Young talents – Sven Šunta (Dinamo Zagreb): That 16-year-old Slovenian whom even Croatians say shows the most promise among all

Published on 7. January 2024 7. January 2024

Photo: GNK Dinamo Zagreb

Slovenes are a nation that tends to belittle themselves. And we love to belittle everything that is ours. If a month ago on our website we had written that a mere 16-year-old Slovenian plays for Dinamo, considered the most talented footballer in the youth academy of the Zagreb giant, no one would have believed us. Even more; they would have thought we were crazy. Saying that we’re ‘talking nonsense’. That we have no clue. But if the Croats wrote it… then, would you believe it? That’s just the way it is, that’s how we are. But facts are facts. Sven Šunta is considered one of the most talented footballers in the youth academy of the Zagreb giant. We claim it. Croatians claim it too. Sven Šunta is “the next big thing” for Dinamo, Germanijak wrote. And if Croatians say it…

Sven Šunta Dinamo Photo credit: GNK Dinamo Zagreb

But who is Sven Šunta? The talented lad was born in Celje in 2007, and he took his first steps in football in Krško. Even before he could truly make a name for himself in Slovenia, he moved to the Croatian capital at the age of barely thirteen. He went there with great expectations and even greater desires, but probably not in his wildest dreams could he have imagined being part of the first team of one of the greatest clubs of the former Yugoslavia at the age of sixteen.

But when someone is talented, they’re just that. If someone has talent, they have it. And if there’s a place around here where they can undoubtedly recognize it, it’s at the Maksimir Stadium. Dinamo is a breeding ground for exceptional football talents, and when the “experts” in Zagreb say someone is good, it’s not far from the truth. Sven Šunta is still far from establishing himself completely, but the prospects are good. Very good. At sixteen, the first-team coach, Sergej Jakirović, included him in the senior squad, and on Saturday, he made his debut in the blue jersey in a friendly match against Rogaška.

Sven Šunta: “The leap is definitely noticeable and obvious”

“If I’m completely honest, there were talks and hints for some time that I might join the senior team in January and be part of it during the winter preparations,” Sven Šunta shared in an interview with Football Planet, adding, “But I had a shoulder injury, so I really didn’t know if it would happen or not. In the end, I received a call, and I have to admit that everyone welcomed me excellently, even though I am considerably younger than most.”

Sven Šunta Dinamo Photo credit: GNK Dinamo Zagreb

Sven Šunta, who has already signed a professional contract with the Croatian champions, is indeed the youngest footballer in Dinamo’s senior team, but for now, his youth isn’t causing many problems. “The leap is definitely noticeable and obvious, especially in aggressiveness and duels. Physically, everything is at a significantly higher level, but I have no doubt that I will quickly adapt to it all,” says the Slovenian U16 national team player, hoping that his first call-up to the senior team is the beginning of a wonderful story: “They told me I would train with the seniors throughout the winter preparations, and then we’ll see what happens next. Right now, I’m training and proving myself, trying to make the most of the opportunity given. Then, as I said, we’ll see what happens.”

Continuing as the next guest in our section Young Hopes, Sven Šunta answered 12 standard questions and introduced himself a bit more to the Slovenian football audience.

1. Where and when did you start playing football?

I started playing football at the age of five. My father deserves the most credit for this; he took me to my first training session at the Krško football club.

2. Who inspired you to play football and who has had the biggest influence on your football career?

Without a doubt, my father has had the greatest influence on me and my football journey. He has always been and still is my best coach.

Sven Šunta Dinamo Photo Source: GNK Dinamo Zagreb

3. What do you like most about football?

I absolutely love the fast-paced game, and for me, football is primarily a matter of technique. That’s why I truly admire elegant moves that captivate spectators. For example, dribbling – I adore that.

4. Your favorite football moment so far?

To be completely honest, there have been several very beautiful moments on my football journey that I will remember forever. But if I had to choose one, it would definitely be what I am experiencing right now – training with Dinamo’s senior team.

5. Why, in your opinion, is football the best sport in the world?

Because it is so attractive and dynamic. As I mentioned – I love fast play, as well as elegant moves and masterful dribbling. That, in my eyes, is the essence of football. And that’s why it is the best sport.

Sven Šunta Photo Source: GNK Dinamo Zagreb

6. Who is your football idol – domestic and foreign?

As for a domestic idol, at the moment, I would definitely say Benjamin Šeško. Abroad, there are several. Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar are quite close to me, but I could mention a few others as well…

7. Who is your biggest and toughest competitor and why?

I would somehow say that I am actually my biggest competitor. That’s why I focus more on myself. I am ‘focused’ solely on my development, and frankly, I don’t think too much about others.

8. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic of a successful footballer?

Certainly, character comes first. But immediately after that comes hard work, which is simply indispensable in football.

9. What do you find most challenging on the path to realizing your football dreams?

It would be hard to say that anything is difficult for me. After all, I train in football because I love it and I genuinely adore it. I immensely enjoy it, I would give everything for football. And when it’s like that, nothing is actually difficult for you.

Sven Šunta. Photo Source: GNK Dinamo Zagreb

10. How do you cope with disappointment after losses?

Nobody likes losses, and I am no exception. Every time I lose, I am naturally disappointed, but in football, something very good happens – matches quickly follow. That’s why I try not to dwell too much on losses; I prefer to look to the future and look forward to the challenges ahead.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I don’t look too far into the future. I would like to take it step by step. I don’t want to rush; I realize that I am still young and that I have everything ahead of me. I have more than enough time. We’ll see what the future holds.

12. For whom among your teammates (current and former) are you convinced will succeed in football and why?

Regarding my teammates from younger Slovenian national team selections, I would undoubtedly highlight Mark Kerin and David Pejičić. I have excellent relationships with both, and above all, they are both extremely talented footballers. At Dinamo, I would also highlight Mislav Ćutuk, who is actually my best friend, and he also has great potential.

“] Sven Šunta Dinamo Photo Source: GNK Dinamo Zagreb