President Milanović Decorates Bill Belichick with the Order of the Croatian Star Featuring the Effigy of Franjo Bučar  

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović has decorated William Stephen Belichick, the coach with the most trophies in American football history, with the Order of the Croatian Star featuring the effigy of Franjo Bučar. Belichick received this honour for his outstanding contributions to promoting the reputation and interests of the Republic of Croatia in the United States throughout his long-standing and distinguished sports career. President Milanović presented the award to Belichick on Friday at the Office of the President.

Known in the sports world as Bill Belichick, this American of Croatian descent has led several football teams as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) during his illustrious career. He achieved his greatest success with the New England Patriots, winning six championship titles, a record that is expected to stand for many years. Throughout his career, he has proudly highlighted his Croatian heritage and his family’s roots in Draganić near Karlovac.

Bill Belichick arrived in Croatia as a special guest for the third edition of the Sunset Sports Media Festival, which will be held from June 6-8 in Zadar.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas