Croatian Football League | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 5 | 0 | ||
| Suwon Samsung Bluewings | 2022 | K League 1 | 28 | 2 | 3 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 33 | 2 | |
| Qingdao Hainiu | 2023 | Chinese Super League | 28 | 3 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 30 | 3 | ||
| Career total | 353 | 51 | 28 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 395 | 53 | ||
5.2. International Statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | |||
| 2018 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 19 | 1 | |
List of international goals scored by Elvis Sarić
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 September 2018 | Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland | 7 | NIR | 2-0 | 2-1 | 2018-19 UEFA Nations League |