Just when you thought sports legends were gone forever abroad, Cima Žukovski, former Croatian national team star and technical wizard, flips the script! After 15 years playing in top European leagues in Italy, Poland, Russia, and Germany, this 35-year-old decides to come home — to Mladost, the club that was his second home since childhood. But this isn’t just a sports decision; it’s an emotional bombshell! The reason? Family, of course! His wife Martina, a former top volleyball player herself, took care of their kids alone in Croatia during the pandemic while he was away. The goodbyes became hell — his heart broke every time he saw his son Aleksandar cry when they parted. It hit him so hard that he decided: “Enough!” No more playing abroad, just Mladost and family.
But wait, it wasn’t easy! Before accepting the invitation from Mladost’s president Mira Pavlović, he had financially tempting offers from Russia, Poland, and Italy. Still, he chose to stay in Croatia, maybe even until retirement. “Why not be here?” he laughs, talking about returning to the club he played for as a young man, a club that once had no sponsors but is now stable with big visions.
His dedication is impressive — right after the season, he takes only a week off and then starts training. With his conditioning coach Krševan Sorić, whom he’s worked with for years, he’s ready to prove age is just a number. His wife is his biggest support, and now he has even more desire to play than ever before.
Though it might take time to adjust to the weaker Croatian league compared to abroad, Cima doesn’t see a problem. For him, every opponent is the same — whether it’s Trentino or Rovinje, the goal is to win. He wants to help Mladost’s young players with his experience and be a role model. Cima’s return is not just a big deal for Mladost but for all Croatian volleyball.
What about the national team? Cima says his national team career is over but he still follows younger players and honestly thinks the current state isn’t great. He believes the federation has the capacity to create a system that develops young talents and pushes them into the national team — the only way forward.
His family is a huge inspiration. His son Aleksandar already plays volleyball and shows potential, and Cima is ready to guide him and help him understand what it means to be an athlete. All in all, this isn’t just a story about a sportsman’s return but about a man who put family and heart above all.
If you thought sports legends are only for big leagues and big money, Cima Žukovski proves otherwise. Family, love for the club, and a desire to help the youth — that’s the real story! So, what do you think about such comebacks? Courage or just nostalgia? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
