Oglas

Legendary Vahid Halilhodzic ends illustrious managerial career

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N1 Sarajevo
20. maj. 2026. 16:32
Nantes' newly appointed Bosnian head coach Vahid Halilhodzic attends a press conference at the Joneliere FC Nantes headquarters in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre on March 13, 2026. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP)
AFP / LOIC VENANCE

Legendary Bosnian manager Vahid Halilhodzic has brought his rich coaching career to a deeply emotional conclusion at the stadium of FC Nantes, a club where he left an indelible mark as both a player and a coach. At 74 years old, Halilhodzic temporarily came out of retirement in an attempt to save Nantes from relegation from Ligue 1, but despite a fierce battle, he was unable to keep the club in the top tier of French football.

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The final home match against Toulouse carried no competitive significance since Nantes had already lost its first-division status. Nevertheless, the atmosphere inside the stadium was filled with intense emotion. The most passionate Nantes supporters, from the Brigade Loire group, arrived at the stadium 45 minutes before kickoff, booing and whistling at the players due to the disastrous season.

However, the mood completely shifted when the moment arrived to bid farewell to Halilhodzic. Following the warm-ups, players and coaching staff formed a guard of honour for the legendary Bosnian tactician. He was met at the center circle by his son and two grandchildren, while thousands of fans stood up to applaud and give a standing ovation to the man who defined an era for Nantes.

The ultras chanted his name, creating highly emotional scenes across the stadium. Video footage published by FC Nantes showed Halilhodzic struggling to contain his emotions as he waved to the stands and the supporters. The legendary manager eventually broke into tears in front of the packed stands as they paid their final respects.

This marks the end of a grand career for one of the most successful coaches from the region, a man who managed numerous major clubs and national teams throughout his life, but always maintained a unique, lifelong bond with Nantes.

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