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Tomislav IvicYugoslav footballer, Yugoslav and Croatian coach
Date of Birth: 30.06.1933
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Miraculous Miroslav: A Legendary Journey in Football
- Early Coaching Career (1960s)
- The Hajduk Era and Ajax Stint (1970s)
- International Accolades (1980s)
- European Conquest with Porto (1987)
- Continued Success in Europe (1990s and 2000s)
- Managerial Legacy
Miraculous Miroslav: A Legendary Journey in Football
Miroslav Blažević, a renowned Yugoslav footballer and coach, has etched his name in the annals of world football with an illustrious career spanning decades and continents.
Early Coaching Career (1960s)
Blažević's coaching journey commenced in the 1960s, following his graduation from Belgrade's prestigious coaching academy. He returned to his hometown club, Radnički Split, for a brief stint before spending four years mentoring the youth team at Hajduk Split.
The Hajduk Era and Ajax Stint (1970s)
In 1973, Blažević made a triumphant return to Hajduk as head coach, guiding the team to two Yugoslav championships (1974 and 1975) and four domestic cups (1972, 1973, 1974, and 1976). His reputation soared in 1976 when he took the helm of Dutch giants Ajax, winning the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup.
International Accolades (1980s)
The 1980s marked a period of international success for Blažević. He led Belgian club Anderlecht to championship victory in 1981. His subsequent tenure at Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb, and Italian club Avellino further cemented his status.
European Conquest with Porto (1987)
Blažević's greatest triumph came in 1987 when he joined FC Porto in Portugal. Under his guidance, the team achieved the remarkable feat of winning four major trophies in a single season: the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup.
Continued Success in Europe (1990s and 2000s)
Blažević continued his success streak into the 1990s, leading Atlético Madrid to victory in the Copa del Rey (1991). He also won the French league title with Olympique de Marseille (1992) and coached esteemed clubs such as Benfica and Porto. In the 2000s, he enjoyed stints with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and Standard Liège in Belgium.
Managerial Legacy
Throughout his illustrious career, Blažević won championships in six different countries, an unprecedented achievement in world football. In 2007, Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport bestowed upon him the title of "Most Successful Coach in the History of World Football." Blažević's legacy continues to inspire future generations of coaches and players alike, showcasing the indomitable spirit and tactical brilliance that defined his extraordinary journey.