The man who ended Real Madrid's 32-year European drought
In short: In 1998, one strike changed the course of football history. Predrag Mijatović didn't just score a goal; he secured Real Madrid's first European Cup in over three decades, cementing his legacy as a clinical finisher and a decisive figure in the sport's most prestigious tournament.
Born in 1969 in Titograd, the Montenegrin striker's career was defined by high-stakes transitions and immense pressure. Before his legendary stint in Spain, Mijatović rose through the ranks of Budućnost, winning the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship in Chile. His move to Partizan Belgrade in 1989 involved a DM1 million transfer fee—then a record within the Yugoslav league—after he famously bypassed a move to Hajduk Split due to the era's deteriorating political security.
His peak years in La Liga saw him evolve from a prolific scorer for Valencia, where he netted 28 goals in the 1995–96 season, to a cornerstone of the Real Madrid attack. In 1996, Madrid triggered a buyout clause of Pts. 1.486 billion to bring him to the Bernabéu. This era was marked by individual brilliance; in 1997, he was named the Ballon d'Or runner-up, finishing behind Ronaldo and ahead of Zinedine Zidane.
The pinnacle of his playing career arrived on 20 May 1998, when his winning goal against Juventus secured the UEFA Champions League title. Beyond the pitch, Mijatović transitioned into influential administration, serving as Real Madrid's director of football from 2006 to 2009, where he oversaw the arrivals of stars like Marcelo and Pepe. His later career saw him return to his roots, serving as vice-president of Partizan, though his tenure there ended in resignation in June 2026 following internal club conflicts.
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