Bojan Bogdanović, one of the best Croatian basketball players of the 21st century, has decided to end his rich career. At just 36 years old, after more than two decades on the courts of Europe and the NBA, Bogdanović posted an emotional farewell on Instagram. His battle with a severe foot injury lasted 14 months, including two surgeries and countless attempts to return to the court, but ultimately he decided it was time to close this chapter.
His basketball journey began in his hometown of Mostar, and his professional path took him through Real Madrid, Cibona, Murcia, Fenerbahçe, leaving a deep mark on European basketball. In the NBA, he wore the jerseys of the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks.
A special place in his heart was reserved for the Croatian national team, for which he played from the youngest categories to the senior level. Wearing the Croatian emblem was not just a duty for him, but an honor and identity. He was part of the national team at two World Championships, five European Championships, and the 2016 Rio Olympics. At the 2017 European Championship, he was selected to the All-Tournament Team, while Croatia reached the semifinals.
The Croatian Basketball Federation thanked him for everything he did for Croatian basketball and stated that his jersey and indelible legacy will remain in history. Although his playing career has ended, it is believed that Bogdanović will not stop and new challenges await him.
However, the farewell was not without controversy. His former club Cibona posted a farewell message on social media but mistakenly wrote his name as “Bojan Bogdanović” instead of the correct name, which sparked a wave of criticism and ridicule among fans. Cibona was crucial in his development, especially in the 2010/11 season when he became the top scorer of the Adriatic League and led the club in the EuroLeague despite financial difficulties.
Bojan Bogdanović is a symbol of perseverance, talent, and pride in Croatian basketball. His decision to end his career reminds us how unpredictable sports can be and how injuries can be merciless. But isn’t that exactly what makes sports so dramatic and exciting? If you have any anecdotes or opinions about Bogdanović, feel free to drop a comment – who knows, maybe you’ll reveal some hidden detail from his career!
