In the world of elite athletes, stories of crossover between sports are often fascinating, and few are as intriguing as that of Ivan Perisic – a man known more for slicing through defenses on the football field than spiking balls on sunlit beaches. While his name is etched in the hearts of Croatian football fans and recognized across Europe for his contributions to club and country, not many know that in 2017, Perisic made an unexpected but thrilling debut in professional beach volleyball.
A Star is Born on the Pitch
Ivan Perisic’s football journey is one marked by resilience, versatility, and a deep passion for the game. Born in Split, Croatia, in 1989, Perisic rose through the ranks of youth academies before breaking into the professional scene. His early years saw him move to France with Sochaux, and later to Belgium’s Club Brugge, where he made a name for himself as a skillful winger with an eye for goal.
Perisic’s big break came when he joined Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. He became a key part of the squad under Jürgen Klopp, contributing to the club’s domestic successes. His career trajectory continued upwards with spells at Wolfsburg and Inter Milan, where he was instrumental in winning the 2020–21 Serie A title—ending Juventus’ nine-year dominance.
On the international stage, Perisic became a cornerstone of the Croatian national team. He played a vital role in Croatia’s runner-up finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the semifinal against England and in the final against France. His blend of tactical intelligence, speed, and finishing ability earned him plaudits worldwide.
Trading Cleats for Sand
Ivan Perisic makes beach volleyball debut for Croatia. https://t.co/AdPrG1nHa8 pic.twitter.com/H53WAxYgTd
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 30, 2017
Despite reaching the pinnacle of football, Perisic shocked many fans and pundits when he announced his debut in the world of beach volleyball in 2017. The event? The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, held in his hometown of Split. Teaming up with Niksa Dell’Orco, a Croatian professional, Perisic traded cleats for sand shoes and entered a completely different kind of arena.
Why the Switch?
It wasn’t so much a switch as it was a return to a forgotten love. Perisic revealed that volleyball had been his childhood passion, one he had always followed even during his demanding football career. His father was a huge volleyball enthusiast, and the sport had been a big part of his upbringing.
When the opportunity came to play professionally, even if only briefly, Perisic took it—not as a career change, but as a personal fulfilment. Perisic said in interviews:
I’ve always loved volleyball. Even though football has always been my profession, volleyball remained close to my heart. Playing in the World Tour was a dream come true.
The Match That Turned Heads
Although not a full-time volleyball athlete, Perisic’s athleticism was evident. Standing at 6’1″ with a lean build and strong aerial ability honed from years of heading footballs and sprinting down wings, he was surprisingly competitive on the sand. He and Dell’Orco played against some of the world’s best in Split, showing flashes of potential, passion, and raw talent.
While their performance didn’t shake up the tournament standings, it certainly captivated the audience. The stadium was packed, not just with volleyball fans, but also curious football enthusiasts eager to see how a World Cup finalist would fare on the sand.
A Symbol of Sporting Passion
Perisic’s beach volleyball stint wasn’t about medals or contracts—it was about pushing boundaries and rekindling joy. In an era when most top-level athletes stick rigidly to their primary sport, Perisic reminded everyone of the pure love of the game. His debut highlighted how cross-training in different disciplines can reignite enthusiasm and potentially even enhance performance in one’s main sport.
It’s worth noting that Perisic didn’t step away from football during this time. In fact, he returned to the pitch just as determined, eventually playing a key role for both Inter Milan and the Croatian national team in the years that followed. His short but memorable volleyball journey was a detour, not a departure.
Betting on Passion
For fans and enthusiasts, stories like Perisic’s offer a different kind of thrill. His dual-sport experience sparked conversations in unexpected circles, including among those following volleyball betting sites, where novelty bets and tournaments sometimes get attention due to unique player appearances. While his volleyball venture was brief, it certainly added spice to the usual expectations in the sports world.
Conclusion: More Than an Athlete
Ivan Perisic’s foray into beach volleyball wasn’t about fame or fortune—it was about passion. In a time when athletes are often boxed into singular identities, Perisic broke the mold. His journey from World Cup finals to the FIVB Beach Tour is a reminder that true sportsmanship lies in the love of the game, whatever that game may be.
As fans, we often define athletes by their accolades and records. But Perisic showed us that sometimes, the most inspiring stories come not from trophies, but from the courage to chase a forgotten dream—no matter how unexpected it may seem.
