Vladimir Cvetković

Vladimir "Cvele" Cvetković was a man who lived with the kind of quiet passion that leaves an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. Born in 1941, he carried the spirit of dedication and joy throughout his 85 years, whether he was on the basketball court or sharing stories over coffee with loved ones. As a cornerstone of KK Crvena zvezda for 13 seasons, Cvele wasn’t just a player; he was the heartbeat of a team that meant everything to him. I’ll never forget watching him practice free throws in the old gym, his focus absolute, yet his smile always ready when someone needed encouragement. That was Cvele—disciplined yet generous, fierce yet tender. His Olympic silver medal in 1968 was just one of many moments that showed the world his greatness, but to those who loved him, his true legacy was how he made every game feel like a celebration of teamwork and heart. Family was Cvele’s greatest pride. He often said his wife, Jelena, was the reason he stayed grounded, and their 60-year marriage was a testament to love that only deepened with time. Their children and grandchildren were his joy, and he never missed a chance to