Athletes or not, everyone would agree that the three crucial elements in sports are talent, hard work, and luck. The last component is often overlooked, but people who had it – or even better, those who lacked it in key moments – can testify about its significance and value.One of those goddess Fortuna’s favourites has to be Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic.The Croatia international was born in Munich and spent two years in the Bavarians’ youth categories before starting his senior career at the lower-league side, Bayern Munich II. Even though he spent almost the entire 2020/2021 season with the reserve team, Stanisic debuted for the first team in April 2021, putting his name on the list of the Bundesliga winners.Stanisic (#44) on his Bayern Munich debut against Union Berlin in April 2021 (©AFP))In the following two seasons, the defender became a regular in the first team – making 27 appearances in total – and won two more titles with the Munich side.However, during the June Transfer Window of 2023, Bayern signed two excellent defenders, Raphael Guerreiro and Kim Min-jae, and suddenly, there was no room for Stanisic. Yet, as the club didn’t want to give up on him altogether, they loaned him to Bayer Leverkusen.Okay Bayern, why don’t you just buy Leverkusen’s entire squad?Lever’s remarkable – and nearly undefeated – season followed, Xabi Alonso’s crew won a double in Germany and played the UEFA Europa League final, and the Croat won another Bundesliga, being one of the vital cogs in the Spaniard’s machinery.His excellent spell with Leverkusen recommended him to Vincent Kompany, and the Bavarians got him back to Allianz Arena, where he helped the club regain the German throne, making 13 Bundesliga appearances.Bundesliga History Made! 🇩🇪🏆🚨 Did you know?Josip Stanišić has now won 5 consecutive Bundesliga titles, including one with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24 — the club’s first ever!👏 Respect where it’s due. 🇭🇷🦁#Stanisic #Bayern #Leverkusen #Bundesliga #Croatia #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/pg4tcV7T0m— Vavascore (@Vavascore1) May 5, 2025 All in all, in his five Bundesliga seasons, Stanisic won as many titles – while Bayern won “just” four! – and was lucky enough to be a member of Xabi Alonso’s extraordinary team, which ended Bayern’s dominance. Josip Stanisic – ruling German football since 2021!##NAJAVA_MECA_8916426##
