Born in Belgrade, Socialist Republic of Serbia, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Janković played youth football with Red Star Belgrade, signing in 1978 with NK Maribor alongside Vladislav Bogićević and Rade Radić in exchange for the best Slovenian player at the time, Milan Arnejčič.
Two years later, however, he returned to his previous club, going on to be an important member as the capital side won two leagues and as many cups; he also missed the entire 1982–83 season due to injury.
[1] In late January 1987, aged 27, Janković was allowed to leave his country, joining La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid and being a starter in most of his first full campaign, teaming up in midfield with Rafael Gordillo, Míchel and Rafael Martín Vázquez in support of strikers Emilio Butragueño and Hugo Sánchez, as the Merengues won the league with 95 goals scored.
Janković won 12 caps for Yugoslavia in three years, but did not attend any major international tournament.
[3] In 1991, the year after ending his playing career, Janković emigrated to Australia, settling in North Queensland with his Cairns-born wife.