Sudden death of a member (51) of Slaven Belupo's legendary generation: He made history in golden letters

The Croatian football community is in mourning following the sudden death of Goran Županac, a beloved former player of Slaven Belupo, at the age of 51. Županac was a pivotal member of the club's "golden generation" that achieved promotion to the First League in 1997, a historic feat that has cemented his place in the club's annals.

His most memorable contribution was scoring the opening goal in the decisive qualification match against Cibalia. This goal, which put Slaven Belupo ahead 1-0 in the 30th minute, ultimately paved the way for a 2-0 victory and secured the club's place in the top tier of Croatian football, where they have remained ever since. This single goal is etched in the club's history, forever associated with their ascent to elite status.

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Sad news has befallen our blue family. Today, Goran Županac, a former Slaven Belupo player, a member of the legendary generation that secured promotion to the First HNL and the scorer of the first goal in the crucial qualifying match against Cibalia, has suddenly passed away. Gorane, rest in peace, your Slaven Belupo will never forget you.

Slaven Belupo released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow, remembering Županac as a former player and a scorer of the first goal in a crucial qualifying match. The club vowed never to forget him. As the club and its fans bid farewell to a legend who passed away just a month before his 52nd birthday, his legacy as a key figure in one of Slaven Belupo's most celebrated eras will undoubtedly endure.

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Županac's goal against Cibalia is written in golden letters in the history of the pharmacists. In the second round qualifying match for entry into the First League at the stadium in Kranjčevićeva, he scored the goal for 1:0 in the 30th minute, which ended in a 2:0 victory for Koprivnica, and they have been part of the elite class of domestic football ever since.