Who Is Željko Obradović? Age, Biography and Wiki
Željko Obradović, born on March 9, 1960, is a legendary figure in the world of basketball. As of 2025, he is 65 years old. He is celebrated not only for his remarkable player career but also for his successful coaching tenure, particularly in European basketball. Obradović began his professional playing career in the late 1970s and transitioned to coaching in the early '90s. He has won numerous championships, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in basketball history. For further details, check out his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1960 |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | Čačak, PR Serbia, Yugoslavia |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Serbia |
Popularity
Željko Obradović's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Željko Obradović stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) and has maintained a well-balanced physique throughout his life. Though specific weight data can fluctuate, he has been reported to weigh around 170 lbs (77 kg). His athletic build has contributed to his excellence in the sport both as a player and a coach.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Željko Obradović is happily married to his longtime partner, and there have been no reported separations or scandals regarding his personal life. The couple has two children, further solidifying their family unit. Known for being private, Obradović tends to keep details about his relationships under wraps, focusing instead on his professional endeavors.
Net Worth and Salary
Željko Obradović's net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be around $20 million. His income is largely derived from his coaching contracts, endorsements, and various business ventures. As one of the top coaches in European basketball, he commands an impressive salary, contributing significantly to his overall wealth.
In early July 2013, Obradović signed a two-year contract with the Turkish club [Fenerbahçe S.K. (basketball)|Fenerbahçe]], that was reportedly worth €3 million in net income salary, over the contract period.
After inheriting a roster with point guard Bo McCalebb and versatile shooting guards / small forwards Bojan Bogdanović and Emir Preldžić, the famous head coach added a pair of marquee forwards, in Linas Kleiza and Nemanja Bjelica.
He additionally signed Luka Žorić and Melih Mahmutoğlu, as well as talented youngsters Ömer Yurtseven and Kenan Sipahi.
Career, Business and Investments
Over his illustrious career, Željko Obradović has coached several top clubs in Europe, including Panathinaikos and Real Madrid, leading them to various prestigious titles. His coaching philosophy and techniques have significantly influenced modern basketball strategies. Apart from coaching, he has made smart investments in sports-related businesses, increasing his earnings and impact in the sport. His approach to the business side of basketball has garnered respect not only from players but also from fellow coaches and executives.
Widely regarded as the greatest coach in European basketball history and outside the NBA, Obradović has won a total of 64 club titles and honours over the course of his 30-year-long coaching career, including a record nine EuroLeague titles with five different clubs, along with 18 EuroLeague Final Four appearances.
In addition to his success at club level, he has also won major trophies as head coach of the Yugoslavia national team (present-day Serbia), most notably winning the gold medals at the 1997 EuroBasket and the 1998 FIBA World Championship.
Social Network
Željko Obradović is relatively active on social media, though he remains selective about sharing his personal life. His professional accounts on platforms like Twitter and Instagram provide insights into his coaching philosophies, game highlights, and his involvement in the basketball community. Fans appreciate his candidness regarding his career while respecting his privacy.
In the summer of 1997, in-demand Obradović, who had just won EuroBasket 1997 as FR Yugoslavia's head coach, made a high profile club move, signing with the Italian league champions Benetton Treviso thus succeeding Mike D'Antoni who had taken an offer from the NBA to join the Denver Nuggets' coaching staff as an assistant.
Acquired on initiative by the club's general manager Maurizio Gherardini, reportedly despite some initial apprehension on the part of the Benetton Group CEO Luciano Benetton, the three-time-Euroleague-winning coach Obradović took over the squad led by the center Željko Rebrača (whom the coach already knew well having coached him in Partizan and
Yugoslavia national team to great success) and shooting guard Henry Williams.
Education
Željko Obradović studied at the University of Belgrade, focusing on physical education and sports. His educational background has undoubtedly aided in his comprehensive understanding of the game, serving as both a player and a coach. Continuing to educate himself on the evolving dynamics of basketball, Obradović regularly participates in coaching clinics and workshops to refine his expertise.
The idea was to have Obradović, a debutante head coach, work under the guidance of experienced elder statesman of Yugoslav basketball, sixty-seven-year-old professor Aleksandar Nikolić, whose coaching advisory services were soon secured by Kićanović and the club management.
Also joining the front office in the technical director capacity was another fresh retiree from playing, thirty-one-year-old Milenko Savović, Obradović's longtime teammate at Partizan, who had spent the previous 1990–91 season playing for Vojvodina.
