Dario Šits

Dario Šits (born 4 February 2004) is a Latvian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Primera Federación club Atlético Madrileño, on loan from club Parma, and the Latvia national team.

Club career Born in Kuldīga, Šits started playing football at FK Metta, before joining Italian side Parma in 2020. Following his performances for the Under-17 and Primavera teams, the forward earned his first call-ups to the club's first team during the 2021–22 season, under head coach Giuseppe Iachini.

On 2 March 2022, Šits made his professional debut for Parma, starting in a 1–1 Serie B draw against AC Monza. On 11 March, shortly after coming on as a substitute in a league match against Cittadella, the forward earned a penalty kick for his side, which was then missed by Juan Brunetta: the fixture ended in a 1–1 draw.

On 6 October of the same year, Šits extended his contract with Parma until 2026. He made his debut for the club on 2 September, starting in a 1–0 league win over Vis Pesaro: however, he suffered an ACL injury in the same game, thus being forced to enter long-term convalescence.

On 18 July 2024, Šits joined Dutch club Helmond Sport on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy. He made his debut in the opening fixture of the season, starting in a 1–1 home draw against Jong Utrecht in the Eerste Divisie.

On 28 August 2025, Šits joined Spanish club Atlético Madrileño of the Primera Federación on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy.

International career Šits has represented Latvia at various youth international levels, having played for the under-17, under-19 and under-21 national teams.

In October 2024, Dario Šits received his first call-up to the Latvia national football team for the matches against the Faroe Islands and North Macedonia.

On 10 October Dario Šits made his debut for the Latvia national football team in a UEFA Nations League match against North Macedonia, coming on as a substitute in the 17th minute to replace the injured Vladislavs Gutkovskis. This debut came immediately after Paolo Nicolato's first call-up.

In just his second match for the Latvia national team, Dario Šits scored his first goal for the team. Coming on as a substitute in the 66th minute, replacing Jānis Ikaunieks, by the 69th minute, after a fantastic cross from Andrejs Cigaņiks, Dario Šits scored with his first touch.

International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 13 October 2024 Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 1–1 1–1 2024–25 UEFA Nations League 2. 21 March 2025 Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra 1–0 1–0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Style of play Šits is a centre-forward, who has been praised mainly for his technical and physical abilities, as well as his speed, his work rate and his finishing.