Ivan Gudelj dies at 66: Remembering a Hajduk and Croatian football great
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo: Hajduk.hr)
SPLIT, 2 September 2026 – Croatian football is mourning the death of Ivan Gudelj, one of the greatest players in the history of Hajduk Split, who has died aged 66 following a short and serious illness.
Gudelj was a key figure in Hajduk’s successful generation of the late 1970s and early 1980s, making 362 appearances and scoring 93 goals for the club.
Born in Imotski on 21 April 1960 and raised in Zmijavci, Gudelj joined Hajduk as a youngster in 1975. He went on to become a captain and one of the club’s most important players, winning the Yugoslav championship in 1979 and two domestic cups.
He was also part of the Hajduk side that reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals in the 1983/84 season. Gudelj scored in the first-leg victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Poljud, although Hajduk were eliminated after a 1-0 defeat in London.
His international career was equally notable. Gudelj captained Yugoslavia’s youth side to the European title in 1979, when he was named the tournament’s best player. He later made 33 senior international appearances, scoring three goals.
He represented Yugoslavia at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, the 1982 World Cup in Spain and UEFA Euro 1984 in France. His performances at the 1982 World Cup earned him a place in French newspaper L’Équipe’s team of the tournament.
His playing career was cut short at the age of just 25 after he was diagnosed with hepatitis B, ending what had been a rapidly developing career at the highest level.
Gudelj remained involved in football after retiring, working as a coach and instructor. He managed several Croatian clubs and briefly took charge of Hajduk’s first team during the 2005/06 season.
He also played a significant role in developing young players, working with the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) as a youth coach and instructor. He was part of the staff of Croatia’s cadet team that won bronze at the 2001 European Championship.
Hajduk and the HNS have expressed their condolences to Gudelj’s family, friends and all those who knew and admired him.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy in Croatian football and in the history of Hajduk Split.
