FK Crvena zvezda

SerbiaEst. 1945Manager: Vladan MilojevićRajko Mitić Stadium

Europa League#15 · 4W-2D-2L · 14 pts

FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) is one of Serbia's most successful and internationally recognized football clubs, founded in Belgrade in 1945. The club was established by a group of young communist activists shortly after World War II, with the name 'Crvena zvezda' meaning 'Red Star' in Serbian, reflecting the socialist ideology of post-war Yugoslavia. The club quickly rose to prominence in Yugoslav football, winning their first championship in 1951 and establishing themselves as a dominant force in the region. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Red Star built a reputation for developing talented players and playing attractive football, becoming synonymous with Yugoslav football excellence. The golden era of the club came in the late 1980s and early 1990s under coach Ljupko Petrović and later Vladica Popović. This period culminated in the most significant achievement in the club's history - winning the European Cup in 1991. Red Star defeated Olympique Marseille 0-0 in the final at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari, Italy, winning 5-3 on penalties. This triumph made them the first and only Serbian/Yugoslav club to win Europe's premier club competition. The team that won the European Cup featured legendary players such as Dejan Savićević, Darko Pančev, Vlada Stošić, Miodrag Belodedić, Sinিša Mihajlović, and Robert Prosinečki. Following their European Cup victory, Red Star also won the Intercontinental Cup later in 1991, defeating Colo-Colo of Chile 3-0 in Tokyo, making them world champions. The breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s significantly impacted the club, as many of their star players left for Western European clubs, and the political and economic turmoil affected the entire football infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Red Star remained competitive domestically, continuing to win championships in the newly formed Serbian league system. The club has dominated Serbian football since the country's independence, winning multiple SuperLiga titles and establishing themselves as the premier club in the nation. Red Star's success extends beyond domestic competitions, as they have consistently participated in European tournaments, including the Champions League and Europa League. Their passionate fanbase, known as 'Delije' (Heroes), is considered one of the most devoted and vocal supporter groups in European football. The Delije are famous for their spectacular choreographed displays, passionate singing, and unwavering loyalty to the club through both triumphs and difficulties. The club's youth academy has been instrumental in developing numerous talented players who have gone on to represent both the club and the Serbian national team with distinction. Red Star has maintained strong traditions and values throughout its history, emphasizing the development of local talent while also attracting quality players from across the region and beyond. The club's success in European competitions continued into the modern era, with notable performances including reaching the Champions League group stages multiple times in recent years. Their return to Europe's elite competition after many years was marked by impressive performances against top clubs, demonstrating that Red Star remained a force to be respected on the continental stage. The club has also been successful in regional competitions and has maintained rivalries with other major Balkan clubs. Red Star's cultural significance extends beyond football, as the club has become a symbol of Serbian identity and pride. The club's connection to the city of Belgrade and Serbian culture runs deep, making them more than just a football team but an institution that represents the aspirations and dreams of their supporters. Throughout different political eras, from socialist Yugoslavia to modern Serbia, Red Star has maintained its position as the country's most successful and internationally recognized football club. The club's infrastructure and facilities have been continuously improved to meet modern standards, ensuring that Red Star remains competitive both domestically and internationally. Their commitment to excellence in youth development, professional football, and community engagement has solidified their status as Serbia's premier football institution.