Srečko Katanec, one of the best Slovenian footballers of all time and the architect of the golden era that culminated in the national team’s qualification for Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, joined Olimpija as a teenager in 1981. He stayed with the club for four years, proving himself as one of the most talented midfielders in Yugoslavia. It was only a matter of time before he would move on, which happened in 1985 when he signed with Dinamo Zagreb. He spent only one year there before moving to Partizan in Belgrade, and later played for Stuttgart and Sampdoria. With Stuttgart, he reached the UEFA Cup final, and with Sampdoria, he played in the final of what is now known as the Champions League. He also won the Italian championship with Sampdoria, which remains the club’s greatest achievement in history.

Srečko Katanec is indeed one of the most accomplished Slovenian footballers of all time, having won the Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup during his playing career. These achievements contributed to his legacy as one of the most successful Slovenian players. As a coach, Katanec made a significant mark by leading the Slovenian national team to its first two major tournaments, Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup. His managerial career also saw him take charge of clubs and national teams, including Gorica, Olympiakos, North Macedonia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Uzbekistan, further cementing his reputation as a highly respected coach in international football.