Ivan Gudelj: Football legend and Hajduk captain honored in commemoration

A commemoration was held at Poljud Stadium to honor the life and career of Ivan Gudelj, a legendary footballer for Hajduk Split and the former Yugoslavia national team. Gudelj passed away at the age of 67 following a long illness.

Speakers at the event, including Hajduk President Ivan Bilić and Croatian Football Federation President Marijan Kustić, praised Gudelj as a leader, a world-class talent, and a man of high moral character. Former teammates and football figures, such as Faruk Hadžibegić and Ivica Šurjak, also attended to pay their respects, noting his impact on the sport and his role as a mentor for younger generations.

Gudelj’s career was famously interrupted at age 26 due to hepatitis B, a diagnosis that prevented a highly anticipated move to Real Madrid. Despite this, he remained deeply connected to football and spent decades working with youth development. To honor his legacy, the Croatian Football Federation has ordered a minute of silence across all levels of the Croatian football league, and the documentary ‘Ivanova igra’ will be screened to celebrate his life.