NK Karlovac 1919

NK Karlovac 1919 is a Croatian professional football club based in the town of Karlovac. Karlovac plays their home matches at Stadion Branko Čavlović-Čavlek.

History

Traditionally lower-level minnows, the club's most successful period in the Yugoslav football league system was in the 1970s when they competed in the Yugoslav Second League. After the breakup of Yugoslavia and the formation of the Croatian football league system in 1992 Karlovac spent most of the time playing in Druga HNL and Treća HNL, second and third levels.

Led by manager Igor Pamić, Karlovac won consecutive promotions in the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons, which saw them join the top level for the first time in their history. After a sixth-place finish in debut season in 1. HNL and equally good second season, financial troubles during 2011–12 season hit Karlovac hard. They faced relegation to second division but due to financial irregularities, Karlovac was suspended by Croatian Football Federation.

In summer of 2012, NK Karlovac 1919 was founded as a successor club but the two clubs' track records and honors are kept separate by the Croatian Football Federation.

Former names

Founded in 1919 as NK Borac, they changed their name in 1920 to NŠK Karlovac. This lasted until 1941 when they merged with several local sides to form ŠK Velebit. Following World War II Velebit was disbanded and re-established as FD Udarnik, which was then renamed in 1948 SD Slavija before adopting their current name NK Karlovac in 1954.[citation needed]

• Borac (1919–1920)
• NŠK Karlovac (1920–1941)
• HŠK Velebit (1941–1945)
• Udarnik (1945–1948)
• Slavija (1948–1954)
• Karlovac (1954–1958)
• KSD (1958–1960)
• Karlovac (1960–2012)

Honours

• Druga HNL Runners-up (1): 2008–09
• Treća HNL – Center: Winners (1): 2004–05
• Treća HNL – West: Winners (1): 2007–08

Recent seasons

Key

Top scorer shown in bold when he was also top scorer for the division.

Current squad

As of 28 September 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Other players under contract

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Managers

• Croatia Igor Pamić (2007–2011)
• Croatia Srećko Lušić (Mar 2011 – Sept 2011)
• Croatia Damir Petravić (Sep 2011 – Dec 2011)
• Croatia Krešimir Ganjto (Jan 2012 – Mar 2012)
• Croatia Sanjin Lucijanić (Mar 2012 – May 2012)
• Croatia Igor Pamić (8 Oct 2021–present)