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Dusan BajevicYugoslav footballer, striker, coach
Date of Birth: 10.12.1948
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Content:
- Dusan Bajevic: Yugoslavian Legend and Footballing Icon
- Golden Years with FK Velez and Recognition
- Success in Greece and Return to FK Velez
- Career Statistics and Legacy
- International Career
Dusan Bajevic: Yugoslavian Legend and Footballing Icon
Early Career and Rise to StardomDusan Bajevic, an exceptional Yugoslav footballer and trainer, was born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. His football journey began at the tender age of 17 when he made his debut for FK Velez, his hometown club. Bajevic quickly established himself as a key player due to his tall stature, technical prowess, and aerial dominance. In the 1969/70 season, he emerged as a prolific goalscorer, netting 20 goals and sharing the title of Yugoslavia's top scorer with Slobodan Santrac.
Golden Years with FK Velez and Recognition
Bajevic's performances in the 1970s cemented his reputation as one of Yugoslavia's finest. In 1972, he became the inaugural winner of Yugoslavia's Player of the Year award. He continued to score prolifically, with 20 goals in both the 1972/73 and 1973/74 seasons. FK Velez also enjoyed success under his guidance, claiming second place in the Yugoslav Championship twice.
Success in Greece and Return to FK Velez
In 1977, Bajevic ventured to Greece to play for AEK Athens. He immediately made an impact, winning the "golden double" of the Greek Championship and Greek Cup in his first season. Bajevic also won the Greek Cup top scorer award twice, with 9 goals in both the 1977/78 and 1978/79 seasons. After a disappointing season in 1979/80, he returned to FK Velez in 1981, where he spent two more years.
Career Statistics and Legacy
During his illustrious career, Bajevic played a total of 568 matches for FK Velez, scoring 468 goals. His 166 goals in the Yugoslav Championship place him third in the league's all-time scoring list, behind only Santrac and Darko Pancev.
International Career
Bajevic made his international debut for Yugoslavia in 1970, scoring the team's sole goal in a friendly against Austria. He represented Yugoslavia at the 1974 FIFA World Cup and scored an impressive five goals in a single match against Venezuela in 1972, a national team record. In total, he played 37 matches and scored 29 goals for Yugoslavia.
