The popular Mladen Ramljak, one of the best defenders in the complete history of the Zagreb club, left us forever on September 13, 1978, at the age of 34. There is a sad symbolism in how two anniversaries fell exactly one week apart. First, on September 6, we celebrated with broad smiles the anniversary of Dinamo's triumph in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, a competition that later evolved into the UEFA Cup, today's Europa League. But six days later, we remember one of the heroes of that glorious generation that stormed to European glory in 1967.

Ramljak was the key to Dinamo's defense in that season and one of the most deserving players in the blues' achievement against the then strong and powerful Leeds United. After a 2-0 victory in the first leg in Zagreb, they managed to play out a 0-0 draw in the return leg in England and lift the unforgettable trophy. Sadly, 11 years and one week later, he tragically died from injuries sustained in a traffic accident near Novska.

In memory of their celebrated and never-forgotten footballer, Dinamo has organized the traditional international youth tournament "Mladen Ramljak" since 2003, featuring the world's best clubs. We are particularly pleased that the tournament bearing his name has become one of the best and most respected competitions in this age category worldwide.

Ramljak came through the Maksimir football school, first stepping onto the pitch in November 1962 away against Novi Sad when coach Milan Antolković included him in the starting XI in place of the injured Vlatko Marković. The blues won 2-1. At the beginning of his career, he moved from one position to another as needed. He was known to appear, for example, in the role of left-back. Later he "settled" in the center of the defensive line, either as a center-back or libero.

Born on July 1, 1945, in Zagreb, he first came to the football pitch in the summer of 1957. He established himself in Dinamo's youth system. He spent an impressive 12 seasons at the Maksimir club, during which time the blues were finalists in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1963 and won the competition four years later. They also won the Yugoslav Cup in 1963, 1965, and 1969. Ramljak played 523 matches in Dinamo's jersey before continuing his career at the popular Feyenoord Rotterdam, where he spent four full seasons and won the Dutch championship and the UEFA Cup in 1974. He earned 13 caps for the Yugoslav national team.