# Srečko Katanec

> Slovenian footballer (born 1963)

**Wikidata**: [Q177511](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177511)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srečko_Katanec)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/srecko-katanec

## Summary
Srečko Katanec is a Slovenian former professional footballer and football coach, born in 1963. He is best known for his career as a player in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as his subsequent work as a coach, including managing the Slovenian national team.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 16, 1963
- **Nationality**: Slovenian
- **Occupation**: Association football player, association football coach
- **Known for**: Playing and coaching association football
- **Field(s)**: Sports (football)

## Contributions
Srečko Katanec contributed significantly to Slovenian football both as a player and a coach. His career spanned from 1981 to 1994, during which he played for various clubs. He later transitioned into coaching, where he managed teams and influenced the development of football in Slovenia.

## FAQs
**What is Srečko Katanec known for?**
Srečko Katanec is known for his career as a professional footballer and later as a football coach, particularly in Slovenia.

**When was Srečko Katanec born?**
Srečko Katanec was born on July 16, 1963.

**What roles has Srečko Katanec held in football?**
He has served as both a player and a coach in association football.

**What is the significance of Srečko Katanec in Slovenian football?**
Katanec is a notable figure in Slovenian football, having contributed to the sport both on and off the field during his playing and coaching careers.

## Why They Matter
Srečko Katanec matters because of his dual role as a player and coach in Slovenian football. His contributions helped shape the development of the sport in Slovenia, particularly during the transition period following the country's independence in 1991. His work has influenced subsequent generations of Slovenian footballers and coaches.

## Notable For
- Being a professional footballer in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Transitioning into a coaching career, including managing the Slovenian national team.
- Contributing to the growth of football in Slovenia post-independence.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Srečko Katanec was born on July 16, 1963, in Slovenia, which was then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He began his football career in the early 1980s, playing as a professional footballer until 1994.

### Playing Career
Katanec's playing career spanned from 1981 to 1994. During this period, he played for various clubs, contributing to the sport in Slovenia and beyond. His career coincided with a significant period in Slovenian history, as the country gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.

### Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Katanec transitioned into coaching. He has managed several teams, including the Slovenian national team, where he played a crucial role in developing the team's strategies and nurturing young talent.

### Influence on Slovenian Football
Katanec's influence on Slovenian football is notable. As both a player and a coach, he has contributed to the sport's development in the country. His work has helped shape the careers of many Slovenian footballers and has been instrumental in the growth of football in Slovenia post-independence.

### Awards and Recognition
Katanec has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to football. These include the Viktor award, a prestigious Slovene media award, and induction into the Slovenian Athletes Hall of Fame, which was established in 2011.

### Legacy
Srečko Katanec's legacy in Slovenian football is significant. His career as a player and coach has left a lasting impact on the sport in the country. His contributions have helped elevate the profile of Slovenian football and have inspired many young players and coaches.

## References

1. Transfermarkt
2. Argentine Soccer Database
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. UEFA.com
5. CONOR.SI