Ex-Yugoslavia International Ivan Gudelj Dies At 66

Former Yugoslavia international footballer and Hajduk Split legend Ivan Gudelj has died at the age of 66.

Hajduk Split announced his death on Wednesday, describing Gudelj as one of the most prominent players of his generation and a true club legend.

Gudelj joined Hajduk Split as a youngster and spent his entire playing career with the club, making 362 appearances and scoring 93 goals for its youth and senior teams between 1976 and 1986.

He also represented the former Yugoslavia 33 times, scoring three goals, and became the national team captain at the age of 22.

Gudelj was among the standout players for Yugoslavia at the 1982 FIFA World Cup and also featured at the 1984 European Championship.

His playing career was brought to an abrupt end in 1986 after he was diagnosed with hepatitis B, forcing him to retire just as he was preparing to move to French club Bordeaux.

Following his retirement, Gudelj remained involved in football as a coach. He briefly managed Hajduk Split and later coached Croatia’s Under-17 and Under-19 national teams.

Hajduk Split paid tribute to the former midfielder, mourning the loss of a player who had become an enduring symbol of the club.

Gudelj’s death marks the loss of one of the most celebrated figures in Hajduk Split and Croatian football history.