Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
After the war, he moved to Slavonski Brod in Croatia, where he joined NK Marsonia. There, the uncompromising man-marker made his breakthrough at senior level. In 1996, he signed for the Zagreb club NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac - which translates as "Croatian Volunteers". During this time, Zivkovic also attracted attention and made his first appearances for the Croatia U21 team.
His talent did not go unnoticed abroad. Bayer 04 boss Reiner Calmund became aware of the robust defender and brought him to the Bundesliga in 1997. Over the next six years, Boris became an integral part of the Werkself. He made 208 appearances and scored 12 goals. And on 14 October in Bremen, he also kept goal for three minutes after Bayer 04 keeper Pascal Zuberbühler was sent off and the Werkself had already used the maximum number of substitutes quota. Boris was unable to save the ensuing penalty, but he was not tested in the final minutes of the game. With the Werkself, he was a runner-up three times and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2002. Even though the legendary final against Real Madrid ended in defeat, that season will be remembered as one of the most important in the club's history.
After the difficult 2002/2003 season, when Bayer 04 only avoided relegation on the final matchday, Boris joined Portsmouth in England. Although he would have liked to stay at Leverkusen, the club could no longer afford his wages. Boris rejected a lower offer - and he went to England.
However, his stay in England was short-lived. After just one year, he returned to the Bundesliga - this time to VfB Stuttgart. But things didn't really go to plan for the defender in Swabia: In two years, he only made 23 Bundesliga appearances. In the 2005/06 season, he was loaned out to FC Köln, but even in the cathedral city of Cologne he was denied a place in the starting eleven.
In the 2006/2007 season, Boris finally moved on to Croatia to join Hajduk Split. There he regained his former strength and became a regular player. After three successful years, he ended his playing career in 2009.
Boris can also look back on an impressive career on the international stage. During his time in Leverkusen, he was called up to the Croatia team for the first time and he played in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Although he was shown a red card in the first group game, he made a total of 39 appearances for his home country and was regarded as one of Croatia's most reliable defenders.
Even after the end of his career, he remained loyal to football. He is an occasional guest at the BayArena and, when time permits, plays for the Bayer 04 Veterans team. Boris Zivkovic has been married to his wife Ivona for over 20 years. Together they have a son who now plays for Dinamo Zagreb - following in his father's footsteps.
Dear Boris, I wish you all the best for your 50th birthday! Stay healthy and celebrate.
Peter Zanter was born on 11 November 1965 in Wermelskirchen in the Rhineland. His passion for football was evident from an early age: As a child, he played enthusiastically for the youth teams at SV Dabringhausen and SV Wermelskirchen. His ability and discipline did not go undetected for long - and he joined the youth section at Bayer 04 at a young age.
Show more
Boris Zivkovic was born on 15 November 1975 in the Bosnian town of Zivinice, which is now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played for FK Sarajevo at a young age. However, his youth was characterised by the turmoil of the wars in the former Yugoslavia. At the age of just 17, he was also called up and took part in the fighting - a fate shared by many young men of his generation.
Show more
For once, this is going to be about me. About my path into football, my years as a goalkeeper at Bayer 04 and my ‘career after my career’ at this great club. So, come with me on a little journey through time...
Show more
It is 1 November 1985, a Friday evening, floodlights on. The leaders Werder Bremen with their coach Otto Rehhagel come to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. 15,000 spectators want to watch this top match, as the Werkself, with their new coach Erich Ribbeck, are in fourth place in the table, just five points behind the leaders.
Show more
In the video you can see impressive and important goals in Bayer 04 history from the month of November. It's not always about the beauty of the goals, but also a reminder of special games and players.
Show more
