A Serbian top-flight football manager has died at the age of 44 after collapsing during a league match on Sunday, November 2.
Mladen Zizovic, head coach of Radnicki 1923, suffered a heart attack on the sidelines just 22 minutes into their away match against Mladost. He collapsed suddenly in the technical area and was rushed to the hospital after receiving emergency treatment at the scene.
Later in the match, his players and coaching staff were informed that he had sadly passed away, leading to emotional scenes as players from both sides broke down in tears and consoled one another.
According to Mail Online, the match was initially halted after Zizovic collapsed but resumed once he was taken to the hospital. However, after the devastating news reached the players, the referee abandoned the game entirely.
Zizovic had only recently taken charge of Radnicki 1923, having been appointed on October 23. Sunday’s fixture was just his third match at the helm. The former midfielder retired from professional football in 2016 and earned two caps for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team during a career spent in Bosnia and Albania.
Radnicki 1923 paid tribute to their late coach, expressing “deep pain and disbelief” over his passing.
“He was a man who left a profound mark wherever he worked, with his knowledge, calmness, and nobility,” the club said. “Although he spent a short time in Kragujevac, he earned the respect of players, colleagues, and fans through his energy, professionalism, and character.”
The club extended its condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him, adding that his passion for football and warmth as a person would never be forgotten.
Zizovic, a father of three, was also honored by the Serbian Football Association, which described his death as “a tremendous loss for the entire football community.” They conveyed their condolences to his family, Radnicki 1923, and everyone impacted by his work and legacy.
Partizan Belgrade also released a statement, saying they received the news “with sadness,” while the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association called his passing “a great loss for Bosnian football.” The federation highlighted his long playing career with several Bosnian clubs and his later contributions as a coach in the region.
“Rest in peace, Mladen,” many of the tributes concluded.
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