This Tuesday, on August 11, we mark the first anniversary of death of Vladimir Beara, our legendary goalkeeper, one of the biggest world has ever seen, our dear Vlade!

Many greats of our football, including Leo Lemešić and Frane Matošić used to describe him with words "Vladimir Beara is the best goalkeeper world ever had". When something like that has been said by such icons of the European football, we must believe them.

VladimirBearawas born on August 26, 1928 in Zelovo near Sinj. He came to Hajduk in 1946 after the then team captain Jozo Matošić invited him to stand on a goal while young Vladimir was watching the first team practice. He was saving all kicks, and coach Lemešić asked him to come to a junior team practice next day.

He joined the first team in 1947 and in 1950 Hajduk with him on a goal won his first post-WW2 title of the Yugoslav national champion. With the White he won two more titles, in 1952 and in the 1954/55 season, his last with Hajduk. Beara collected 308 caps as Hajduk's goalkeeper, and also contributed to club's title in 1970/71 as Coach Slavko Luštica's first assistant. He also won four titles and two national Cups with Crvena Zvezda Belgrade. In season 1959/60 he was awarded as the best player of the year, it was first time this title was granted to a goalkeeper.

After finishing playing career, Beara became a coach, as a student of famous German coach Sepp Herberger. He was engaged in Freiburg (Germany), Sitardia (Netherlands), Rijeka, Fortuna Köln (Germany), Osijek, Cameroon national team, Crvena zvezda...

From 1950 to 1959 Beara collected 60 caps in Yugoslav national team, 35 of which were as Hajduk's player. He played on three World Cups - Brazil 1950, Switzerland 1954, and Sweden 1958. He also played on 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, winning a silver medal.

The biggest recognition came on October 21, 1953, when he was selected as the goalkeeper of the European team playing against England.

Since 2007 Beara is member of the House of Split sport fame, and was also awarded by former Croatian president Stjepan Mesić, and by the City of Split for his life achievements.

We can finish this honour with words by legendary Spanish goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora: "You, Beara, are the best in the world".