Croatian Defender Begins a New Chapter in Cyprus After 75 Appearances and Three Trophies in Romania
Aris Limassol have completed the signing of central defender Juraj Badelj from Universitatea Craiova. The 22-year-old Croatian has signed a five-year contract with the Cypriot First Division club, running until the summer of 2031.
Universitatea Craiova confirmed the defender’s permanent departure in a statement posted on the club’s official Facebook page. The move brings an end to Badelj’s three-and-a-half-year spell in Romania, during which he gradually established himself as a valuable option at the heart of the defence.
Aris Limassol Put Their Faith in the Croatian Defender
Born in Zagreb on 24 August 2003, Badelj stands 1.90 metres tall and is valued at €850,000. Despite his young age, the central defender arrives in Cyprus having already gained valuable experience in the Romanian top flight and European competitions.
The length of the contract indicates that Aris Limassol view Badelj as an investment for the present and the long term. Over the next five seasons, the Croatian will have the opportunity to continue his development in a new league and at a club with major domestic ambitions.
Aris Limassol introduced their new defender in a statement published on the club’s official website.
“We welcome Juraj Badelj to the Aris family and wish him every success with our club.”
Badelj Made 75 Appearances for Universitatea Craiova
Badelj joined Universitatea Craiova in January 2023 following a brief spell with NK Rudeš. The Croatian needed time to adapt to the demands of Romanian football, but gradually earned more playing time and became a regular option in defence.
He made 75 appearances for Universitatea Craiova across all competitions, scoring one goal and, according to figures released by Aris Limassol, providing one assist. His record includes 56 matches in the Romanian top flight, seven in the Romanian Cup and 12 in European competitions.
Badelj’s only goal for Universitatea Craiova came in the Romanian SuperLiga against Dinamo Bucharest. The Matchday 11 fixture, played at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium on 26 September 2025, ended in a 2-2 draw. Although he was not known for his attacking output, the defender was primarily valued for his aerial ability, physical presence and ability to provide cover at the heart of the defence.
Last Season Brought 26 Appearances and Three Trophies
The 2025-26 campaign was Badelj’s most successful season in Romania. The Croatian defender featured in 26 matches across all competitions and scored one goal.
He was part of the Universitatea Craiova squad that won the Romanian league title, the Romanian Cup and the Romanian Super Cup. Those three trophies marked a memorable conclusion to his time with the club before his move to Cyprus.
At the beginning of the 2026-27 season, Badelj made two more appearances for Universitatea Craiova, featuring once in the Romanian SuperLiga and once in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
Developed in Zagreb’s Youth Academies
Badelj began his development in the youth academy of Lokomotiva Zagreb. In 2017, he moved to Hrvatski Dragovoljac, where he remained until 2022 and completed the final stages of his youth development.
His performances earned him a move to NK Rudeš, although his spell with the Croatian club lasted only five months. In January 2023, the defender accepted Universitatea Craiova’s offer and left Croatian football for the first time.
The move to Romania represented a major step in his career. Badelj was given the opportunity to represent a club with European ambitions, play in front of large crowds and gain experience across several competitions.
Two Appearances for Croatia Under-21s
Badelj’s performances also attracted the attention of the Croatian Football Federation. In 2024, he earned two caps for Croatia’s Under-21 national team, both of which came in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying matches.
At 22, the Croatian central defender still has considerable room for development. His transfer to Aris Limassol offers him a fresh start and the opportunity to establish himself at a club that has shown its faith in him by handing him a contract running until 2031.
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