A legendary era in Slovenian volleyball is coming to a close. Dejan Vinčić, the long-standing setter and a pillar of Slovenia’s golden generation, has announced his retirement from international play. His final appearance in the national jersey will take place on July 20 in Ljubljana, where Slovenia faces Serbia in the Volleyball Nations League.
Vinčić, 38, first represented Slovenia on May 13, 2005, in a World Championship qualifier against Moldova. Since that debut, he has built an exceptional career that spans 274 caps, four European Championship medals (three silver, one bronze), and a historic Olympic debut in Paris, where Slovenia finished 5th.
“It’s not easy to say goodbye, but I know this is the right moment,” Vinčić shared in an emotional message. “I hope fans will join me for my last match—it would mean the world to me.”
Beyond his contributions to the national team, Vinčić has had a stellar club career across Europe. He played for teams like PGE Skra Bełchatów, Cerrad Czarni Radom, VfB Friedrichshafen, and Halkbank Ankara, earning titles including a Polish Super Cup, a German Cup, and a Turkish Championship. He currently plays for OK Alpacem Kanal in Slovenia.
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