Milutin Šoškić

Milutin Šoškić was born on December 31, 1937, in Peć, Yugoslavia. He joined Red Star Belgrade at the age of 11, staying there for six months before joining rivals Partizan. He finally made his professional debut at the age of 17. A highly talented and promising goalkeeper, he quickly became a staple in the Yugoslavian championship.

Called up for the Yugoslav youth teams, he made his debut with the Yugoslav first team in 1959, at a time when it was one of the best teams in the world. Replacing the legendary Vladimir Beara, Milutin didn't disappoint and quickly became a key figure in the national team. On his debut, he conceded four goals against Hungary, but he went on to have a wonderful 1960, recording 12 matches, three clean sheets, and conceding 16 goals. He also made it to the Euro final, which he unfortunately lost, but was still a fine performance.

He also participated in the 1960 Olympic Games, which took place in Rome, Italy. Finishing top of their group, they then faced Italy in the semifinals. The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet during regulation time and conceded only one goal in the 109th minute. With the match tied at 1-1, Yugoslavia qualified for the next round of the competition through a draw, as a penalty shootout wasn't yet available. In the final, Yugoslavia was largely superior to their opponent, Denmark, winning 3-1, and Šoškić was Olympic champion.

He then participated in the 1962 World Cup, where he finished fourth after losing to Czechoslovakia in the semifinals, a legendary Czechoslovakia led by Josef Masopust. A consistent goalkeeper recognized worldwide for his skills, he achieved his greatest success in 1963, during a friendly match between England and the Rest of the World. As a substitute for Yashin, he was part of the Rest of the World team, which featured the best players in the world: Di Stéfano, Eusébio, Law, Kopa, Gento, and others.

Excellent with his club, Partizan, the goalkeeper would become a living legend as he played in successive matches and seasons. A four-time Yugoslav champion, he reached the Champions League final with his club in 1966. Already considered one of the best teams in the world, Partizan, made up of young players from the youth academy, enjoyed a remarkable run during the 1965/66 season.

Beating French champions FC Nantes in the first round 4-2 on aggregate, it was Werder Bremen who were then defeated by the Yugoslav team 3-1 on aggregate, with two clean sheets in four matches for our goalkeeper. In the quarterfinals, they faced the great club AC Sparta Prague. After a 4-1 defeat in the first leg, Partizan put on one of the greatest matches in its history with an exceptional goalkeeper, winning 5-0 in the second leg and 6-4 on aggregate, one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport.

In the semifinals, they faced another of world football's biggest names, Manchester United, a team composed of the best players on the planet, including Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, and George Best. But in Belgrade, Partizan proved more than solid with a 2-0 victory. At Old Trafford, it was a narrow 1-0 defeat for a 2-1 aggregate victory. A monumental feat, and a place in the final.

In front of 55,000 people, the final took place in Brussels, where the team faced Real Madrid, the kings of the competition. Initially leading 1-0, it was Amancio and Serena who turned the tables and secured a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid. Partizan's epic journey remains legendary nonetheless.

But at the age of 28, and after 11 years with the Partizan first team, the goalkeeper decided to leave his country and join Germany. He then signed for FC Cologne where he had a rather good time. He notably won a German Cup there in 1968. Then in 1971, at only 33 years old, he retired from football.

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