Gabriel Rukavina

Gabriel Rukavina is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Prva HNL club Rijeka.

Early and personal life Rukavina was born in the Croatian capital Zagreb in January 2004. He is the son of former professional footballer and current manager Tomislav Rukavina.

Club career Rukavina played for Dinamo Zagreb from a young age, and made his professional debut for the club's B team, coming on as a substitute in the 72nd minute, in a 1–1 draw against Osijek II, in the Prva NL. Rukavina scored his first goal in a 2–2 draw away to Craoatia Zmijavci, after coming on at half-time for Ante Crnac. Rukavina would go on to make 27 appearances in the league, registering 4 goals, including a brace against Dugopolje in a 3–1 win,

Rukavina would be promoted to the first team the next season, and would make his first team debut in a 3–1 away win against NK Varaždin, coming on as a 89th minute sub for Luka Ivanušec. He would go on to make 5 more substitute appearances that season, helping the side to the 2022–23 Prva HNL title.

On 9 February 2024, Rukavina joined Gorica on loan until the end of the season.

Rukavina joined fellow Prva HNL club HNK Rijeka in July 2024, signing a four year contract with the club. Rijeka won the league title in Rukavina's first season at the club, with Rukavina scoring 3 league goals in 31 appearances as Rijeka beat out his old side Dinamo Zagreb on the final day, eventually winning the league due to their superior head-to-head record against Dinamo.

International career Rukavina has competed for Croatia's U16, U17, U18 and U19 teams, amassing over 20 appearances.

Career statistics Club