A Serbian footballer and coach who won numerous titles with Red Star Belgrade and managed several national teams, including Yugoslavia and Serbia. He's known for his success in the Yugoslav First League and European competitions.
Rajko Miti, a Serbian footballer, coach, executive, and journalist, is widely regarded as one of the most important players in the history of Red Star Belgrade. As the first player to be awarded the prestigious Zvezdina zvezda, Miti's legacy extends beyond his impressive playing career, with his name etched in the annals of Serbian football history.
Born on November 19, 1922, Miti began his football journey in 1937, playing for Koutnjak before moving to BSK Belgrade in May 1938. During his time at BSK, he became a member of the junior team and made his debut as a striker for the first team in 1940, scoring two goals.
The Second World War interrupted Miti's football development, but he continued playing for the engineer squadron, where he fought alongside fellow future Yugoslavia national team players Predrag Đajić and Jovan Jezerkić. After the war, Miti joined Red Star Belgrade, becoming the team's captain and leader for fourteen seasons.
In Red Star's uniform, Miti scored an impressive 262 goals in 572 matches, leading the team to numerous victories, including five league titles (1951, 1953, 1956, 1957, and 1959) and four national cup titles (1948, 1949, 1950, and 1958). He also won the regional Mitropa Cup in 1958, one of the two times Red Star won the prestigious tournament.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Serbian football, Miti was awarded the Zvezdina zvezda, the highest individual honor bestowed upon a Red Star Belgrade player. In December 2014, the Red Star Stadium, the principal stadium in Serbia, was officially renamed after him, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
Rajko Miti's impact on Serbian football extends beyond his playing career. As a coach, executive, and journalist, he continued to contribute to the development of the sport, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. His legacy serves as a beacon of excellence, motivating others to strive for greatness in the beautiful game.
Rajko Miti's remarkable journey serves as a testament to his dedication, passion, and excellence in the sport of football. As a legendary player, coach, executive, and journalist, his impact on Serbian football will continue to inspire generations to come.
