Miroslav Blažević, known affectionately as Ćiro, passed away on the same date in 2023 following a prolonged struggle with cancer. Born on February 10, 1935, in Travnik, he was the sixth child in his family. His nickname Ćiro originated in childhood, although his mother initially objected to its use, associating it with a puppet character known for a speech impediment. Ultimately, the name stuck, especially after he gained fame in football, where the nickname became synonymous with his identity as a respected coach.

As a player, Blažević began his career at Dinamo Zagreb, where his teammates initially called him Blaž, derived from his surname. In a poignant moment, he wrote to his mother, expressing gratitude to the local saint for helping him find a place in the team. However, once he received cheers from fellow Travnik locals shouting "Ćiro, Ćiro" during a game, the name became an inseparable part of his persona, echoing through his lifelong football journey.

Throughout his life, football remained central to Blažević's identity. From coaching various clubs to leading national teams, including Croatia's national team during their first World Cup appearance in 1998, his contributions have significantly shaped the landscape of Croatian football. His legacy continues to be celebrated not just for his coaching success but also for his unique character and deep connection to the sport that he passionately devoted his life to.