Born in Osijek in the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia), Vidusic moved to Australia in 1988 with one-year-old Dario to play for the Queensland Lions in the National Soccer League.
Like many other foreigners who came to play in Australia, he never left—immigrating permanently and beginning what would become a decades-long partnership through the sport and, through it, the country.
Angie Postecoglou, captain Matt Smith and Rudo Vidusic with the 2012 A-League Grand Final trophy.Credit: Getty Images
After coaching with schools and local clubs in south-east Queensland, he served as an assistant coach at Brisbane Rovers from the first season of the A-League, working under Myron Blaiberg, Frank Freina and then Angel Posicoglou, with whom he won back-to-back grand finals in the club’s famous ‘Roverlona’ era in 2011 and 2012.
When Post Koglow left for Melbourne Victory in 2012, Vadosic succeeded him as Dahar’s head coach.
He later worked as an assistant at Sydney FC, Victory and Wellington Phoenix before becoming technical director and head coach of Melbourne City’s women’s team, with whom he won a premiership championship double in the 2019–20 season.
After that, Vidušić replaced Patrik Casnorbo as head coach of City’s A-League men’s team, guiding them to the 2022–23 Premiership and a fine final appearance.
The club has announced that players from the city’s men’s and women’s teams will wear black armbands at their fixtures.
“Rudo was a highly respected figure in Melbourne City and the wider Australian football family,” the club said in a statement.
“His contribution extended far beyond results and trophies. In five years at the club, he was instrumental in shaping both our football program and the people within it, and he leaves a lasting legacy. He helped align coaches and paths under a shared vision, raised standards, and had a profound impact on the development of both staff and players.
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“Rudo will be fondly remembered for the person he was. He was a committed, thoughtful and deeply caring coach who placed a high value on relationships, trust and respect.
“He built strong relationships with his players and teammates and was widely admired for his generosity, humility and genuine interest in those around him.
“Rudo had a rare ability to challenge those he worked with while also feeling supported by them, and his presence left an impression on everyone who was fortunate enough to work with him.”
