Istra 1961

NK Istra 1961 – Club History

NK Istra 1961 is a Croatian football club from Pula, the largest city on the Istrian peninsula in Croatia. Founded as a continuation of the football tradition in Pula since 1948 (with 1961 as a key reorganisation date), the club represents the Croatian coast of the Adriatic and has competed in the Croatian First Football League. Playing in red and black, Istra 1961 bring Croatian top-flight football to the popular tourist destination of Pula, with the city's spectacular Roman Amphitheatre providing one of football's most extraordinary architectural neighbours.

Key Milestones

1948/1961 – Club established in Pula, Istria. 1991 – Croatian First Football League competition. 2011 – HNL promotion. 2015 – Consistent HNL competition. 2022 – Relegated from HNL. 2023 – HNL promotion; return to Croatian top flight.