[Archive 2010-08-23] Former Yugoslavian footballer Stjepan Bobek dies aged 86

Historical archive — originally published 2010-08-23. This report records what was known on that date. It is not current news; subsequent events may have changed the situation. Wikinews closed in May 2026.

Former Yugoslav footballer Stjepan Bobek has died at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by doctors at the Belgrade emergency clinic. However, the cause of death was not given.

Born in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, Bobek gained fame while playing for Partizan Belgrade. He joined them in 1945 and stayed until 1958. During his time with the team, he scored 403 goals in 468 appearances. No one else has ever made more appearances or scored more goals for the club than Bobek. In 1995 he was voted the best player in Partizan's history.

Bobek also played international football. He played for the Yugoslavian national side and appeared 63 times and scored a total of 38 goals. He also won two Olympic silver medals for Yugoslavia in 1948 and 1952.

After Bobek retired from his playing career he became a football manager. He coached in several countries including Poland, Tunisia, and Greece as well as Yugoslavia.

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Text adapted from Former Yugoslavian footballer Stjepan Bobek dies aged 86 by Wikinews contributors under CC BY 2.5. Paragraphs have been selected and abridged, and formatting adjusted. Contributor history.