Mladen Zizovic, the manager of FK Radnicki 1923, tragically passed away during a SuperLiga match against Mladost Lucani.
The 44-year-old coach collapsed on the sideline just 22 minutes into the game on Sunday evening, prompting immediate medical attention, per BBC News.
Despite swift efforts to stabilize him on the field and take him to the hospital, the devastating news was confirmed just 20 minutes later – Zizovic had passed away en route to medical care.
A Heartbreaking Scene on the Pitch
Footage from the game captured the emotional impact on both teams. As the news of Zizovic’s sudden death spread, players were visibly shaken.
Several collapsed to their knees, with some resting their heads on the turf in disbelief, while others knelt in silence to pay their respects.
The atmosphere in the stadium was one of sorrow, as the gravity of the situation became clear. The match, which had already been paused for medical attention, was ultimately abandoned.
Zizovic sadly passed away. Credit: Ben McShane / Getty
FK Radnicki and Serbian Football Mourn
In the wake of the loss, FK Radnicki 1923 issued a statement mourning the death of their coach, describing him as “a man who left a deep mark wherever he worked with his knowledge, calmness, and nobility.”
The club spoke of Zizovic’s warmth, professionalism, and the respect he had earned in his brief time with the team.
Radnicki’s statement continued: “Although he spent a short time in Kragujevac, he managed to gain the respect of everyone at the club, among players, associates, and fans, with his energy, professionalism and human qualities.”
The club expressed their deepest condolences to Zizovic’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him, acknowledging that his legacy would live on in the hearts of all who met him.
The manager suffered a heart attack on the touchline. Credit: Jurij Kodrun / Getty
Remembering Mladen Zizovic’s Football Legacy
Zizovic’s legacy extended beyond his role as a manager. Before stepping into coaching, he had a successful playing career, notably with several clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including HSK Zrinjski Mostar, FK Radnik Bijeljina, and FK Borac Banja Luka, per The Sun.
He also earned caps with the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
After retiring as a player, Zizovic transitioned to management, bringing his knowledge and passion for the game to coaching roles across Bosnia, Herzegovina, and the region.
Both the Football Association of Serbia and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association expressed their deep sorrow following Zizovic’s passing.
The Serbian FA praised his “love for football,” emphasizing that his contributions to the game would never be forgotten. “Your love for football and the mark you left will remain with us forever,” they said in their statement.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association also reflected on the loss, calling Zizovic’s passing a great blow to the Bosnian football community.
“Our football community has lost another true football professional,” they noted. His untimely death was recognized as a tremendous loss not only to Serbian and Bosnian football but to the wider football world.
Many have paid their respects to Zizovic. Credit: George Wood – UEFA / Getty
A Loss Felt Across the Football World
Tributes poured in from clubs and officials across the region, including Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade, who extended their condolences, saying: “With sadness, we received the news that Radnicki’s coach from Kragujevac, Mladen Zizovic, has suddenly passed away.”
The outpouring of grief from the wider football community highlighted the profound impact Zizovic had both as a professional and as a person.
As Serbian football and beyond continue to mourn, Zizovic’s sudden death serves as a reminder of how fragile life is and how deeply football communities can be affected by the loss of one of their own.
The game, for a brief moment, stood still as players, coaches, and fans reflected on the life of a man who had given so much to the sport.
