Volleyball Legend, Vladimir Braco Janković Dies at 84

Vladimir “Braco” Janković, a towering figure in Croatian volleyball, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 84. Born in Vukovar in 1941, Janković earned 135 caps representing Yugoslavia, capturing the gold medal at the 1967 Mediterranean Games and competing in multiple World and European Championships.

Following an illustrious playing career, Janković transitioned into coaching, achieving great success with clubs such as Mladost Zagreb, Modena, Padova, and Hot Volleys Wien. Notably, he led Modena to a European Champions Cup victory. His coaching prowess also extended to national teams, including Yugoslavia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Beyond the court, Janković was a revered professor of kinesiology and a prolific author, dedicating his life to educating generations of coaches and players. His profound impact on sport was recognized with Croatia’s highest honors, including the Franjo Bučar Award and the Order of Danica Hrvatska.

Janković’s legacy of excellence, mentorship, and unwavering passion for volleyball will continue to inspire the sport for years to come.