Brighton Manager Dario Vidosic Carries Father’s Memory Into Women’s FA Cup Final At Wembley

Brighton manager Dario Vidosic will lead his side out at Wembley on Sunday carrying the memory of his late father, Rado, who passed away in January following a battle with cancer.

Rado Vidosic served as Brighton’s head of women’s and girls’ coaching and was described as a much-loved figure at the club following his arrival a year before his death.

His passing at the age of 64 prompted Dario to take a month away from the Women’s Super League campaign on compassionate leave.

Brighton recovered strongly upon his return in February, climbing to seventh in the WSL and reaching their first ever FA Cup final.

“I carry dad every single day with me into every game and I think about what he would tell me and what I’ve learned from reading back through his notes from when he was a coach,” said Dario.

“Hopefully we can go out, play some nice football, make him proud and give him something to celebrate,” the 39-year-old added ahead of Sunday’s 15:00 BST kick-off.

Dario was born in Croatia before moving to Australia as a child when Rado played for Queensland Lions, and he followed his father into football as both a player and coach.

“From a young age it was probably with dad, everything was with him,” said Dario, reflecting on a childhood built entirely around following his father through the game.

Brighton’s opponents Manchester City arrive at Wembley as recently crowned WSL champions, chasing a domestic Double, making the occasion even more significant for both clubs.

England’s Euro 2022 winner Fran Kirby, who won the FA Cup five times at former club Chelsea, paid tribute to Rado’s influence on the squad’s journey to Wembley.

“I’m pretty sure there will be no-one else prouder than Rado of Dario for getting there,” said the 32-year-old forward.

“It left a massive mark on the team, and to get to Wembley, with everything that’s been going on, is credit to the coaching staff to push their emotions aside,” Kirby added.

USA striker Madison Haley, who scored in Brighton’s dramatic 3-2 semi-final win over Liverpool, said Rado remains firmly in the players’ thoughts heading into the final.

“It’s not something he would probably say to the group but it’s definitely been on our minds,” said Haley. “We all want to make Rado proud.”

Brighton have backed their women’s team significantly in recent years, releasing plans last month for Europe’s first purpose-built women’s football stadium at a cost of between £75 million and £80 million.

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