When discussing the strongest international friendships in European football, few command as much respect as the bond between Torcida Split and Torcida Górnik Zabrze. Built on loyalty, shared values, and an unwavering passion for football, this relationship has become one of the most admired international friendships in the ultras world. Today, supporters in Split and Zabrze proudly celebrate a connection that continues to grow stronger with every passing year.
Although contacts between the two fan bases existed earlier, their friendship was officially established in 2016. Since then, Torcida Split and Torcida Górnik have regularly visited one another, attended important matches together, and celebrated key moments in each other's history. Over time, the relationship has become one of the best-known international friendships in European football culture.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this bond is the history behind the name Torcida Górnik itself. The supporters of Górnik adopted the name "Torcida" as a tribute to Hajduk Split's legendary supporters, who founded Europe's oldest organised supporters' group in 1950. Long before the official friendship was established, this shared identity created a natural connection between the two fan bases and laid the foundations for a relationship built on mutual respect.
Since 2016, supporters from both clubs have travelled hundreds of kilometres to stand alongside their friends. Whether in Split or Zabrze, it is common to see Hajduk Split flags in Poland and Górnik Zabrze banners at Stadion Poljud. Joint choreographies, pyro displays, and emotional terrace moments have become a defining feature whenever the two groups meet.
A particularly memorable occasion came in 2018, when Hajduk Split travelled to Zabrze to take part in celebrations marking Górnik Zabrze’s 70th anniversary. Although the match itself was a friendly, the atmosphere inside the stadium reflected the depth of the relationship between the two supporter scenes. The connection had already been recognised two years earlier, when representatives of Torcida Górnik were officially welcomed at Poljud and visited Hajduk’s trophy room, underlining the mutual respect surrounding the friendship.
The bond continued to grow in the following years through regular visits, shared celebrations, and mutual support. Whenever one club plays an important match, supporters from the other side often make the journey to stand alongside their friends. These visits have become a tradition and further strengthened the connection between the two fan bases. Among supporters, the expression "United Torcida" has become a popular way of describing the unique brotherhood between Split and Zabrze.
In 2026, Torcida Split and Torcida Górnik celebrated ten years of friendship with special choreographies, banners, and coordinated displays. The anniversary attracted widespread attention across the European ultras scene, with photographs of spectacular pyro shows and joint celebrations shared by football supporters around the world.
What makes this friendship particularly special is that it was never built around a common rival or political agenda. Instead, it developed naturally through mutual respect, a similar supporters' mentality, and a shared understanding of ultras culture. Both groups are renowned for their impressive choreographies, passionate vocal support, and spectacular pyro displays, making them among the most respected fan bases in Europe.
Both Split and Zabrze are cities with proud football traditions, and their supporters share a deep sense of identity and loyalty towards their clubs. These common values have helped transform a simple friendship into a genuine brotherhood that continues to be passed down to younger generations.
Today, the friendship between Torcida Split and Torcida Górnik Zabrze is recognised as one of the most respected international friendships in European supporter culture. Every meeting between the two groups showcases not only breathtaking atmospheres and unforgettable displays, but also the idea that football can unite supporters across borders. Ten years after the friendship was officially established, the bond between the two Torcidas remains stronger than ever, proving that true loyalty, respect and passion for the game can create friendships that last a lifetime.