IN MEMORIAM: Vladimir Cvetković (1941-2026)

The basketball community has been struck by sad news as Vladimir Cvetković, legendary player of Crvena zvezda and honorary president of the Belgrade club, has passed away at the age of 84.

Vladimir Cvetković dedicated a huge part of his life to Crvena zvezda. He wore the red and white jersey from 1959 until 1972 and during that period he became one of the greatest players in club history. Cvetković became the team captain in 1965 and led the Belgrade side toward numerous memorable successes.

Together with Crvena zvezda, he won two national championships, in 1969 and 1972, while he also lifted the national cup trophy in 1971. Throughout his remarkable career with the club, Cvetković played 293 games and scored 6006 points, which still places him at the 2nd spot on Crvena zvezda’s all-time scoring list.

Besides leaving a huge mark at club level, Vladimir Cvetković was also an important member of the Yugoslav National Team during one of the most successful eras in the country’s basketball history.

Representing Yugoslavia, he won the silver medal at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, while he also claimed silver medals at the 1963 and 1967 FIBA World Cups, as well as at the 1969 EuroBasket.

Vladimir Cvetković’s name will forever remain deeply written in the history of Crvena zvezda and regional basketball.