Darko Kovačević

Olympiacos In 2007, Kovačević signed with Greek champions Olympiacos. In early 2009, he was diagnosed with a blocked artery; he successfully underwent heart surgery to improve the flow of blood to his heart. His doctors advised to retire from football, and Kovačević officially retired in May 2009, playing a final friendly match for Olympiacos to celebrate the winning of the Greek domestic double. With Olympiacos, Kovačević won two Greek Super League titles, two Greek Cups and a Greek Super Cup. He would go on to compete in both UEFA Euro 2000 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup. His final international was a March 2004 friendly against Norway.

Style of play A quick and powerful striker, Kovačević was noted for his movement, technique, and goalscoring instinct. His key attributes were his strength and aerial ability.

After retirement After his retirement, Kovačević stated that he may take another role at his former team, Olympiacos. Kovačević and his family subsequently returned to Spain. However, Kovačević returned to Greece, as he loved the country and worked for several months as a columnist. In June 2010, the new president of Olympiacos, Evangelos Marinakis, hired Kovačević as a chief scout; he eventually became the sports director for the club. He remained in that position until 2018. He is the current sports director of the Serbian Football Association.

Personal life Kovačević has three children, Mia, Darko (Jr.) and Stella.

Career statistics Club

International Includes caps for FR Yugoslavia (1994–2002) and Serbia and Montenegro (2003–2004)

Scores and results list FR Yugoslavia/Serbia and Montenegro's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kovačević goal.

Honours Red Star Belgrade First League of FR Yugoslavia: 1994–95 FR Yugoslavia Cup: 1994–95, 1995–96

Juventus UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999 Super League Greece Best Foreign Player: 2007–08