Bojan Bogdanović watches as countryman Mario Hezonja goes to the hoop (Photo credit: Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA/CC BY-SA 2.0)
One of Croatia’s greatest basketball players, Bojan Bogdanović, has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball at the age of 36.
The veteran shooting guard, who spent a decade in the NBA and represented seven teams, leaves behind a legacy marked by broken records, historic milestones, and a career earnings total exceeding 100 million US dollars, making him the highest-paid Croatian athlete in history.
Bogdanović shared the news on Instagram, reflecting emotionally on his two-decade-long journey through the world of basketball.
The decision comes after a 14-month struggle with a foot injury that required two surgeries and multiple attempts to return to the court.
“Sometimes in life, you do not choose the moment. The moment chooses you,” wrote Bogdanović.
“After more than two decades on the court, the time has come to say goodbye to basketball. Not just as a sport, but as a part of myself.”
From Mostar to the NBA
Bogdanović’s journey began in Mostar, where he first dabbled in football and water polo before turning his focus to basketball. His early club career took him from Zrinjski Mostar to European giants such as Real Madrid, Murcia, Cibona, and Fenerbahçe.
Bojan Bogdanović (Photo credit: Man Wiki/Dudek1337/CC BY-SA 2.0)
In 2014, his dream of playing in the NBA became reality when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets. Over the following ten years, he played for the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons and, most recently, the New York Knicks.
Each stop added to a rich and respected NBA career. Notably, during his time with Utah Jazz, he signed a contract worth 73 million US dollars, the highest ever for a Croatian athlete.
Breaking Records and Making History
Bogdanović broke several long-standing Croatian basketball records in the NBA. He surpassed Dražen Petrović’s single-game scoring record with 48 points and overtook Toni Kukoč on the all-time Croatian scorers list in the league.
He also became the first player in NBA history to hit 11 three-pointers in a game without attempting a single two-point shot.
Above all, Bogdanović emphasised the honour of wearing the Croatian jersey. From cadet level to the senior national team, representing Croatia was, in his words, “not just a duty but an identity.”
“Wearing the colours of Croatia was the greatest responsibility and the greatest pride,” he said.
In his heartfelt message, Bogdanović thanked his coaches, teammates, doctors, fans and every club he played for along the way. He reserved special thanks for his family, whom he described as the foundation through every rise and every doubt.
“I have not reached the end,” his message concluded. “I have reached the other side of the beginning.”
Bojan Bogdanović departs as one of the finest players to wear the Croatian jersey and a respected figure in global basketball. His impact on the sport, both at home and abroad, will be remembered for generations to come.
