About NK Čelik Zenica

NK Čelik Zenica is a professional football club based in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, founded on 16 June 1945 by a group of World War II veterans. The club’s name, “Čelik” (meaning “steel”), reflects the city’s strong industrial and metallurgical identity. Known as the “Black-Reds,” Čelik plays its home matches at Bilino Polje Stadium, which is also used by the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

During the Yugoslav era, Čelik established itself as a competitive club, spending 17 seasons in the Yugoslav First League. Its greatest international success came in the 1970s, when it won the Mitropa Cup twice and also achieved success in the Intertoto Cup. After the independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Čelik became one of the dominant teams in the country, winning three consecutive national league titles from 1994 to 1997 and two domestic cups in 1995 and 1996.

In recent years, the club has faced financial and organizational challenges, leading to relegation from the top tier and a temporary drop to lower divisions. Despite these difficulties, Čelik remains one of the most historic and supported clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, notable for its strong fan base and its unique model as a fan-owned club, where members democratically elect the leadership.