Legendary basketball coach Duško Vujošević was buried in the Alley of Distinguished Citizens at Belgrade’s New Cemetery after a day of remembrance attended by family members, friends, former players, colleagues, public figures, and a large number of admirers. The funeral followed a commemorative gathering held earlier in the Belgrade City Assembly, where Vujošević’s life and work were honored before his final farewell. Reports state that Vujošević died on April 8 in Belgrade at the age of 68.
Commemoration attended by major figures from sport and public life
At the memorial event, actor Andrija Kuzmanović delivered the opening address, after which a minute of silence was observed and a short film with moments from Vujošević’s career was shown. Among those present were numerous former players, coaches, basketball officials and political figures, including Željko Obradović, Predrag Danilović, Aleksandar Đorđević, Žarko Paspalj, Boris Tadić, Ivica Dačić, Vanja Marinković, and many others, reflecting the breadth of Vujošević’s influence across Serbian basketball and public life. The coverage presents the gathering as a tribute not only to his results as a coach, but also to his wider impact on generations of players and on the culture of Partizan.
Tadić speaks on behalf of the family
One of the central moments of the funeral came when former Serbian president Boris Tadić spoke on behalf of the Vujošević family. With tears in his eyes, Tadić said it was an honor for everyone present to accompany a remarkable man on his final journey, adding that he had not known a better person. He said Vujošević had devoted his life to Partizan, thanked the club for giving him a dignified and emotional farewell, and also thanked Partizan supporters for the love they had shared with their “General.” Tadić further said he hoped Belgrade would one day have a street named after Vujošević, describing that as the least the city could do for him.
Emotion at the cemetery and tributes from supporters
The funeral was marked by strong emotion among those present. Reports noted that Partizan captain Vanja Marinković could not hold back tears during the burial service, with cameras capturing him crying at the cemetery. Supporters of Partizan, known as the Grobari, also paid tribute in a way that featured prominently in the coverage: before the burial itself, they sang the well-known supporters’ song “Dobro pamtim sve,” but more quietly than usual in keeping with the mournful atmosphere. One report added that rain began to fall while the song was being sung, with many interpreting the scene as if “the sky was crying” for Vujošević as well.
Official recognition of Vujošević’s legacy
The funeral also included an official gesture from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who sent a wreath and expressed condolences over Vujošević’s death. According to the report, the wreath was laid as a sign of respect for his great contribution to Serbian basketball and sport more broadly. In the message of condolence, Vučić said Vujošević would be remembered as one of the most important coaches and educators, whose work, dedication, and results marked generations of players and basketball followers, while his name and legacy would forever hold a special place in the history of Serbian sport. Taken together, the reports portray the funeral, the memorial service, the public grief, and Tadić’s emotional words as a final farewell befitting one of the defining figures of Serbian basketball.
