Živadinović made his senior debut with Red Star Belgrade in the Yugoslav First League at the age of 18, appearing in two games during the 1962–63 season.

He later suffered a back injury that hindered his progress, going on to play for Čelik Zenica (1964–1965),[1] Vardar (1965–1966), Sloboda Titovo Užice (1966–1968), Rijeka (1968–1970), and Crvenka (1970–1971), mostly in the Yugoslav Second League.

After serving his compulsory military service, Živadinović spent two seasons abroad with Südwest Ludwigshafen in West Germany.

In August 1998, Živadinović was appointed as manager of FR Yugoslavia, replacing Slobodan Santrač following the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

However, in July 1999, it was reported that Živadinović would take over as manager of Saudi club Al Nassr after the conclusion of Yugoslavia's involvement in the Euro 2000 qualifiers.