HNK Hajduk Split has lost one of its greatest icons, Ivan Gudelj, who passed away at the age of 66 after a short, severe illness. The news was reported by Index.hr Sport, and the club extended its sincere condolences to his family and friends on the same day.
Gudelj was firmly tied to Hajduk throughout his entire football career. He made 362 appearances for the White Ones, scoring 93 goals, and also wore the captain's armband. With the club, he won the Croatian championship and two cups, and is considered one of the symbols of Hajduk from the 1980s. His playing career was cut short prematurely in 1986 when he was just 26 years old due to a serious health diagnosis.
Who was Ivan Gudelj for Hajduk?
Ivan Gudelj was born on April 21, 1960. He made his debut for Hajduk in 1978 and quickly became one of the team's most important players. He was known for his fighting spirit, technical ability, and leadership qualities on the pitch. His contribution to the club was immeasurable, and fans considered him a true representative of the Hajduk spirit.
After illness ended his playing career, Gudelj remained loyal to the club. He worked as a coach and football official. He managed Hajduk's first team during the 2005/2006 season, trying to pass on his experience and love for the club to new generations of players.
How is Gudelj remembered at the club?
In Hajduk's official statement, it says: "The entire Hajduk family was hit by the sad news today that Ivan Gudelj has left us." These words convey the depth of the loss that has befallen the club. Gudelj is remembered not only as an excellent player but also as a man who embodied the club's values. His mark on the history of Hajduk and Croatian football in general is permanent.
What is Hajduk's current situation?
Today's Hajduk competes in the HNL, and as of September 2, 2026, they are in 4th place with 10 points. The team has a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss from five played rounds, and their recent form is WWWDL. In attack, they have scored 11 goals and conceded 5, giving them a goal difference of +6. They are just two points behind leaders NK Osijek, making them a serious contender in the title race.
The next challenge for the team is an away match against Rudes on September 6, 2026. Rudes is currently in 8th place in the table, and details of all upcoming matches can be found on our fixtures page. The current standings can be followed on the standings page.
Ivan Gudelj remains forever etched in the hearts of the fans. As the club faces this loss, the players have a chance to honor his memory on the pitch. Hajduk's next match is on September 6 away at Rudes.
