Established during the Austro-Hungarian era by Andrija Mutafelija and friends, the club emphasized a strong Croatian identity as a multi-sports organization (including football, handball, and cycling). It started with grounds in neighborhoods like Tuškanac and later built its own stadium, Stadion Koturaška (opened in 1924).
Građanski quickly became a powerhouse. It developed a fierce local rivalry with HAŠK (more academic/middle-class oriented), while gaining broad working-class support in Zagreb.
In the Yugoslav era (post-1918), it dominated nationally, winning the Yugoslav First League five times (1923, 1926, 1928, 1936–37, 1939–40) and other domestic honors.
The club toured successfully across Europe, defeating teams like Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao in Spain (1923). They adopted the innovative WM formation under Hungarian coach Márton Bukovi in the mid-1930s, which influenced later tactics (including Hungary's "Magical Magyars" and Brazil's 4-2-4). They competed in the Mitropa Cup (a precursor to modern European competitions) and hosted notable friendlies, such as against Brazil (0–0 in 1934) and a 5–1 thrashing of Liverpool (1936).
Notable players included August Lešnik, Franjo Wölfl, Ivan Jazbinšek, and others who represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia national team. Many also played for the wartime Independent State of Croatia (NDH) side.
After World War II, the new communist Yugoslav authorities disbanded Građanski in June 1945 (along with rivals like HAŠK and Concordia) due to perceived ideological or class associations. Its last match was a 2–2 draw with HAŠK in April 1945.
Dinamo Zagreb was founded shortly afterward as the city's new flagship club. It inherited Građanski's colors (blue), fan base, some players/coaches (like Bukovi), and even later adopted a similar badge design. Dinamo effectively carried forward much of Građanski's heritage, though records and identities remain distinct.
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