Ivan Močinić – HNK Rijeka (24/10/2013)

Here is a remarkably rare collector's item, from the intense clashes of the Europa League. This match-worn jersey was used by the young and promising Croatian international midfielder Ivan Močinić during HNK Rijeka's trip to Olympique Lyonnais on October 24, 2013, for the 3rd matchday of the group stage.

Match Context: The difficult law of Europe at Gerland

For this match, Rémi Garde's OL hosted the Croatian team from Rijeka, who were playing in their very first European group stage. In a cautious Gerland stadium, the Lyon players sought to use their experience to take the lead in Group I.

Facing a particularly compact and united opposing block, "Les Gones" struggled to find a breakthrough in the first half. It was finally after the break that OL made the difference thanks to a header from their captain Clément Grenier (65th minute) from an excellent cross by Steed Malbranque. Lyon won by the narrowest of margins (1-0). This jersey experienced every midfield duel from within, bearing witness to the courageous fight of the visitors against the Rhône-Alpes experience.

Ivan Močinić: The great hope of Croatian football

A pure product of Rijeka's youth academy, Ivan Močinić was at that time considered one of the greatest talents of his generation, which would also earn him a call-up for the 2014 World Cup.

A defensive or box-to-box midfielder, known for his dedication and passing quality, he started at only 20 years old in the heart of the Croatian midfield for this European clash. Against the experienced duo Grenier-Malbranque, he ran tirelessly and fought every moment to win balls and try to initiate counter-attacks. This jersey embodies all the passion, sweat, and "grinta" of a young player discovering the highest level of continental football. A superb collector's item for any European history enthusiast.