Emotions ran high in Serbia’s SuperLiga on Monday after FK Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic tragically passed away during his team’s match against Mladost Lucani.
The 44-year-old coach reportedly collapsed on the sidelines midway through the first half and was given urgent medical attention before being rushed to hospital. Despite play resuming briefly, the fixture was abandoned when confirmation of his death reached the stadium.
Heartbreaking footage from the match showed players and officials from both sides in tears, visibly shaken by the devastating news.
Zizovic, a former Bosnia and Herzegovina international, had only recently taken charge of FK Radnicki 1923, having been appointed on October 23.
In a statement, his club expressed deep sorrow, describing him as “a great professional, a good man, a friend, and a sportsman who left a lasting mark with his energy and nobility.”
Tributes poured in from across the Balkans. The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association praised his lifelong dedication to the game, noting his distinguished playing career with clubs such as HSK Zrinjski Mostar, FK Radnik Bijeljina, and FK Borac Banja Luka, as well as his appearances for the national team.
“After hanging up his boots, he devoted himself to coaching, guiding several teams across Bosnia and the region. His untimely passing is a great loss to Bosnian-Herzegovinian football,” the federation said.
The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) also paid tribute, writing, “Your love for football and the mark you left will remain with us forever.”
Leading Serbian clubs, including Red Star Belgrade, offered their condolences to Radnicki 1923 and Zizovic’s family, reflecting the widespread grief over the sudden loss of a respected figure in Balkan football.
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