The Serbian football community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden and tragic death of coach Mladen Zizovic, who collapsed during a league match and was later pronounced dead. The 44-year-old head coach of Radnicki 1923 suffered a heart attack just 22 minutes into his team’s fixture against Mladost, leaving players, fans, and staff in shock.
The incident occurred on Sunday when Zizovic suddenly fell on the sidelines as he was giving instructions to his players. Medical staff rushed to his aid and provided emergency treatment before he was transported to a nearby hospital. The match was initially paused to allow for his evacuation, but it later resumed once he had been taken away. However, play was abandoned shortly after when word of his passing reached the players and officials, who were overcome with emotion.
Witnesses described heartbreaking scenes as Radnicki players broke down in tears on the pitch, consoling one another as they struggled to come to terms with the devastating news. It was only the third match Zizovic had overseen since his appointment as head coach on October 23, making the tragedy even more painful for the club and supporters who had just begun to know him.
Radnicki 1923 released a heartfelt statement expressing deep sorrow, describing Zizovic as a man of great integrity and passion. They hailed his professionalism, calm demeanor, and the respect he had earned from everyone within the club in such a short time. The club promised to honor his memory and keep his legacy alive, noting that his energy, warmth, and commitment to football would never be forgotten.
Tributes poured in from across Serbia and the wider football world. The Football Association of Serbia mourned the loss as a tremendous blow to the national football fraternity, while rival clubs extended their condolences to his family, players, and fans. Zizovic is survived by his wife and three children.
As a player, he was a talented midfielder who featured in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, earning two international caps and enjoying a decorated career with domestic league and cup triumphs. His managerial career also saw success, most notably guiding Borac Banja Luka to a near league title and a historic European campaign. His sudden passing leaves behind a void in Balkan football and a legacy of professionalism, humility, and love for the game.
