On February 8, 2023, Miroslav Ćiro Blažević, one of Croatia's most celebrated and influential football coaches, passed away at the age of 87, just a day before his 88th birthday. Born on February 9, 1935, in Dolac near Travnik, he was the youngest of eight siblings in the Blažević family. Many, however, mistakenly believe that his birth date was on February 10, a misconception that Blažević himself addressed with humor, reflecting on how his father, Mato, had a unique way of celebrating his birth.

Ćiro shared a fond yet poignant memory about his father's nickname for him, revealing how he was called 'isprdak' (a derogatory term) by Mato, who believed he would be the best among his children. Despite the harshness of the name, Ćiro cherished the loving spirit in which it was said, albeit after expressing that he never wanted to associate himself with such a term. This kind of familial narrative provides a glimpse into the beloved coach’s upbringing and the personality he carried throughout his life and career.

As a coach, Ćiro was known for his tactical prowess and his passionate dedication to football, leading the Croatian national team to significant achievements. His passing leaves a notable void in Croatian football, remembered not just for his successes on the field but for the indelible mark he left on the sport and its players in Croatia.