A Serbian footballer and manager who played for several clubs and managed the Serbian national team, known for his defensive skills and tactical acumen. He led the Serbian team to the 2018 World Cup.
Sinia Mihajlovi, a Serbian football manager and former professional footballer, is best known for his remarkable skills on the field, particularly his expertise in taking free kicks. He holds the all-time record in Serie A for most goals scored from free kicks, an impressive 28 goals.
Mihajlovi was born on February 20, 1969, in Vukovar, Yugoslavia (now Croatia). He grew up in a working-class family with a Bosnian Serb father and a Croat mother. His childhood was marked by the Croatian War of Independence, which forced his family to flee their home.
Mihajlovi's football career spanned over a decade, during which he played for several top-tier clubs, including Red Star Belgrade, Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio, and Inter Milan. He won the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade in 1991 and league titles with Lazio and Inter Milan.
Mihajlovi's exceptional free kick skills earned him recognition as one of the best free kick takers of all time. He consistently delivered pinpoint accuracy, making him a valuable asset to his teams.
Mihajlovi represented Yugoslavia at the international level, earning 63 caps and scoring 10 goals between 1991 and 2003. He participated in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 tournaments.
After retiring as a player in 2006, Mihajlovi transitioned into management, serving as an assistant coach at Inter Milan. He later managed six Serie A clubs, including Bologna, Fiorentina, Torino, and AC Milan. In 2012, he became the coach of the Serbia national team, a position he held until 2013.
Mihajlovi passed away on December 16, 2022, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, including the Croatian War of Independence, Mihajlovi remained dedicated to his craft, inspiring generations of footballers and fans alike.
Through his remarkable career, Mihajlovi leaves behind a rich legacy, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers and managers in Serbian history.
47 Years Old
A Serbian football legend who played for top clubs like Lazio and Inter Milan, and later managed the Serbian national team, known for his exceptional vision and passing range.