Abstract
The victory of Crvena Zvezda (widely known internationally as FC Red Star) in the 1990/91 European Cup represents an unparalleled and landmark achievement in the history of Yugoslav and Eastern European sport. This victory was not merely an athletic accomplishment; it carried profound socio-political and cultural implications for Serbia and the broader Yugoslav federation. In a moment when rising nationalist currents inflamed hostilities among the region’s peoples, Zvezda’s triumph represented one of the rare instances in which diverse communities found a fleeting point of unity. The analysis employs a qualitative research design based on secondary sources (newspapers, books, academic publications) and relies on an interdisciplinary framework that combines sociological, political, and cultural analysis. Findings indicate that studies of sport in conflict-affected societies can deepen understanding of identity formation and social cohesion. Through qualitative content and critical discourse analysis, the study traces the socio-political context and historical-cultural dynamics that shaped Zvezda’s 1991 European Cup victory. Integrating historical-cultural and socio-political perspectives, the paper argues that this victory functioned not only as a sporting achievement but also as a political and symbolic event. The research explores how these dimensions influenced Yugoslav society, the trajectory of the club, its supporters, and broader public reactions, clarifying the enduring impact of football on collective identity and social cohesion in the Balkans. Its legacy continues to influence perceptions of national identity and collective memory in the region, emphasising football’s role as a medium for both social cohesion and historical reflection. Focused on 1990/1991 and based on secondary sources, the study elevates Zvezda’s European triumph to a defining symbol of collective identity at the threshold of Yugoslavia’s dissolution - a legacy still echoing through the Balkans’ social and cultural consciousness.