[1][2][3] Born in Crvenka, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Svilar joined Royal Antwerp F.C.
in November 1980 from FK Vojvodina – he started his career with lowly hometown club FK Crvenka – and proceeded to endure a 16-year spell with the Belgian side, alternating between the posts and the bench; in the 1991–92 season, he contributed with 12 league appearances to help his team finish in fifth position, winning the Belgian Cup – his only piece of silverware – in the process.
[4][5] Svilar retired from professional play aged 46, going on to have several coaching spells with his last and most important club.
[4] Svilar represented Yugoslavia for seven years, and was a participant at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
Svilar's son Mile is also a goalkeeper, currently playing for Serie A club Roma.