Overview
Borna Sosa, born on January 21, 1998, in Zagreb, Croatia, is a professional footballer recognized for his role as a left-sided defender. Standing at 1.84 meters, Sosa has developed into a modern full-back capable of contributing significantly in both defensive and offensive phases of play. His career has seen him feature in top European leagues, most notably in the German Bundesliga and now in Italy's Serie A, alongside representing the Croatia national team on the international stage.
Position
Sosa primarily operates as a left-back or left wing-back. In systems employing a back-four, he functions as a traditional full-back, tasked with defensive solidity while also providing width and overlapping runs on the left flank. When deployed in a back-three or back-five system, his role shifts to that of a wing-back, which allows him greater freedom to push forward and influence attacking play, leveraging his crossing and delivery skills. His versatility in these roles underscores his adaptability to different tactical setups.
Identity
Borna Sosa's identity as a footballer is defined by his excellent crossing ability, consistent work rate, and defensive commitment. He is often described as a progressive full-back who looks to drive play forward from the left side, providing precise deliveries into the penalty area. Beyond his attacking contributions, Sosa also demonstrates a strong defensive awareness and willingness to track back, making him a complete modern full-back. His composure on the ball and ability to initiate attacks from deep positions are also key facets of his game.
Career path
Borna Sosa's footballing journey began in his native Croatia, progressing through the youth ranks before making a significant move to one of Europe's top leagues.
Dinamo Zagreb
Sosa joined the renowned youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb, a club known for producing top Croatian talent. He advanced through their system, making his senior debut for the club in 2016 at the age of 18. During his time with Dinamo Zagreb, Sosa gained valuable first-team experience in the Croatian First Football League and also featured in European competitions, contributing to the club's domestic success. He made 53 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb across all competitions before his departure in 2018, as detailed by Transfermarkt.
VfB Stuttgart
In May 2018, Sosa made a move to Germany, signing with Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart. The transfer marked a significant step in his career, offering him the opportunity to compete in one of Europe's most competitive leagues. His tenure at Stuttgart was characterized by periods of both strong performance and injury setbacks. Despite these challenges, Sosa established himself as a key player, particularly known for his influential crossing from the left wing. Over five seasons with Stuttgart, he accumulated 100 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 23 assists in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, according to Transfermarkt statistics. His consistent delivery became a significant attacking outlet for the team.
Ajax
Following his successful spell in Germany, Sosa moved to Dutch Eredivisie giants Ajax in September 2023. This move represented a new chapter in his career, joining a club with a rich history of developing and showcasing talent. His time in Amsterdam was relatively brief, featuring in 13 Eredivisie matches and 5 European fixtures, as documented by Transfermarkt.
Torino
In August 2024, Borna Sosa made another move, this time to Italian Serie A club Torino FC on a permanent transfer. This switch to the Italian top flight offered him a new challenge and environment, where he could continue to showcase his abilities as a dynamic full-back. As of the 2025-2026 season, he remains a part of the Torino squad, contributing to their defensive and attacking efforts in Serie A.
Playing style
Borna Sosa's playing style is defined by his modern interpretation of the left-back role, blending defensive responsibility with significant attacking impetus. His technical attributes make him a valuable asset on the left flank.
Crossing and Delivery
A standout feature of Sosa's game is his exceptional crossing ability. He possesses a precise left foot, capable of delivering dangerous balls into the penalty area from various positions on the wing. Whether from deep or after driving to the byline, his crosses are often weighted accurately, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities for teammates. This skill makes him a primary source of creativity from wide areas. FBref data consistently highlights his high volume and accuracy of crosses compared to other full-backs in his league.
Defensive Work Rate
While known for his attacking prowess, Sosa is also a committed defender. He demonstrates a strong work rate, diligently tracking back to support his defense. His defensive contributions include timely interceptions, tackles, and blocks. He reads the game well, often positioning himself effectively to break up opposition attacks. Sofascore statistics frequently show his involvement in defensive actions, underlining his balanced approach to the full-back role.
Progressive Play and Dribbling
Sosa is comfortable carrying the ball forward, often embarking on progressive runs down the left wing. His dribbling ability allows him to bypass defenders and create space, driving his team up the pitch. He is adept at linking up with midfielders and wingers, forming effective attacking triangles. This forward-thinking approach is crucial in breaking down compact defenses and transitioning from defense to attack. His ability to maintain possession under pressure and distribute the ball effectively also contributes to his team's build-up play.
Comparable Players
Given his blend of defensive solidity and attacking output, particularly his crossing, Sosa can be compared to full-backs such as Giovanni Di Lorenzo or potentially even a younger Andy Robertson, albeit with a slightly different emphasis on his offensive attributes. These comparisons highlight his role as a modern full-back who is expected to influence both ends of the pitch while providing a consistent threat from wide areas.
Achievements & honours
Borna Sosa has contributed to several team successes throughout his career, particularly during his early years with Dinamo Zagreb, and has been recognized for his consistent performances.
Club Honours
His time at Dinamo Zagreb saw him achieve significant domestic success, contributing to a period of dominance in Croatian football.
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Dinamo Zagreb | Croatian First Football League | 2015–16 |
| Dinamo Zagreb | Croatian First Football League | 2017–18 |
| Dinamo Zagreb | Croatian Football Cup | 2015–16 |
| Dinamo Zagreb | Croatian Football Cup | 2017–18 |
Individual Recognition
While not accumulating numerous individual awards, Sosa's consistent performances, especially his high volume of assists during his time at VfB Stuttgart, have garnered attention. He has frequently been recognized in team of the week selections in the Bundesliga for his impactful displays from the left-back position, particularly for his role in creating chances for his teammates through his advanced crossing ability.
International career
Borna Sosa has represented Croatia at various youth levels before making his senior international debut, becoming a regular fixture for the Croatia national team.
Youth International
Sosa began his international journey with Croatia's youth teams, playing for the U17, U19, and U21 squads. He participated in various youth tournaments, gaining valuable experience and demonstrating his potential as a future senior international. His performances at these levels paved the way for his progression into the senior setup.
Senior Debut and World Cup Appearances
Borna Sosa made his senior debut for the Croatia national team in September 2021. Since then, he has established himself as the primary left-back for his country. He was an integral part of the Croatia squad that participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Throughout the tournament, Sosa featured prominently, contributing to Croatia's impressive run to the semi-finals. His performances on the global stage further solidified his position as a key player for his nation. As of May 2026, Sosa has accumulated 20 senior international caps for Croatia, scoring 1 goal, as recorded by his FIFA player profile.
Role for Country
For Croatia, Sosa's role is crucial in providing balance and width on the left flank. His ability to defend resolutely and launch attacks through his crossing is highly valued within the national team's tactical framework. He often acts as an outlet, relieving pressure and initiating counter-attacks. His consistent performances have made him a reliable choice for the national team coach, reflecting his importance in both defensive stability and offensive creativity for Croatia.
What makes Borna Sosa stand out
Borna Sosa distinguishes himself through a combination of technical proficiency and tactical intelligence, particularly his rare crossing accuracy for a full-back. His ability to consistently deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area from various positions on the left wing is a significant asset, carving out assists with regularity. This characteristic makes him a perpetual threat in offensive transitions.
Furthermore, Sosa's adaptability to both a traditional left-back role in a back four and a more advanced left wing-back position in a back five allows him to fit into diverse tactical systems. This versatility, combined with his solid defensive work rate, ensures he is not solely an attacking player but provides a balanced contribution to the team's overall structure.
"Sosa's left foot is a weapon; his crosses are a constant danger for any defense."