Nikola Vasilj

Nikola Vasilj (; born 2 December 1995) is a Bosnian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Saudi Pro League club Al-Diriyah and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

Vasilj started his professional career at Zrinjski Mostar, who loaned him to Igman Konjic in 2014 and to Branitelj in 2015. In 2017, he joined 1. FC Nürnberg II. Two years later, he moved to Zorya Luhansk. He signed with FC St. Pauli in 2021. Five years later, he joined Al-Diriyah.

A former youth international for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vasilj made his senior international debut in 2021, earning 30 caps since. He represented the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

Early career Vasilj started playing football at a local club, before joining the youth academy of his hometown team Zrinjski Mostar in 2010. He made his professional debut against Željezničar on 10 April 2013 at the age of 17. In July 2014, he was sent on a season-long loan to Igman Konjic. In July 2015, he was loaned to Branitelj until the end of the season.

In July 2017, Vasilj signed with German side 1. FC Nürnberg.

In July 2019, he joined Ukrainian outfit Zorya Luhansk.

FC St. Pauli In May 2021, Vasilj moved to FC St. Pauli on a three-year deal. He made his official debut for the team on 25 July against Holstein Kiel and kept a clean sheet.

In January 2024, he signed a new long-term contract with the squad.

Vasilj was an important piece in FC St. Pauli's conquest of the 2. Bundesliga title, his first trophy with the club, which was sealed on 19 May and earned them promotion to the Bundesliga.

He played his 100th game for the side against FC Augsburg on 15 September.

Later stage of career In July 2026, Vasilj joined Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Diriyah.

International career Vasilj was a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina under-21 team under coach Vlado Jagodić.

In March 2021, he received his first senior call up, for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France and a friendly game against Costa Rica. He debuted against Costa Rica on 27 March.

In June 2026, Vasilj was named in Bosnia and Herzegovina's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his tournament debut in the opening group match against Canada on 12 June.

Personal life Vasilj's father Vladimir was also a goalkeeper and represented Croatia, as is his younger brother Filip.

He married his long-time girlfriend Sara in May 2021.

Career statistics

Club

International

Honours Zrinjski Mostar Bosnian Premier League: 2013–14, 2015–16

FC St. Pauli 2. Bundesliga: 2023–24