Jaksic Stonemasonry
Workshop and Gallery

The Tomb of Miroslav “Ćiro” Blažević – Art in White Brač Stone

Our stonemasonry workshop had the great honour of creating the tomb of Miroslav Blažević – Ćiro, the legendary coach of the Croatian national football team and one of the most iconic figures in Croatian sports history.
The tomb is crafted from white Brač stone and placed at Zagreb’s Mirogoj Cemetery, in the prestigious Avenue of the Greats, where many of Croatia’s most notable cultural, sporting and public figures are laid to rest. This stone monument reflects, both visually and symbolically, the rich sporting legacy of a man who marked an entire generation.

The design was created by Dražen Jakšić, who embraced this emotionally significant task with great pride. The headstone features a stylised football pitch, carved in a clear yet subtle manner. Within the outlines of the pitch is the name ĆIRO, with the lines of the letters following the contour of the field. The final letter, “O”, is executed in a bronze colour — a direct reference to the bronze medal Croatia won at the 1998 World Cup under Ćiro’s leadership.

At the base of the headstone is Blažević’s well-known motto:
“Son, be ready”, engraved in his original handwriting.
This intimate detail adds a personal emotional dimension to the monument, as if Ćiro continues to inspire and encourage, just as he did throughout his life.

An especially meaningful aspect of this project is the fact that Ćiro was a great admirer of the island of Brač, and he personally wished his tomb to be made from Croatian stone. With this request, he once again affirmed his deep bond with his homeland and with the island he loved and frequently visited.

This elegant and symbolically rich tomb stands as a lasting tribute to one of Croatia’s greatest sporting figures. At the same time, it is a testament to the art of stone, to the craftsmanship and dedication of our workshop, which approached the creation of this monument with respect, emotion and pride.