The Australian football community is in mourning today. Former A-League coach Rado Vidosic has passed away at just 64 years old after a short battle with cancer. His son Dario, himself a well-known figure in football, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram.
"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."
For those who don't know the name, Rado Vidosic was one of the most respected figures in Australian soccer. He left Croatia (then Yugoslavia) back in 1988 to play for Queensland Lions. What followed was a decades-long career that touched almost every corner of Australian football.
A Coaching Legacy That Shaped Australian Football
Vidosic's coaching resume reads like a who's who of Australian football. He started as an assistant coach at Brisbane Roar in the A-League's inaugural 2005 season. Working under Frank Farina and then Ange Postecoglou, he helped the Roar win back-to-back grand finals in 2011 and 2012.
When Postecoglou left for Melbourne Victory in 2012, Vidosic stepped up as head coach. He also served as an assistant at Sydney FC, Victory, and Wellington Phoenix. The man knew his way around the A-League, that's for sure.
But his impact went beyond just the men's game. Vidosic became head coach of Melbourne City's women's team and delivered the ultimate success. He led them to the premiership-championship double in 2019-20. Then he moved back to City's men's team and took them to the 2022-23 premiership and a grand final appearance.
His Final Chapter at Brighton
Most recently, Vidosic had been working in England. He joined Brighton and Hove Albion about a year ago as head of coaching for women and girls. The move allowed him to work alongside his son Dario, who coaches Brighton's Women's Super League team.
Brighton released a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" by his passing. Those who worked with Vidosic always spoke about his football intelligence and his warm, humble personality. He wasn't just a great coach – he was a great person.
For Melbourne City fans and Brisbane Roar supporters, this loss hits particularly hard. These are the clubs where Vidosic made his biggest impact. Both teams will surely honor his memory in upcoming matches. The entire A-League community has lost a true pioneer who helped shape modern Australian football into what it is today.
