Rising Star Luka Didulica: The 19-Year-Old Defender Making Waves in Japan

Luka Didulica, a 19-year-old Australian defender currently playing for Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan, is making headlines not just for his skill, but also for his impressive height. Towering at 200cm (6 feet 7 inches), Didulica has already had the honor of representing the Young Socceroos at the Under-20 level.

Reflecting on his growth, Didulica remarked, “I shot up out of nowhere. When I was maybe 15 or 16, I had my major growth.” Before this significant change, he described himself as slightly taller than average but not exceptionally so.

Should he reach the senior national team, he stands to become the tallest outfield player Australia has ever seen, surpassing current records held by Harry Souttar. But the journey to that achievement is still long, particularly as Didulica is cultivating his talents in Japan after spending a decade with North Geelong Warriors and a year at Melbourne Victory.

So, how did a young player from Australia end up in Japan's J1 League? Didulica provided some background: “I was at North Geelong Warriors, and a player named Sergio Escudero, who had previously played at Urawa, got in touch with some contacts over there and arranged a trial. I did well during the trial and got signed.”

His time at Urawa has been transformative, allowing him to adapt to a faster pace of play. “Definitely learning how to play at a quicker tempo, in a much quicker environment. It’s a lot more technical as well, so I’m getting a little bit better with my feet,” he noted. This exposure to a high-tempo environment has enhanced his composure and ball control, a boon when he eventually returns to play in Australia.

Despite his budding career, Didulica faces the challenge of a language barrier, as he does not yet speak Japanese. Currently, he relies on a translator to grasp coaching instructions during training, but he is committed to learning the language.

Eager to break into the first team, Didulica is confident that his debut is approaching. His last name may be familiar to many Australian football fans; he is indeed the son of Joey Didulica, a former professional goalkeeper who played for clubs like Melbourne Knights, Ajax, and AZ Alkmaar, and has a unique connection to both Australian and Croatian football.

Born in the Netherlands while his father played for Alkmaar, Didulica moved to Australia at a young age and barely remembers his early years in Europe. He shared, “I’ve watched a few videos of him and a few of his highlights. Having a professional footballer as a dad has been great; it’s helped me a lot.”

The senior Didulica was not just a father but also a mentor, coaching Luka from his earliest games through to senior level. “He always wanted high standards. No pressure, but I had to give 100 percent,” Luka said. His father provided a critical lens on his performance, offering feedback on what he could improve after each match.

Though he faced higher expectations than his teammates, Luka acknowledges the benefits of his father's guidance. “He always wanted the best for me, so he always wanted me to play as well as I could.”

Didulica senior, who logged four matches for Croatia at the international level, also faced a pivotal moment in the 2006 World Cup where his team faced Australia. Luka expressed pride in the prospect of representing Australia, stating, “To play for your country, where you’ve grown up, it’s always an honour.” He feels a connection to his Croatian heritage while also embracing his identity as an Australian.

At just 19 and with a bright future ahead, Luka Didulica is a player to watch as he continues to progress with Urawa Red Diamonds, and with his height, he's surely hard to miss.