In such a competitive field, every good result carries extra weight, and success at the tournament can be an important step toward a better position in the overall AFT standings.

LOKOMOTIVA THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WITH TWO TITLES, ZADARNOVA AND HAJDUK ALSO ON TOP

Among the tournament’s most successful participants, Zagreb’s NK Lokomotiva stood out in particular, winning the U11 and U9 categories. The hosts, NK Zadarnova, winners of the U8 category, and Split’s HNK Hajduk, who took first place in the U10 category, also achieved excellent results.

NK Lokomotiva Plavi claimed victory in the U11 category. In a closely contested final, the team from Zagreb edged out HNK Gorica 1–0 to lift the winners’ trophy. Third place went to NK Istra 1961, who also made a strong impression throughout the tournament.

HNK Hajduk Split won the U10 title. The Split team showed its quality and solid organization of play in the final, defeating NK Uskok 2–0. Third place went to NK Špansko.

The U9 category was also thrilling, with NK Lokomotiva Plavi claiming its second title of the tournament. The final against NK Rudeš was decided by a penalty shootout, after which the Zagreb team celebrated another victory. HNK Hajduk Split took third place.

In the U8 category, the winners’ trophy stayed in Zadar. NK Zadarnova Plavi played an excellent final and beat NK Zagreb 3–1. Third place went to NK Inker, who also finished the tournament on the podium.

Final standings by age category

U11


NK Lokomotiva
HNK Gorica
NK Istra 1961

See the full standings for the other teams here

U10


HNK Hajduk Split
NK Uskok
NK Špansko

The standings for all the other teams are available at this link

U9


NK Lokomotiva
NK Rudeš
HNK Hajduk Split

You can see all the other standings here

U8


NK Zadarnova
NK Zagreb
NK Inker

See how the other teams finished here

NK LOKOMOTIVA THE MOST SUCCESSFUL BY TOTAL AFT POINTS

When the AFT points earned across all age categories are added together, NK Lokomotiva from Zagreb was the overall most successful team at the ninth Cataleya Cup 2026.

The two titles won, in the U11 and U9 categories, further confirm the quality of the Zagreb club and its successful showing at this year’s tournament.

NK Zadarnova from Zadar took second place in the overall standings based on AFT points earned, while third place went to HNK Hajduk Split.

These standings show how important it is to achieve good results across different age categories. In the AFT MASTERS TOUR system, success is measured not only by winning an individual trophy, but also by overall performance at the tournament. 

The points earned are therefore an important part of the race for the best possible position in the AFT rankings.

Congratulations to NK Lokomotiva on taking first place overall, to NK Zadarnova on its excellent performance in front of its home crowd, and to HNK Hajduk Split on its great results. Congratulations are also due to all the other teams whose performances contributed to the quality of this year’s tournament.

ZADAR SPENT THREE DAYS CELEBRATING YOUTH FOOTBALL

The ninth Cataleya Cup once again demonstrated how youth football can bring together clubs, players, and families from different communities. Over three days of competition, exciting matches, fiercely contested duels, great plays, and goals that thrilled the crowds around the pitches kept coming.

The close finishes stood out in particular, from the U11 final decided by a single goal to the U9 final, where the winner was decided on penalties.

There was no shortage of cheering, emotion, and support around the pitches. Parents, coaches, and fans followed every move by the young footballers, encouraged them through challenging moments, and celebrated their successes with them.

It is precisely these moments, alongside sporting competition, mutual respect, and children from different clubs spending time together, that give tournaments like the Cataleya Cup their special significance.

With matches played across several pitches in Zadar and the surrounding area, this October weekend became a true football festival. While some went home with medals and trophies, others gained new experience, met peers from other communities, and found extra motivation for future challenges.

In youth football, the combination of a competitive spirit, learning, and friendship is one of its greatest strengths.

The ninth Cataleya Cup came to a successful close, and its results once again highlighted the quality of young footballers and the importance of organizing competitions like this.

Along with the winners in each category and the most successful clubs by total AFT points, one of the tournament’s key benefits was the opportunity it gave all participants to develop, gain experience, and enjoy football.

Once again, Zadar showed that youth football is not just about competing for trophies and medals, but also about making friends, developing sportsmanship, and strengthening a love of the game.