FC Copenhagen, one of the biggest soccer clubs in Scandinavia, has just made an exciting new signing. They’ve brought in Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski on a five-year contract. He comes from the Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki, where he was their first-choice keeper and played many important matches.
This move is seen as a big step for both the player and the club. FC Copenhagen’s sports director, Sune Smith-Nielsen, is very happy with the transfer. He says that Dominik is not just talented, but also smart and experienced, and he thinks the 25-year-old goalie will fit in perfectly with the team.
A Smart and Skilled Goalkeeper
So why is everyone so excited about Dominik Kotarski?
According to the sports director, Kotarski has a “firm foundation” in goalkeeping. This means he learned the basics and advanced techniques at two of Europe’s most famous clubs for training young players — Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia and Ajax in the Netherlands.
Did you know?
Ajax is one of the best clubs in the world for developing young players. Some of today’s soccer stars, like Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, started at Ajax before joining big teams like Barcelona and Juventus.
Thanks to this training, Dominik has strong technical (how to move and make saves) and tactical (understanding the game and positioning) skills. These are super important for a goalkeeper, who is the last line of defense in any soccer match.
Playing Under Pressure
Another reason why FC Copenhagen wanted Kotarski is because he knows how to handle pressure. He has already played in top leagues and big European matches, where the crowds are loud, and every decision matters.
Kotarski has been part of teams that are expected to win trophies — just like FC Copenhagen. That’s why the club believes he will be ready to perform at a high level right away.
“We believe he fits in well at F.C. Copenhagen,” said the director.
Kotarski is Excited Too!
Dominik Kotarski also shared his excitement about the move. He said:
“I am thrilled to be here. F.C. Copenhagen are Scandinavia’s biggest club, and this is a big step in my career.”
He explained that he’s been watching Copenhagen’s games for a while and really likes how they play. The team is known for being ambitious, which means they always aim to win, not just in the local league but also in European competitions like the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
“I will do everything to contribute to new successes,” Dominik added.
Goalkeeping – A Tough but Important Job
Being a goalkeeper is one of the hardest jobs in soccer. Unlike other players, goalkeepers can use their hands — but only inside the penalty area. They have to be brave, quick, and very focused because one mistake can cost the team a goal.
Goalkeepers are also leaders. They can see the entire field from their position, so they often shout instructions to help organize the defense.
Fun Fact:
Famous goalkeepers like Gianluigi Buffon, Manuel Neuer, and Alisson Becker have played huge roles in their teams’ success. Neuer, from Germany, is known for being a “sweeper keeper” — he’s so good with his feet that he plays almost like a defender!
🇬🇷 Dominik’s Success in Greece
Before moving to Copenhagen, Kotarski played for PAOK Thessaloniki, one of the top clubs in Greece. There, he earned a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the Greek Super League.
He also helped the club win the Greek championship, and he played several matches in European competitions. Playing in Europe means facing strong teams from other countries, so it’s a big deal and helps players gain experience.
🇭🇷 A Proud Croatian International
Kotarski is also a Croatian international, which means he has played for Croatia’s national teams. He has appeared in over 50 youth matches and has recently made his debut for the senior national team.
That’s important because Croatia has a very strong national team. They were runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and came third in the 2022 World Cup.
Did you know?
Croatia’s top players include Luka Modrić, a midfield star who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, beating both Messi and Ronaldo!
For Kotarski, being called up to play alongside legends like Modrić shows that he’s trusted and talented enough to represent his country.
What’s Next for FC Copenhagen?
With Dominik Kotarski joining the team, FC Copenhagen is hoping to have even more success in the future. They’re already one of the best clubs in Denmark and often play in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
Adding a strong goalkeeper like Kotarski gives them more confidence at the back, and it also sends a message that the club wants to compete at the highest level.
Fans are excited to see him in action and are hoping he can help the team win more league titles, Danish Cups, and perform well in Europe.
In Summary
Here are the key points about Dominik Kotarski’s move to FC Copenhagen:
🧤 Dominik Kotarski, a 25-year-old Croatian goalkeeper, has joined FC Copenhagen on a 5-year deal.
🇭🇷 He was trained at Dinamo Zagreb and Ajax, two famous clubs for youth development.
🇬🇷 He played for PAOK Thessaloniki, won the Greek championship, and did well in European games.
🌍 He has played in international matches for Croatia, including youth and senior teams.
🧠 Experts say he is technically skilled, mentally strong, and ready for the challenge in Denmark.
🗣 Kotarski said he’s excited to join “Scandinavia’s biggest club” and wants to help them succeed.
This is a big moment for both the player and the club. Kotarski has already shown he’s a great goalkeeper, and now he’s ready to prove it in Denmark with FC Copenhagen.
Let’s see what the future holds for him in this exciting new chapter of his career!
