Vahid Halilhodžić

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Lore & Background

Regarded as one of the best Yugoslav players, Halilhodžić had successful playing spells with Velež Mostar and French clubs Nantes and Paris Saint-Germain before retiring in 1987. During that time, he earned 15 full international caps for Yugoslavia and was part of national squads who won the 1978 European Under-21 Championship and played at the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He was top scorer of the French league in 1983 and 1985.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Halilhodžić's PSG stint is less about a long-term legacy and more about a singular, poignant moment in the club's history. After scoring 27 goals to win the league title with Nantes in 1982–83, he was at the peak of his powers when he sought an exit in 1986. The plan was simple: ask for an impossible salary from Nantes to force a release and return to Bosnia. Francis Borelli, however, had other ideas. Seeing an opportunity to sign a proven goalscorer for their European Cup run, he presented a 'fantastic offer' that changed Halilhodžić's path. For the first 18 games of 1986–87, the former Yugoslav international was a key figure, scoring eight times and bringing his experience to the Parisian attack. The story takes a somber turn mid-season when news arrived of his mother's death in Mostar. In the wake of this loss, Halilhodžić chose to stop playing entirely. He did not stay for the final matches or the end of the European campaign; he retired on the spot, leaving PSG with only half a season of contribution but a memorable finish to an illustrious career.

Reader's Guide

Halilhodžić accepted an offer from Paris Saint-Germain chairman Francis Borelli and signed a one-year contract with the club for the 1986–87 season. He appeared in the first 18 games of the season, scoring eight goals. However, his mother died during the season, and it was then that Halilhodžić decided to finally retire from active football.

Did You Know?

• Halilhodžić was top scorer of the French league in 1983 and 1985.
• He won the 1997 CAF Champions League with Moroccan side Raja Casablanca.
• He led French side Lille from the second level to third place in Ligue 1 in less than three years.
• He won the 2003–04 Coupe de France with Paris Saint-Germain.
• He qualified for the 2010 World Cup with Ivory Coast, the 2014 World Cup with Algeria, the 2018 World Cup with Japan, and the 2022 World Cup with Morocco.