Ivan Gudelj, Hajduk Split Legend, Passes Away at 66

Ivan Gudelj, a former defensive midfielder for Yugoslavia and a legend at Hajduk Split, died at the age of 66, as confirmed by the club on Wednesday. Gudelj joined Hajduk Split as a youth and made a significant impact, achieving 362 appearances and scoring 93 goals for the club from 1976 to 1986.

He also represented the former Yugoslavia in 33 matches, netting three goals, and became the national team captain at the age of 22. Gudelj was recognized as one of the standout players during the 1982 World Cup and participated in the 1984 European Championships.

His playing career was cut short in 1986 due to hepatitis B, which forced him to retire just before a potential move to Bordeaux. In addition to his playing career, Gudelj briefly served as a coach for Hajduk Split and also led Croatia’s Under-17 and Under-19 teams.