Duje Ćaleta-Car was born on 17 September 1996 in Croatia. He developed at Hajduk Split before making a move to Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, where the club's pressing-intensive system and European competition gave him a strong developmental environment. His performances at Salzburg led to a 2018 transfer to Olympique de Marseille for around €15 million, where he became a fixture in Ligue 1.
At Marseille, Ćaleta-Car established himself as one of the more dependable centre-backs in French football over several seasons, contributing to the club's competitive campaigns in both domestic and European competition, including UEFA Champions League group stage football. His physicality, reading of the game and ability to defend in space attracted continued attention from clubs in England and elsewhere.
In January 2023 he joined Southampton in the Premier League, though his time there was marked by the club's relegation from the top flight. He subsequently moved to different environments as his career continued in Europe.
For Croatia he has been a regular international for several years, featuring in the 2022 World Cup — where Croatia reached the semi-finals before finishing third — and other major tournaments. He is one of Croatia's more experienced defensive figures and has contributed to the squad's defensive structure under manager Zlatko Dalić.
Ćaleta-Car is a left-footed, physically powerful centre-back whose ability to deal with aerial threats and cover ground across a defensive line makes him a reliable option in Croatia's backline. At the 2026 World Cup in North America, he brings significant international experience to the squad.