The Silent Sentinel of Pionir: Red Star Bids Farewell to Ljubica

BELGRADE – The hollow echoes of basketballs bouncing in the Aleksandar Nikolić Hall feel a little heavier today. Ljubica, the legendary calico cat who served as the unofficial guardian and soul of the “Pionir” arena for nearly two decades, has passed away at the age of 18.

The news was confirmed by KK Crvena zvezda late Thursday, February 5, 2026, sparking a wave of tributes from players, coaches, and fans across the European basketball community.

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A Life Defined by the Game

Ljubica wasn’t just a stray who found shelter; she was a fixture of Serbian basketball history. Found as a kitten by arena staff 18 years ago, she claimed the hall as her permanent residence. Over the years, she witnessed:

• Dozens of trophy celebrations and historic EuroLeague nights.

• Hundreds of roster changes, outlasting almost every player and coach to pass through the doors.

• Thousands of training sessions, where she was known to sit calmly courtside, unfazed by the screeching of sneakers or the roar of 8,000 fans.

“With great sadness, we inform the public that Ljubica has passed away in her Pionir, where for 18 years she was a witness to countless events and won the hearts of the local and international public,” the club stated in their official farewell.

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More Than a Mascot

To the “Zvezdaši,” Ljubica was a symbol of consistency in an ever-changing sport. She even had her own dedicated social media presence, where fans followed her “analysis” of games. Players often joked that she was the toughest critic in the building, watching practices with a discerning, stoic gaze that became her trademark.

In late 2025, reports surfaced that Ljubica was facing health challenges due to her advanced age. Despite receiving the best veterinary care, she passed away peacefully on Thursday in the very building she called home.

A Legacy in the Rafters

As Red Star prepares to face Maccabi Tel Aviv tonight, many fans are calling for a moment of silence or a small tribute to the “Queen of Pionir.” While she never scored a basket or made a defensive stop, her presence was a bridge between generations of fans.

For 18 years, coaches came and went, but Ljubica remained—the silent sentinel who reminded everyone that Pionir was, first and foremost, a home.