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Vujadin BoskovYugoslav footballer and coach, played as a right winger
Date of Birth: 16.05.1931
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Vujadin Boškov: Legendary Yugoslav Footballer and Coach
- International Success and Olympic Glory
- Memorable Match against Great Britain
- Coaching Accomplishments
- Retirement and Personal Life
Vujadin Boškov: Legendary Yugoslav Footballer and Coach
Early Career and Playing DaysVujadin Boškov, a prodigious Yugoslav footballer and coach, commenced his professional career with Vojvodina in 1946, showcasing his exceptional skills as a right-winger. Over a remarkable 14-year tenure, he amassed an impressive 512 appearances for the club, including 182 in the Yugoslavian championship. Despite Vojvodina's modest success, with only a Yugoslavian Cup final appearance to their credit, Boškov's talent was undeniable.
In 1961, at the age of 30, Boškov earned the opportunity to seek professional opportunities abroad. He joined Italian Serie A club Sampdoria, but a severe injury hindered his ability to showcase his abilities. He eventually concluded his playing career at Swiss side Young Boys, where he assumed the dual role of player-coach.
International Success and Olympic Glory
Boškov's international debut for Yugoslavia occurred on June 25, 1951, against Switzerland in Belgrade. He represented his country at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where the Yugoslavian team reached the final but succumbed to a formidable Hungarian squad led by Ferenc Puskás. Boškov also participated in two FIFA World Cups, making a total of 7 appearances. His last match for Yugoslavia came during the 1958 World Cup against West Germany.
Memorable Match against Great Britain
On August 13, 1955, Boškov played a pivotal role in an unforgettable match between a European Select XI and Great Britain at Belfast's Windsor Park. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Irish Football Association, Boškov netted an extraordinary hat-trick, leading his team to a 4-1 victory.
Coaching Accomplishments
Boškov's coaching career commenced during his playing days at Young Boys. Upon returning to his homeland, he served as Vojvodina's technical director. Later, he co-managed the Yugoslav national team alongside Branko Stanković. His coaching journey continued in the Netherlands, where he led ADO Den Haag and Feyenoord.
In 1978, Boškov ventured to Spain, taking charge of Real Zaragoza and then Real Madrid. With Real Madrid, he claimed a La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies, and reached the European Cup final. Boškov also spent a season with Sporting de Gijón.
Subsequent coaching stints in Italy included Ascoli, Sampdoria, Roma, and Napoli. With Sampdoria, he achieved remarkable success, winning all three major Italian domestic cups and guiding the team to the UEFA Champions League final, albeit with a heartbreaking defeat to Barcelona. Boškov's managerial career also encompassed spells at Servette, Perugia, and the Yugoslavia national team.
Retirement and Personal Life
After retiring from coaching, Boškov settled with his wife, Jelena, in a 17th-century castle near Genoa. They have two sons, Andrej and Dušan, who pursued non-football careers after studying in Geneva. Boškov's extensive property portfolio includes homes in Novi Sad, a villa in Bled, a ranch on Spain's Costa Brava, and a residence in Geneva, where his sons currently reside. Occasionally, Boškov shares his football wisdom as a lecturer at the coaching school in Genoa.
