Former A-League coach Rado Vidosic has died after a short battle with cancer, his son Dario has confirmed. He was 64.
Vidosic, who left the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia) in 1988 to play for the Queensland Lions in the National Soccer League, became one of the most respected figures in Australian soccer in a decades-long career on the field and in the coaching arena.
He had been in England for the past year as head of coaching for women and girls at Brighton and Hove Albion, after moving there to join Dario - the head coach of the club's Women's Super League team - following his appointment in mid-2024.
Dario, a former Socceroo who played with clubs including Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United, confirmed his father's death in an Instagram post.
"I am heartbroken to share that my father has passed away after a battle with cancer," Dario wrote.
"I will carry your wisdom in my steps and your strength in my heart. Forever my hero. Love you Tata."
Brighton said it was "deeply saddened" by Vidosic's passing.
Vidosic, widely regarded for his football nous and warm and humble personality, will be remembered for a vast contribution to Australian soccer.
He served in various roles with five different A-League clubs, including working with men's, women's, boys' and girls' teams.
Vidosic celebrated titles as a coach in his own right and as an assistant.
Starting in the A-League's first season of 2005 he was an assistant coach at Brisbane, working under Miron Bleiberg, Frank Farina and then Ange Postecoglou, with whom he won grand finals in 2011 and 2012.
He became the Roar's head coach when Postecoglou left for Melbourne Victory in 2012.
Vidosic was also an assistant at Sydney FC, Victory and Wellington. He later became head coach of Melbourne City's women's team, taking them to the premiership-championship double in 2019-20.
He then took City's A-League men's side to the 2022-23 premiership and a grand final appearance.
