Zlatko Portner


Zlatko Portner was a Serbian handball coach and player who won the 1986 World Championship. He also competed for Yugoslavia in the 1988 Summer Olympics.

Club career

After playing for Crvenka, Portner joined Yugoslav champions Metaloplastika, becoming a member of the squad that won consecutive European Cup titles. He also won six consecutive national championships with the club.
During the 1989–90 season, Portner joined Barcelona as a replacement for his compatriot Milan Kalina. He reunited with his former Metaloplastika teammate Veselin Vujović, helping the club win the European Cup in 1991. The next year, Portner went to France and spent two seasons with Vénissieux Rhône-Alpes. He later also played for Swiss teams BSV Bern, TV Zofingen, and BSC Grosshöchstetten.

International career

At international level, Portner represented Yugoslavia in two World Championships, winning the 1986 edition in his debut appearance. He was also a member of the team that won the bronze medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics.

Coaching career

While playing in Switzerland, Portner started his coaching career with BSV Bern. He also served as head coach of several other Swiss teams.

Personal life

Portner was the father of fellow handball player Nikola Portner, who represents Switzerland internationally.

Honours

;Metaloplastika
  • Yugoslav Handball Championship: 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88
  • Yugoslav Handball Cup: 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86
  • European Cup: 1984–85, 1985–86
;Barcelona
  • Liga ASOBAL: 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92
  • European Cup: 1990–91