The impressive height with which he dominated the pitch and won the ball, and sometimes even opponents... The impressive technique with which he skillfully carried the ball, played through teammates and created attacks... Two seemingly difficult to combine qualities, a combination that is rare even in today's football, adorned one of the brilliant players in Dinamo's history. Drago Horvat, the former popular Maksimir defender, older brother of the equally renowned and famous Ivica Horvat, left us forever on July 11, 2009, a week after his 85th birthday.

Not only did Drago dominate in the defensive line, whether in the center or on the flank, not only did he step up into midfield, but he even played as goalkeeper in five league matches. His full name was Josip Dragutin Horvat, and he was popularly known in football as Drago. He was born on July 4, 1924, in Bihać in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and wore Dinamo's jersey for a full 10 years. His versatility extended beyond his playing career when he became an international referee with FIFA credentials. Moreover, history remembers him as the referee of an unforgettable match in which the famous Pelé visited Maksimir Stadium. In the friendly encounter between Dinamo and Brazilian club Santos, which ended 1-1, justice was served by none other than Drago Horvat.

Furthermore, a year later he was also an assistant referee at the World Cup in Mexico.

As a teenager during wartime, he played for Zagreb's Ferraria, then briefly for Zagorec, before recording 323 appearances for the first Maksimir team from 1945 to 1955. In that period, he played 116 competitive matches, won championship titles in 1948 and 1954, along with the Cup winner's trophy in 1951. Those who watched him emphasize that he had excellent game vision, strength in duels, outstanding aerial ability especially because, just like his brother, he was exceptionally tall, and he was also blessed with good technique. He earned one cap for the A national team and two more for the Yugoslav B selection.