HNK Hajduk Split and its fans have bid farewell to Ivan Gudelj, a former player of the club who passed away in Zagreb at the age of 67. The news of his death was announced today, with the club sharing an emotional tribute on its social networks.
According to a report by 24sata Sport, the entire Hajduk family was informed of the sad news today. Gudelj was a celebrated footballer, a national team representative, a coach, and a long-time instructor for the Croatian Football Federation. Hajduk expressed "deep and sincere condolences" to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. The Torcida fan group also publicly shared its grief.
Who was Ivan Gudelj?
Ivan Gudelj left a significant mark on Croatian football. His career spanned playing, before moving into coaching and instructor roles. He was part of a generation that shaped clubs and developed young talent. His contribution was not limited to the pitch, but extended to educating future football professionals through his work with the Croatian FA. Gudelj's name is associated with respect and professionalism within the sporting community.
How did the club and fans say goodbye?
HNK Hajduk Split posted a message on its official channels bidding farewell to one of its greats. "Otišao je jedan od velikih. Adio, Ivane!" (One of the greats has left. Goodbye, Ivan!), reads the tribute shared by the club. This gesture was immediately acknowledged by the loyal supporters, with Torcida confirming the shared sorrow through their own messages. Posting such tributes on social media underscores how respected Gudelj was and how much he will be missed.
What is Hajduk's form at the start of the season?
The news of Gudelj's passing comes as Hajduk prepares for the continuation of the competitive season. The team currently sits in 4th place in the HNL table with 10 points from five matches played. Their record is three wins, one draw, and one loss, with recent form reading WWWDL. Hajduk has scored 11 goals, conceded 5, for a goal difference of +6. In the title race, they trail leaders NK Osijek by just two points.
Hajduk's next challenge is an away fixture against Rudes on September 6, 2026. Rudes currently occupies 8th place in the table. Ahead of that trip, the players and staff will hold the contribution of Ivan Gudelj in their memory. Details of upcoming matches can be found on our fixtures page, and the current league standings are on our standings page.
The farewell to Ivan Gudelj is a reminder of the enduring bond between the club, its former players, and its supporters. Hajduk's next match, against Rudes on Saturday, will be an opportunity to remember all those who have enriched the club's history.
