Luka Bonačić

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Luka Bonačić (born 21 March 1955 in Split) is a Croatian football coach and former midfielder. He started at the Split football academy and turned pro with Hajduk Split in 1971. During his playing career he had spells with Hajduk Split, a loan to Šibenik, Grasshopper Zürich, Maribor, a Hajduk Split loan, VfL Bochum, Málaga, Šibenik again, Footscray JUST in Australia, and Melbourne Croatia. He was called up to the Croatia national team in 1982 but didn’t play. He retired from playing in 1986.

Coaching career highlights
Bonačić became known for giving young players a chance. At NK Pazinka in 1992–93 he helped start the career of Dado Pršo. He also helped Ivica Križanac begin his professional path. In 1996 he led NK Varteks to the Croatian Cup final, beating Dinamo Zagreb 4–3 and earning Croatian Coach of the Year honors. In 1997–98 he took charge of Hajduk Split. After a tactical clash with Tomislav Ivić, Bonačić briefly left the job and returned, guiding the team to a strong finish but finishing second overall.

International coaching work
Bonačić later built a wide coaching career abroad, especially in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Croatia. He enjoyed notable success with Sepahan in Iran, winning the Hazfi Cup in 2006 and 2007 and taking the club to the AFC Champions League final in 2007. He also coached at clubs including Al-Nasr Dubai, Mes Kerman, Zob Ahan, Al-Shahania, Al Ahli, Al-Arabi, Varaždin, and NK Zagreb, among others.

Known for his attacking style and for resisting outside interference in team selection, Bonačić has been a prominent figure in Croatian and international football coaching for decades.