Mark Viduka started his illustrious career in his native Australia where he played for Melbourne Knights as a youngster. Viduka’s record for the Knights was absolutely incredible as he scored a brilliant 40 goals in 48 games, twice winning their Player of the Year award before advancing his career with a move to Dinamo Zagreb (then called Croatia Zagreb).

The Aussie striker spent three and a half years at the Croatian club with a record of almost a goal every two games. He got his first taste of European football at the club where he played in both the UEFA cup and the Champions League.

Viduka’s brilliant record drew the attention of Celtic, who snapped him up for £3.5million in 1998, though it was shortly after announced that he had quit the club due to stress before even making his debut. Whatever issues there were behind the scenes however appeared to be resolved as Viduka did go on to play for the club and continue an incredible goalscoring ratio, nabbing 30 goals in 38 games for the club before David O’Leary took him to the Premiership with Leeds.

Mark cost Leeds a hefty £6million transfer fee during a golden period for the club, and they finished Fourth and Fifth in Mark’s first two seasons at the club, where he spent a total of four years and scored almost 60 goals. However, Leeds had overstretched themselves financially and after league performance worsened they were forced to sell, Viduka moving on to Middlesborough in 2004.

He impressed at Middlesborough in three years for the club, and continued a good goalscoring pattern. His best form coming early in the 05-06 season when he sailed to double figures very early in the season. However, when his contract expired after three years at Boro, he moved to Northern rivals Newcastle on a free transfer.

Mark was something of a bit-part player at Newcastle, and scored 7 goals in limited first team appearances over two years before getting released following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Viduka then retired with an impressive record of over 200 goals in 409 games in his career.

Viduka also represented Australia 43 times, scoring 11 goals for his country. He is yet to re-appear in football in a coaching capacity. It is widely believed that he now lives in  Australia again with his Croatian wife and their three children. Mark Viduka, The North Stand Salutes you!