WORLD AND DOMESTIC STARS IN ZADAR
Zadar, June 10, 2025 – The combination of sports, science, business and relaxed energy once again brought beautiful Zadar to life, which hosted the fourth edition of the Sunset Sports Festival from June 5 to 7, a unique event that once again brought together names from the top of the world’s sports and business scene, media stars, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. The combination of exclusive content, exceptional speakers and unforgettable moments at one of the most beautiful locations on the Adriatic confirmed the festival’s status as an indispensable meeting place for all who want to create change, share experiences, spread knowledge and enjoy the beauty of the Croatian coast.
Memorable topics and inspiring names
The fourth edition of the Sunset Sports Festival brought together a number of world-renowned speakers, experts from various fields and visitors. Among them are Stipe Miočić, Blanka Vlašić, Zlatko Mateša, Šime Vrsaljko, Željko Mavrović, Dimitar Berbatov, Maja Poljak, Iva Becun, Šime Veršić, Ivan Bešlić, Zlatko Hrkać, Nikola Stolnik and Andrea Andrassy. The unique event was also attended by Hayley Cohen, Nico Cantor, Matija Škerbić, Mladen Jurić, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Sultan, Marco Messina, Gordan Giriček, Branimir Karačić, Malik Scott, Marko Matiušnskii, Anita Nekka Jones, Misha Sher, Boban Totovski, Zvonimir Burazin, Christen Sandersen and Johan Lundberg. The festival was further enriched by a fashion show by the famous designer Diana Al Shammari, The Football Gal, who presented unique collectible football jerseys.
This year, the program expanded to three thematic stages: Main Stage, Esports Stage and Performance Lab, which allowed for an even greater reach of topics and audiences. On the main stage, in addition to lectures on the mental health of athletes, the power of branding, career challenges and life outside the spotlight, speeches by Croatian judoka Barbara Matić, Mark Bennett from Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and the most successful Croatian esports player Luka Perković Perkz stood out. Each topic was told first-hand, with a lot of personal tone, honest moments and motivating messages. The impressive list of guests who combined sports power, television charisma and business influence includes the face of the Champions League Eva Murati, multiple champion and world record holder in freediving Mirela Kardašević, tennis player Bojana Jovanović and many others.
The image of Croatia sent to the world in the best possible way
The festival was opened in the unique setting of the Center of St. Nikola, and the exclusive recording for CBS Sports on the occasion of the announcement of the winner of the Sofascore Player of the Season awards caused special excitement. The hosts of the ceremony were the legendary Peter Schmeichel and the charismatic Kate Scott, while the production was led by multiple award-winning producer Pete Radovich. The festival was officially opened by its director, former NBA basketball player Damjan Rudež, who emphasized the growth of the festival over the years – not only in numbers, but in stories, people and an atmosphere that cannot be replicated.
A combination of relaxed socializing and superb entertainment by the sea
This year’s Sunset Sports Festival, with an impressive program of expert lectures, also shone as an irreplaceable place for meetings, socializing and inspiration. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was filled with positive energy and informal conversations that naturally flowed from the halls into unforgettable evening moments. On Friday, the legendary Sunset Boat Party followed, which delighted everyone present with its energy and unique atmosphere. After the sailing, the atmosphere moved to land, where the After Sunset Party provided the perfect setting for informal meetings, exchange of impressions and new acquaintances among numerous famous names from the sports, media and business worlds. The festival’s finale on Saturday was equally impressive – the Closing Beach Party combined relaxation and socializing in a recognizable “sunset” way, rounding off three days filled with content, emotions and a superb atmosphere of connection.
A festival that grows – and is lived
This year, the Sunset Sports Festival once again justified its status as an event that blurs the boundaries between different worlds – sports and business, media and science, professional and private. Although the program grows year after year, the spirit of the festival remains the same.
You can find everything about the Sunset Sports Festival on the official festival website and via the FB and IG profiles.
