He's Back! /VIDEO/

Had this happened on October 13, 2025, it wouldn’t have made headlines. Željko Obradović walking into a packed, black-and-white Belgrade Arena to rapturous applause and fans chanting his name like a mantra was a familiar sight for both Partizan faithful and Obradović himself from autumn 2021 until early winter 2025.

The confident stride through the tunnel beneath the hardcore supporters' stand, the walk down the aisle flanked by fans leaning over the railings toward the court, greeting a young girl, a knowing smile, one hand over his heart and the other raised high in acknowledgment—a salute to everyone who, just like Obradović, bleeds black and white.

It all happened again today, with one crucial difference: instead of taking his place on Partizan’s bench, Obradović sat on the opposing sideline as head coach of Panathinaikos for the first time in 13 years. It was a sight Partizan fans haven’t seen in a very long time—and one they will likely never get used to after Obradović's five-season second stint in charge. That is precisely why this is headline news. Adding to the emotion was a tribute video displayed on the Arena's jumbotron before tip-off, with the club expressing gratitude to Obradović and Isaac Bonga.

This marked Obradović’s first encounter with Partizan supporters since November 21, 2025, when the Black-and-Whites suffered a 99-87 home defeat against Fenerbahçe. Just four days later, Partizan were heavily beaten by Panathinaikos in Athens (91-69), and the following morning, news broke that Obradović had resigned.

When he returned from Athens days later, thousands of Partizan supporters swarmed Belgrade Airport in an effort to convince him to reverse his decision and stay at his beloved club, but to no avail. Obradović himself later revealed that it was "professionally the hardest moment of my life," adding that after arriving home, he "sat and stared at the ceiling for a long time."

That was the scene after that emotional airport reception, and tonight could feel very similar. Once the dust settles and the tactical battle subsides, Obradović might once again find himself speechless, overwhelmed by raw emotion.

CABAREL #1 Željko Obradović returns, it's going to be madness!