Goran Perkovac (born 2 March 1962) is a former professional handball player and coach who represented both Yugoslavia and Croatia at the international level. He is noted for his contributions to the Croatian national team's successes in the 1990s, including winning the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the World Championship title in 1993.
Early life and domestic career
Perkovac was born in the former Yugoslavia; details of his birthplace are recorded as Rijeka, Croatia. He began his handball career with local clubs before progressing to higher‑level teams within the Yugoslav handball league system. During his playing career, he competed for several clubs in Yugoslavia and later for clubs in France, most notably Montpellier Handball, where he spent several seasons as a wing player. Exact dates of club transfers are not comprehensively documented in publicly available sources.
International career
Yugoslavia: Prior to the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Perkovac was selected for the Yugoslav national team, participating in international competitions during the late 1980s. Specific tournament appearances and achievements with Yugoslavia are not exhaustively recorded in accessible references.
Croatia: After Croatia gained independence, Perkovac became a member of the Croatian national handball team. He was part of the squad that won the 1993 World Men’s Handball Championship held in Sweden. He also contributed to Croatia’s gold‑medal performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where the team defeated Sweden in the final. His role on the team was primarily as a wing player.
Coaching career
Following his retirement from active play, Perkovac transitioned into coaching. He has held coaching positions with French club teams, including a tenure as head coach of Montpellier Handball. In addition, he has served in various coaching capacities within Croatian handball development programs. Precise timelines and the extent of his responsibilities at each club are not fully detailed in widely available encyclopedic sources.
Legacy and recognition
Perkovac is recognized for his dual representation of Yugoslavia and Croatia during a period of significant political change in the Balkans, and for contributing to Croatia’s emergence as a leading nation in international handball. His Olympic gold medal and World Championship title are highlighted among the major achievements of his sporting career.