Rizah Mešković, the goalkeeper whose brilliant saves defined the most successful era of the Split club, celebrates his 79th birthday today. In an interview with Dalmacija Danas, he reminisced about the old days and said that Hajduk is simply loved.
Today, August 10, 2026, legendary Hajduk goalkeeper Rizah Mešković celebrates his 79th birthday. Rizo, as he is affectionately called in his hometown of Tuzla, was a key figure in the club's most glorious period, known as the 'Golden Generation'. His name is an indispensable part of any serious discussion about Hajduk, and generations of fans remember him for his brave rushes off his line and spectacular saves.
In an era that saw the most successful chapters in the club's history written, Mešković was the first choice between the posts. Although other excellent goalkeepers, such as national team player Ivan Katalinić, Vjeran Simunić, and Ivan Budinčević, also guarded the goal for Hajduk during that time-without whom the legendary 1979 title at Sarajevo's Koševo would not have been possible-Mešković remains remembered as the primary and fundamental guardian of the net.
In the collective memory of the fans, the famous lineup is forever etched: Mešković, Džoni, Rožić, Peruzović, Holcer, Buljan, Žungul, Mužinić, Oblak, Jerković, and Šurjak. His distinctive green goalkeeper jersey became a symbol of the most trophy-laden years, and the tradition of wearing that color was later continued by goalkeepers like Pudar and Simović.
At Stari plac, he earned a special nickname-'Mate'. The reason was simple and vivid: Mešković would punch the ball away like the legendary boxer Mate Parlov, a clear sign of his bravery and commanding presence in the penalty area. Today, that 'Mate' has entered his eighties and, according to accounts, remains in good shape, as if he could still step into goal, at least for a veterans' match, which he practiced until recently.
Mešković's value extended beyond club boundaries. He was part of the famous seven Hajduk players who represented Yugoslavia at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, which speaks volumes about the strength and quality of the then Split team.
On the occasion of the club's 116th birthday this year, Mešković gave an interview to Dalmacija Danas in which he spoke about his career, Split, coaches Ivić and Zebec, and the unforgettable Saint-Étienne match. In that conversation, he uttered a sentence that perfectly encapsulates his relationship with the club to which he devoted his best years.
"You see, someone may support other clubs, but Hajduk is simply loved," said Rizah Mešković, goalkeeper of Hajduk's 'Golden Generation', for Dalmacija Danas.
Happy birthday, Rizo, our Mate, and many more!
