Melbourne City FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former Head Coach, Rado Vidosic, a highly respected figure whose impact and influence on our Club, and Australian football at large, will endure for many years to come.
Rado was a hugely respected figure within Melbourne City and the broader Australian football family. His contribution extended far beyond results and trophies. Over five years at the Club, he played a significant role in shaping both our football program and the people within it, leaving a lasting legacy.
First joining the Club in July 2018, Rado made an immediate impact across every level of Melbourne City’s football department. He initially served as Head of the Academy, where he was responsible for establishing a clear football philosophy and embedding consistent coaching principles applied across the program. This work in the Academy laid important foundations for the Club’s long-term success.
He helped align coaches and pathways under a shared approach, raised standards, and had a profound influence on the development of both staff and players.
He went on to coach both the Women’s and Men’s first teams, earning admiration and respect wherever he worked. Across his time at the helm of both programs, Rado enjoyed significant success – winning a Premiership and Championship with the Women’s team, and later guiding the Men to a Premiers Plate.
His professionalism, tactical knowledge and relentless work ethic were hallmarks of his coaching career, and his ongoing impact can be seen in the performances of the many players and staff he helped mentor and shape, both at Melbourne City and throughout Australian football.
Beyond results on the pitch, Rado will be remembered most fondly for the person he was. He was a committed, thoughtful and deeply caring coach who placed enormous value on relationships, trust and respect.
He built strong bonds with his players and colleagues and was widely admired for his generosity, humility and genuine interest in the people around him. Rado had a rare ability to challenge those he worked with while also making them feel supported, and his presence left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.
As a mark of respect, both the Men’s and Women’s squads will acknowledge Rado’s passing by wearing black armbands in their upcoming fixtures this weekend.
Everyone involved with Melbourne City FC extends our deepest sympathies to the Vidosic family, including former player and Women’s Head Coach Dario, and our thoughts at this difficult time are with all who knew Rado.
