Top 5 most famous Croatians in the world
roatia is a country located in the Eastern part of Europe, known not only for its picturesque nature, stunning pebble beaches and coves on the Adriatic Sea, but also for extraordinary inventors, athletes, writers, and sculptors.
Here we are going to tell you about 5 famous Croatians, who have become global game changers in their field. However, we are sure that you are already well aware of most of them.
Photo: Nikola Tesla, Source: www.britannica.com
Nikola Tesla – a brilliant electrical engineer
This name has probably been on everyone's lips for his inventions have revolutionized the world and become a part of our lives. Nikola Tesla was born in the small town of Smiljan near Gospic in the Lika region of Croatia. The brilliant Croatian electrical engineer became famous for discovering alternating current changing the lives of people worldwide and making electricity affordable. In 1895, the Croatian city of Šibenik became the first city in history to be lit by electric lights. They were powered by a power plant designed and built by the Croatian genius Nikola Tesla.
Photo: Branko Lusting, Source: hollywoodreporter.com
Ivan Meštrović, one of the most talented sculptors of the 20th century
The next great Croatian is Ivan Meštrović, one of the most talented sculptors of the 20th century. Tireless in his work, the artist has left the world with more than 1000 sculptures. Compared by critics to Michelangelo, Meštrović gained extraordinary popularity. His works are kept in collections all over the world. The sculptor was born in 1883 in the village of Slavonia in Eastern Croatia. His most famous works include the statue of Gregory of Nin in the three Croatian cities of Split, Varaždin and Nin, the sculpture of the Victor in Belgrade, the statue of Nikola Tesla in Zagreb, Belgrade and Niagara Falls, and the History of the Croats sculpture complex.
Photo: Branko Lusting, Source: hollywoodreporter.com
Branko Lustig – an Academy Award-winning Croatian film producer.
Croatia can also be proud not only of its inventors, but also of one of the world's most powerful film producers. Branko Lusting was born in Osijek in Croatia. During his career, Lusting was twice honored by the Academy. He received his first Academy Award in 1994 for the impressive Schindler's List. This film, produced by Lusting and directed by Steven Spielberg, remains one of the most powerful artistic statements about the Holocaust.
In 2001, Branko Lusting won his second Academy Award. The film Gladiator won numerous awards and became a classic.
Photo: Ruđer Bošković, Source: croatia.org
Ruđer Bošković - a researcher ahead of his time
A Croatian philosopher, scientist, astronomer, physicist, and mathematician from Dubrovnik, Croatia, Ruđer Bošković became famous for his research into the structure of matter, and his scientific works were ahead of the times by several centuries. The atom model, theories of gravity, mechanical motion of matter, theory of astronomical objects, optical laws and inventions, verification of geophysics laws, and these are just some of the areas in which the genius of Bošković succeeded in leaving his innovative mark.
Photo: Luka Modrić, Source: sbnation.com
Luka Modrić - winner of the Ballon d'Or and captain of the Croatian national team
The captain of the Croatian national team was born in 1985 in Zadar. When he was a child, he had to leave his hometown due to the Croatian War of Independence and only upon his return, he began his football career with the local Zadar and Dinamo youth clubs. Later he moved to the Tottenham British club, and then signed a contract with Real Madrid. Modrić is a football legend - the winner of the highest football award, the 2018 Ballon d'Or, and a five-time winner of the UEFA Champions League.