Vladimir “Braco” Janković, one of Croatia’s most prominent volleyball character, passed away at the age of 84 today, September 25, 2025.
Born in Vukovar in 1941, he represented Yugoslavia 135 times, winning the 1967 Mediterranean Games gold medal and competing at several World and European Championships.
After his end as player, he continued with an amazing coaching career, guiding Mladost Zagreb, as well as Italy’s Modena (leading them to a European Champions Cup triumph) and Padova, and Austria’s Hot Volleys Wien, but he also coached the national teams of Yugoslavia, Croatia, and Slovenia.
Moreover, as a respected professor of kinesiology and author, he educated generations of coaches and players and his lifelong contribution to sport was honored with the nation’s highest awards, including the Franjo Bučar Award and the Order of Danica Hrvatska.
And now he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and passion that volleyball world will not be forgotten.
All Volleytimes family extends deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to all those who knew and loved him.