Milan Ivanović (Serbian Cyrillic: Милан Ивановић, pronounced [mǐlan iʋǎːnoʋit͡ɕ]; born 21 December 1960) is a former soccer player. Born in Yugoslavia, he played for the Australia national team.
Ivanović started his career with a local club Crvenka. After stints with Rudar Kostolac and OFK Belgrade, he joined Red Star Belgrade in 1985.[1] Ivanović played in a 1988 European Cup encounter against A.C. Milan.
He emigrated to Australia and on arrival in 1989 he joined Adelaide City in the National Soccer League. Nicknamed "The Doctor"[2] for his ability to cut out the opposition's attacks and launch into an incisive midfield run, the classy, composed sweeper formed a formidable partnership with Alex Tobin that became the mainstay of the Adelaide City and Socceroo defence. That resulted in two national titles in 1992 and 1994, cementing his legendary status.
In 2007, Ivanović came out of retirement to play in the South Australian Premier League club, Northern Demons.
Ivanović made his first international appearance for Australia in a January 1991 friendly match against Czechoslovakia. He captained Australia once, in a match against Japan on 15 February 1998, which also his last appearance for Australia. Ivanović made 59 international appearances for Australia[3] and represented them in 71 games including unofficial ones.[4]
In 2000, he was selected as a member of the Australian "Team of the Century" by respondents to a worldwide Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation vote, beating Paul Okon into second place for a position in central defense.[5]
Ivanović has coached at local level in South Australia, in both Federation and Amateur leagues. He has been in charge at both Enfield City and White City and saved the latter club from relegation in 2006. Currently Coaching U/19's at Croydon Kings (Polonia) Soccer Club in South Australia. He is now currently the Head Soccer coach at Scotch College Adelaide.
With Australia:
With Adelaide City:
Personal honours: