Brighton Manager Honors Late Father in FA Cup Final

When Brighton takes the field at Wembley on Sunday for their first FA Cup final, manager Dario Vidosic will carry more than just tactical notes onto the pitch.

His father Rado, Brighton's head of women's and girls' coaching, passed away in January at 64 after battling cancer. The loss sent shockwaves through the club, and Dario took a month away on compassionate leave during the season.

His return in February sparked something special. Brighton climbed to seventh place in the Women's Super League and fought their way to Wembley, where they'll face reigning champions Manchester City.

"I carry dad every single day with me into every game," Dario told BBC Sport. "I know he will be with us and I know he's been with us for every single game."

Football runs deep in the Vidosic family. Born in Croatia, Dario moved to Australia as a baby when his father played for Queensland Lions. His earliest memories involve tagging along to matches, playing on back fields while his dad competed.

"Everything was with dad," he said. Those afternoons watching his father became the foundation for both their careers in football.

Dario followed the same path, representing Australia as a player before moving into coaching. He started as his father's assistant at Melbourne City, learning the craft directly from Rado before taking over the women's team in 2022.

Even now, Dario reads through his father's old coaching notes, searching for wisdom. "I think about what he would tell me and what I've learned," he said.

Why This Inspires

Brighton's journey to Wembley reflects more than one family's story. The club has invested heavily in women's football, building an £8.5 million training facility in 2021 and announcing plans for Europe's first purpose-built women's stadium at £75-80 million.

They've attracted top talent like England's Fran Kirby, who won the FA Cup five times with Chelsea. "I'm pretty sure there will be no one else prouder than Rado of Dario for getting there," Kirby said.

American striker Madison Haley, who scored the semi-final winner, said Rado stays on the team's mind. "We all want to make Rado proud," she shared.

For Dario, the match offers a chance to honor everything his father built. "Hopefully we can go out, play some nice football, make him proud and give him something to celebrate," he said.

Beyond the tactics and training, Dario has found new perspective in simple moments, like watching his son's practice on a beautiful afternoon. Family gives him balance away from the game, just as his father once taught him.

Sunday's final represents Brighton punching above their weight against the WSL champions, but it also celebrates a legacy of dedication, sacrifice, and love passed from father to son.