Torcida Split is a HNK Hajduk Splitsupporters' group in Croatia with the branches in other countries, mostly, among Croat communities. Founded on 28 October 1950, Torcida is the oldest supporters group in Europe. They are one of the major football fan groups in Croatia and the one of the largest in Southeast Europe. Their mascot is a donkey, but common symbol of Torcida is caricature of legendary Hajduk supporter Žan Ojdanić.
History
The Torcida was founded in 1950 by a group of sailors from Korčula who had witnessed the passion of the crowd at the World Cup Final in Brazil. Hajduk Split supporters, Torcida, were formed on 28 October 1950 by a group of students in Zagreb, namely Ante Dorić, Ante Ivanišević and Vjenceslav Žuvela, and are considered the oldest organized supporters group in Europe. They took their name from the Brazilian fan group they idolized, which comes from the Portuguese 'torcer' which means 'to cheer on'. "Hajduk lives forever" is their slogan. The name "Torcida" returned to public use in 1980, when the new generation of fans of Hajduk wanted, by the old name and tradition, to celebrate and support the club and its heritage. Since then, the fans assemble in the north stand of the new stadium in Poljud.
Alliances
They are on very good terms with another ultra group from Dalmatia, Tornado Zadar. They are on good terms with the biggest ultra group of Portuguese club Benfica, No Name Boys. This friendship started during the Croatian war, when NN showed a message "Freedom for Croatia", and some time later, Benfica played in Croatia against Hajduk and after the game a car accident occurred in Mérida, Spain, where 3 members of NN lost their lives. Furthermore, the group has a good relationship with the fans of Gornik Zabrze, a Polish football club, who also call themselves Torcida. The two groups have visited each other at their respective stadiums on multiple occasions, and this friendship reached its peak in February 2018 when Gornik Zabrze invited Hajduk Split for a friendly match on March 24, which would celebrate Gornik's 70th anniversary. Torcida is also on good terms with Magic Fans of Saint Etienne.
