Petkovic to be honoured with Tiradentes Medal, Rio state’s highest award | OneFootball

Flamengo great Dejan Petkovic is set to be awarded the Tiradentes Medal, regarded as the highest honour of the Rio state parliament.

The Alerj approved Project of Resolution 2.773/26 in a single discussion on Thursday 10, and the measure now awaits promulgation by the assembly president, with publication due in the Legislative Official Gazette in the coming days, according to Coluna Do Fla.

Serbian-born and a naturalised Brazilian, Petkovic built a storied career in Brazil, most notably with Flamengo, marking it with emblematic moments.

His iconic free-kick in 2001 secured the club a third straight Carioca title. He also shone in the 2009 Brasileiro, the year Flamengo won a sixth national crown.

Across nearly 200 appearances for the Rubro-Negro, he lifted two Carioca titles, the Copa dos Campeões and the Campeonato Brasileiro. In 2009 he was pivotal alongside Adriano, in a side coached by Andrade.

Petkovic first joined Flamengo in 1999 after spells with Real Madrid and Sevilla, signing from Vitória during that year’s Copa Mercosul triumph. He later returned in 2007 and stayed until 2009.

Off the pitch he has long backed social initiatives, supporting youth development and inclusion through sport, as well as community projects promoting citizenship and participation.

After retiring he moved into coaching with Athletico-PR’s under-23s and senior roles at Criciúma, Sampaio Corrêa and Vitória. He now works as a pundit for Grupo Globo.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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