Tragedy on the Pitch: FK Radnicki Coach Mladen Zizovic Dies Mid-Match
It was a heartbreaking moment in Serbian football on Monday night when FK Radnicki 1923’s head coach, Mladen Zizovic , tragically passed away during a Serbian SuperLiga match against Mladost Lucani. The 44-year-old Bosnian coach collapsed on the sidelines midway through the first half, leaving players, staff, and fans in complete shock.
The incident happened around the 22nd minute of the game. Medical personnel rushed onto the pitch immediately, administering emergency treatment before Zizovic was transported to a nearby hospital. Although the match briefly resumed after his departure, play was soon halted for good when the devastating news arrived—Zizovic had not survived.
Television cameras captured scenes of raw emotion and disbelief. Players from both teams were visibly distraught; some fell to their knees, while others buried their faces in their hands as tears flowed freely. The match was officially abandoned before halftime, turning what was meant to be a routine league fixture into one of the darkest nights in recent Serbian football history.
Radnicki 1923 released an emotional statement confirming the news. It read, “With the deepest sorrow, we inform the public, fans, and sports friends that our head coach, Mladen Zizovic, passed away during last night’s match. Our club has lost not only a great specialist but, above all, a good person, a friend, and a sportsman who, with his knowledge, energy, and nobility, left a deep mark on everyone who knew him.” The club also extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community.
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Zizovic’s death sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Tributes poured in from across Europe, including from top Serbian clubs like Red Star Belgrade and officials from both the Football Association of Serbia and the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association . They described him as a “true football professional” whose passing represents “a great loss for the sport.”
Before his coaching career, Zizovic was a respected midfielder who played for several Bosnian clubs, including Zrinjski Mostar , Radnik Bijeljina , and Borac Banja Luka , as well as for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team . As a coach, he achieved notable success with Borac, guiding them to their first-ever UEFA Conference League knockout round.
Mladost Lucani’s coach, Nenad Lalatovic , who witnessed the tragedy firsthand, expressed his grief afterward. “I still can’t believe how life can turn upside down in a second,” he said. “Mladen was not just a great coach, but a wonderful human being.”
The football community has been united in mourning—a sobering reminder of the fragility of life, even in the heat of the beautiful game. Mladen Zizovic’s passion, kindness, and contribution to football will be remembered far beyond the pitch where he took his final breath.
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