Goran Ivanišević - tennis
If you ask anybody over 30 from Split where they were on July 9th, 2001, they will probably remember. Goran Ivanišević won the Wimbledon title, and the entire city celebrated. He is the only player to win a Wimbledon singles as a wild card – being ranked as the 125th player in the world. He was also runner-up at Wimbledon 3 times.
His highest ranking was number 2 in 1994. He won 2 Olympic bronze medals in 1992 in Barcelona. He was part of the team that won the Davis Cup in 2005.
During his playing days, he was superstitious – he watched Teletubbies every morning during the 2001 Wimbledon tournament.
Toni Kukoč, Dino Rađa - basketball
Blanka Vlašić - high jump
Blanka Vlašić is one of the most accomplished high jumpers in athletics history. Blanka’s career was marked by her ability to perform consistently on the biggest stages.
Blanka reached the pinnacle of her career during the late 2000s, winning gold medals at the World Championships in 2007 and 2009. Her performances were highlighted by her personal best jump of 2.08 meters, the second-highest jump ever recorded by a woman. This remarkable achievement cemented her place among the all-time greats in athletics. In 2008 she won a silver medal at the Bejing Olympics. Known for her fiery spirit and charismatic celebrations, she became a fan favorite.
Her career was not without challenges. Plagued by injuries, Blanka displayed incredible resilience by returning to the sport after multiple surgeries. In 2016, she secured a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, a testament to her perseverance and passion for competition.
Ivano Balić - handball
Ivano Balić is often regarded as one of the greatest handball players of all time. Known as the “Magician of Handball,” Balić was celebrated for his exceptional vision, creativity, and ability to control the flow of the game.
Balić’s career highlights include winning gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and leading Croatia to the World Championship title in 2003. These victories placed Croatia at the forefront of international handball, with Balić playing a pivotal role as the team’s playmaker. Individually, he was recognized with the IHF World Handball Player of the Year award twice, in 2003 and 2006, a testament to his dominance and brilliance on the court.
Slaven Bilić, Igor Tudor - football
Slaven Bilić and Igor Tudor began their careers at the Hajduk Split, where they showcased their immense defensive prowess.
Slaven Bilić, renowned for his intelligent reading of the game and leadership qualities, transitioned seamlessly from a commanding player to a respected manager. As a player, he represented Croatia in their remarkable run to the 1998 FIFA World Cup semifinals. Later, as the national team manager, Bilić led Croatia to notable successes.
Igor Tudor also made his mark on the international stage. After his time with Hajduk, Tudor’s career flourished at Juventus, where he became a vital part of the club’s defensive line during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his physicality and technical ability, Tudor played a key role in several Serie A and Champions League campaigns. Post-retirement, he has pursued a successful managerial career, including a stint as the head coach of Hajduk Split.
Barbara Matić - judo
Barbara Matić has firmly established herself as one of the most accomplished athletes to emerge from Split.
Her breakthrough came in 2021 when she made history by becoming the first Croatian judoka to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in the -70 kg category. The next year she successfully defended her gold medal becoming back-to-back World champion.
In 2024, she added two extraordinary achievements to her already impressive résumé. First, she clinched the gold medal at the European Judo Championships, showcasing her dominance in the -70 kg category. Later that year, she made history by securing an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games, solidifying her place among judo’s all-time greats.
Olympic walk
Split’s Olympic Walk is a testament to the city’s extraordinary contribution to global sports, celebrating its countless athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their disciplines. Situated in the heart of the city, this iconic walkway pays homage to the Olympians who have carried Split’s name to international fame.
The Olympic Walk is lined with plaques commemorating Split-born athletes who have earned gold, silver, and bronze medals on the grandest stages, from the Olympic Games. It serves as a visual reminder of the city’s deep-rooted passion for sports and the indomitable spirit of its people.
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HNK Hajduk
Hajduk Split is not just a football club—it’s a way of life for the city and its people. Established in 1911, Hajduk Split holds a legendary status in Croatian football, revered for its rich history, fierce rivalries, and undying connection with its fans. Known affectionately as “Bili” (The Whites), the club has achieved numerous domestic and international successes, cementing its place as one of the most iconic teams in the region.
From its early days, Hajduk has embodied the spirit of Split. The team’s home ground, Stadion Poljud, is more than a stadium—it’s a temple of football that comes alive on matchdays, with fans creating an electrifying atmosphere. The club has won multiple championships in the former Yugoslav league and the Croatian First Football League, along with several national cup victories. These achievements are a testament to Hajduk’s enduring competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.
Torcida: The Soul of Hajduk
What truly sets Hajduk apart is its fans, especially the Torcida Split, one of the oldest and most passionate supporter groups in Europe. Founded in 1950, Torcida is renowned for its unwavering loyalty, vibrant choreographies, and deafening chants. Their motto, “Hajduk lives forever”, reflects the eternal bond between the club and its supporters.
On matchdays, Torcida transforms Poljud into a cauldron of emotion and energy, with flares, banners, and chants that echo across the city. Beyond the stadium, Torcida plays a vital role in community projects and charitable initiatives, showcasing the group’s dedication to Split and its people.
Why Hajduk Matters
Hajduk Split is more than a football club; it’s a symbol of identity and pride for Split. The club represents resilience, passion, and a connection to tradition that transcends generations. For visitors, experiencing a Hajduk match or simply learning about its storied history is an unforgettable way to connect with the heart and soul of Split.
KK Split
KK Split, formerly known as Jugoplastika, is one of the most storied basketball clubs in Europe. Founded in 1945, the team became synonymous with success during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a golden era that saw them dominate European basketball. Known for their skillful play, tactical brilliance, and unwavering team spirit, KK Split etched its name in the history books as a powerhouse of the sport.
The club’s crowning achievements came during their remarkable three-peat in the EuroLeague (then the FIBA European Champions Cup) in 1989, 1990, and 1991. Under the leadership of legendary coach Božidar Maljković, and with players like Dino Rađa, Toni Kukoč, and Žan Tabak, the team outclassed their rivals and captured the imagination of basketball fans worldwide. Their fluid and intelligent playing style remains a benchmark in basketball history.
Today, KK Split continues to compete in the Croatian League and the regional ABA League, carrying forward the rich tradition of basketball excellence. While the team no longer dominates European courts as it once did, the passion for basketball in Split remains strong, with Poljud’s basketball court hosting exciting games and fans who remember the glory days with pride.
Tae Kwon Do Club Marjan
Founded in the 1990s, the club quickly rose to prominence, becoming a powerhouse in the world of Tae Kwon Do and earning Split another prestigious name in its sporting legacy.
Marjan is synonymous with producing champions, both on and off the mat. The club has trained athletes who have gone on to claim medals in major international tournaments, including the World Championships, European Championships, and the Olympic Games.
In total – club members have won 8 Olympic medals, 24 World Championship medals, and 105 European Championship medals.