Ante Budimir has written his name into Osasuna's history books by becoming the club's all-time top scorer in La Liga. The 35-year-old Croatian striker reached the milestone of 100 goals in the top flight for the Pamplona-based side, achieving the feat in the 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at El Sadar on 19 September.

The goal came in the 16th minute, with Budimir finishing clinically past the visiting goalkeeper. After scoring, the forward ran to the Graderío Sur stand to celebrate a personal moment that also set a new club record. Of the 100 goals that make up his tally, 87 have come for Osasuna, with the remaining 13 scored during his time at RCD Mallorca.

A one-man show this season

Budimir's importance to the Navarrese team is absolute at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. The Croatian has scored five of the six goals Osasuna has managed in the first seven matchdays of La Liga. This individual offensive dominance shows his key role in a side that sits 13th in the table, with eight points. The team's record reads two wins, two draws, and three defeats, with their next fixture away to third-placed Real Betis.

"Many things go through my head because, when I played football in Croatia, everyone wanted to be in the five big European leagues, and on my list Spain was in last place, but in the end at Osasuna and Pamplona is where I feel best," Budimir explained in the press conference. The visibly moved player added a reflection on his journey: "The ways of God are different from mine."

The historic goal against Rayo did not secure three points, but it did cement the status of a living legend at the club. The recent run of form, with one win, one draw, and three losses in the last five matches, makes Budimir's goal contribution even more valuable. The team has conceded 13 goals, leaving them with a -7 goal difference.

At 35, Budimir demonstrates exceptional longevity and effectiveness. His contract and physical condition suggest he can still extend this historic record. The forward, who arrived in Pamplona in 2020, has steadily built his numbers to become the undisputed reference point of the attack. His next objective will be to help the team climb the table starting on 11 October, when they visit the Benito Villamarín. The full squad and their data are available in the squad section.

First reported at Estadio Deportivo