Red Star Belgrade (Crvena zvezda) and Partizan Belgrade stand as two of the most iconic sports clubs in Serbia and the Balkan region. With rich histories and fierce rivalries, these clubs have achieved remarkable feats, leaving a significant mark on sports both nationally and internationally.

Red Star Belgrade (Crvena zvezda)

Founded: March 4, 1945
Nicknames: Zvezda, Crveno-beli (The Red and Whites)
Sports: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, and more

Achievements in Football (Soccer):

  • European Cup/Champions League Winners (1990–91): Red Star’s crowning moment came in Bari, Italy, when they defeated Olympique de Marseille in a dramatic penalty shootout to become European champions.
  • Intercontinental Cup (1991): Red Star claimed the title of world champions by defeating Colo-Colo of Chile.
  • Domestic Success: Over 34 Serbian league titles and 25 Serbian Cups.
  • Known for being the most decorated club in the former Yugoslavia.
Marakana, ph: Chris Wilkinson, Flickr.com
User:Darwinek, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
FK Red Star stadium, ph: Vlada Marinković, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Basketball Achievements:

  • Multiple Adriatic League titles and domestic championships, making Red Star one of the premier basketball teams in the Balkans.
  • A regular contender in the EuroLeague, competing against Europe’s basketball elite.

Interesting Facts:

  • Marakana Stadium: Red Star’s Rajko Mitić Stadium is nicknamed “Marakana,” inspired by Brazil’s Maracanã Stadium, and has a capacity of over 50,000.
  • Red Star’s supporters, the Delije, are renowned for their passionate displays and choreographed support.
  • Famous players like Dejan Savićević, Dragan Stojković, and Vladimir Jugović have worn the iconic red-and-white jersey.

Partizan Belgrade

Founded: October 4, 1945
Nicknames: Crno-beli (The Black and Whites), Parni valjak (The Steamroller)
Sports: Football, Basketball, Handball, and more

FK Partizan 1966. ph: Ron Kroon / Anefo, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/nl/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons

Achievements in Football (Soccer):

  • European Cup Finalists (1965–66): Partizan was the first Eastern European club to reach the European Cup final, losing narrowly to Real Madrid.
  • Domestic Success: Over 27 Serbian league titles and 16 Serbian Cups.
  • The club is known for its exceptional youth academy, which has produced stars like Predrag Mijatović and Stevan Jovetić.
FK Partizan stadium, ph: craggyisland21, Flickr.com
JNA stadium, ph: Bjoertvedt, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
FK Partizan stadium, ph: FilipBre, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Basketball Achievements:

  • EuroLeague Champions (1991–92): Led by coach Željko Obradović, Partizan achieved European glory.
  • Numerous Adriatic League and domestic championship titles.
  • Known for its strong tradition of developing top-tier players like Vlade Divac and Aleksandar Đorđević.

Interesting Facts:

  • Stadium Atmosphere: Partizan’s Stadion Partizana is famous for hosting intense matches, especially during the Eternal Derby.
  • The Grobari (Gravediggers), Partizan’s ultras, are known for their unwavering support and striking choreographies.
  • Partizan’s basketball section is considered a powerhouse in European basketball, regularly producing NBA-caliber talent.

The Eternal Derby

The rivalry between Red Star and Partizan is one of the fiercest in the world, known as the Eternal Derby (Večiti derbi). This clash extends beyond football, igniting passion in basketball and other sports as well.

Key Moments:

  • The football derby often attracts over 50,000 fans, with matches marked by fiery atmospheres, flares, and intense play.
  • The basketball rivalry is equally dramatic, with close games in the Adriatic League and EuroLeague.

Interesting Derby Facts:

  • The first derby was held on January 5, 1947, with Red Star winning 4–3.
  • The record for the biggest victory in football belongs to Red Star, who defeated Partizan 7–1 in 1947.
  • The rivalry transcends sports, symbolizing a cultural and political divide in Serbia.
ABA League, Game 5 Partizan – Crvena Zvezda, ph: Marko Stanojević, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Global Recognition

Both clubs have earned international acclaim, putting Serbian sports on the global map. Red Star’s European Cup win remains a historic achievement for the region, while Partizan’s youth development is recognized worldwide.

Conclusion

Red Star and Partizan are more than sports clubs; they are symbols of Serbian culture and pride. Their achievements, passionate fanbases, and enduring rivalry make them legendary in the world of sports. Whether on the football pitch, basketball court, or beyond, the spirit of these clubs continues to inspire and captivate generations.

Featured photo: WolfGrid, https://www.deviantart.com/

Tags

BelgradeRed StarSerbian Sport

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