His breakthrough arrived upon return to Red Star in 1998 at age 21, playing the majority of the league matches in 1998–99 and 1999–2000, winning the title in the latter.

[2] Dudić was scouted by Michel Preud'homme on two different games: 29 March 2000 in a Euro under-21 qualification match against England and in the eternal derby on 2 April, receiving positive feedback on both times.

[3][2] His signing was meant to solve the problematic right-back position that was occupied on different spells by either, Okonuwo, Andrade or Ricardo Esteves,[2] but Dudić struggled to perform to expectations, playing just 20 league games and being transfer listed within a year.

[4] He later acknowledged receiving interest from Tottenham, Leeds United, West Ham and Everton, but could not get the necessary workers permit,[5] so he spent the entire 2001–02 season without playing.

Dudić played six matches for FR Yugoslavia under-21 in the 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, including the playoff against England, losing 3–0.