Stojan Vranješ for HEDONIST: Goals Are My Fuel

“I enjoy scoring goals - they are my fuel, my definition of hedonism. Throughout my career, I played for big clubs, with and against many great players, and I developed a routine. I use even the smallest details, and on the pitch, it looks deadly. I’ve already seen and replayed every goal in my head, so the balls I receive rarely surprise me and I finish chances routinely,” Vranješ told HEDONIST magazine.

He began his career at Borac, later playing in Romania for Pandurii Târgu Jiu and CFR Cluj, as well as for FK Vojvodina in Novi Sad. He also spent time in Poland with Lechia Gdańsk, Legia Warsaw, and Piast Gliwice, before returning from FK Željezničar Sarajevo to where it all began - his hometown of Banja Luka and FK Borac.

“Wherever I played, it was phenomenal, and most importantly, I won trophies and made many friends. Injuries mostly avoided me. I have good genetics from both sides of the family. Throughout my entire career, I’ve taken care of my body, especially now that I’m older and more experienced. I simply understand my body better. Even when I was younger, I paid attention to nutrition; recovery and proper training were always important to me. I also avoid heavier foods because they don’t sit well with my metabolism and digestion. Moments when I really indulge in food and drinks are honestly very rare,” Vranješ says.

Stojan also pays attention to his appearance. Always well dressed, he tries, just as he does on the pitch, to set an example for younger teammates.

“Look, I think that comes with age. I always liked having nice things I could afford for myself. When I was younger, I mostly wore tracksuits and sneakers. That famous nineties style - back then it was IN. Today, I dress a bit more seriously, so to speak. I have my own style, but of course I listen to my wife when she gives advice,” admits Borac’s famous number 23.

And it is precisely his wife, daughter, and son who form the center of Stojan Vranješ’s world. In general, he is deeply connected to his family, especially his brother Ognjen.

“Through my career, I realized that only family is always there for you. That’s how it has been in my case. I understand what football is - it exists only in the present moment. Tomorrow everything is forgotten, what you achieved is forgotten, and only family remains, both in good times and bad,” Vranješ emphasizes.

During our conversation at the City Stadium in Banja Luka, many boys from Borac’s youth academy approached Vranješ asking for photos and introductions, confirming just how popular he is among younger generations.

“I don’t mind when people want a photo with me, and I always make time for them. I’m happy when I see kids who look up to me and dream of wearing the Borac jersey. Of course, I’m always there for them, and I’d love to see more young people involved in sports, because sport is, above all, about joy,” Vranješ concluded.

Starčevica

Our interviewee comes from the Banja Luka neighborhood of Starčevica. He grew up there, went to school there, and still spends most of his time there today.

“I have a small circle of friends, really. I’m always there for them, and they know it. Together with them and my family, in my Starčevica, a neighborhood that passionately supports Borac, I spend my time when I’m not training. That’s how I recharge my batteries,” Vranješ told us.

• Interview by: Dejan Kondić / HEDONIST
• Originally published in HEDONIST Magazine 07, 2021.