Brighton boss Dario Vidosic’s father Rado dies after battle with cancer | OneFootball

Brighton have confirmed the death of Rado Vidosic, the father of women’s head coach Dario. Credit: Brighton X

Rado Vidosic, the father of Brighton head coach Dario, has died at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer.

Dario Vidosic pays tribute to “hero” father Rado

Brighton and Dario Vidosic both confirmed the passing of his father, Rado, in separate posts on Tuesday morning.

Dario wrote on Instagram: “I am heartbroken to share that my father has passed away after a battle with cancer.

“I will carry your wisdom in my steps and your strength in my heart. Forever my hero. Love you Tata.”

Meanwhile, Brighton Women and Girls’ managing director, Zoe Johnson said: “We are incredibly saddened by this news.

“Rado was an integral part of our staff, team and club. The impact he had on our team and everyone within it will forever be remembered.”

Rado was named as women’s and girls’ head of coaching at Brighton in January 2025, six months after his son Dario was appointed as head coach.

He has held an extensive coaching career of his own and is perhaps best known for his time in Australian football.

His son Dario recently took a leave of absence.  Brighton confirmed on January 18th that he would be away from the touchline for the “foreseeable future”.

Rado Vidosic’s coaching career

Rado Vidosic, who was born in the Croatian city of Osijek, became one of the most well-respected coaches in Australian football.

He held head coach and assistant roles across both men’s and women’s football in Australia for nearly two decades.  He enjoyed spells with Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix.

As an assistant manager at Brisbane Roar’s men’s side, he won back-to-back A-League Championships in 2011 and 2012, as well as two A-League Premierships in 2010-11 and 2013-14.

He also won the Australia Cup as an assistant at Melbourne Victory. Vidosic then spent four years as manager of Melbourne City’s Women’s team between 2018 and 2022.

During his time with the women’s side, he won the Premiership and Championship double in 2020. He then went on to achieve the same feat with the men’s side in 2023.

Melbourne City pays tribute to Vidosic

Melbourne City in a tribute, highlighted the influence Rado Vidosic had on the club

They wrote: “Rado Vidosic, a highly respected figure whose impact and influence on our Club, and Australian football at large, will endure for many years to come.

“Rado was a hugely respected figure within Melbourne City and the broader Australian football family. His contribution extended far beyond results and trophies. Over five years at the club, he played a significant role in shaping both our football program and the people within it, leaving a lasting legacy.”

Melbourne also confirmed that both the men’s and women’s sides will wear black armbands this weekend.

A GoFundMe page has been created in Vidosic’s honour to raise money for cancer patients who may be struggling with the cost of treatment.