HNK Rijeka might be soccer's best example of the complex geography and history of Europe. The Croatian club has an unbelievable history in which it has lifted trophies in 5 different countries without ever having been relocated since its foundation. To situate yourself better below is a map of modern-day Europe and where the city of Rijeka is located exactly within Croatia.
The saga begins in 1906 when the club was founded as CS Olimpia in the city of Rijeka in what at the time was the Austria-Hungary Empire (see map below). In Austria-Hungary, CS Olimpia got a silver trophy for finishing runner-up in the Grazioli Cup in 1919.
Between 1920 and 1924 the region of Fiume, where the city of Rijeka is located, became an independent state known as the Free State of Fiume (see map below). The club changed the spelling of its name to Olympia and was crowned national champion in 1921.
In 1924, under the rule of Benito Mussolini, the Free State of Fiume was annexed to Italy (see map below) and CS Olympia then merged with their arch-rival CS Gloria to form US Fiumana. As Fiumana the club participated in the Italian league system where it won the third division in 1941 as well as multiple regional cups throughout the years.
In 1943 the Italian fascist regime falls and the region is almost immediately taken over by Yugoslavia (see map below). The club underwent a series of name changes, US Fiumana became RS Fiumana, SCF Quarnero, SC Quarnero, and finally NK Rijeka. As Rijeka the club had many ups and downs in Yugoslavia, with relegations to the third division but also 6 second division titles as well as 2 Yugoslav Cups.
In 1992 Croatia breaks free from Yugoslavia and becomes an independent country (see map below). Rijeka, now called HNK Rijeka as it is known to this day, became a founding member of the league. Currently, Rijeka has 1 national title, 6 Croatian Cup titles, and 1 Super Cup.
Rijeka's history might be unmatched. 8 different names, 1 merger, 5 different countries, and silverware lifted in all of them. All of this without moving an inch from the place it was founded.
