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Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
Outside the box.
Tragedy in Serbia: Coach Mladen Žižović Collapses During Match and Dies at 44
Bosnian-born head coach of Radnički 1923 collapsed during a Serbian SuperLiga match and was pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital.
Serbian football has been left in mourning after Mladen Žižović, the 44-year-old head coach of Radnički 1923, collapsed on the sidelines during a Serbian SuperLiga match and later died.
The incident occurred in the 22nd minute of the game against Mladost Lućani, when Žižović suddenly fell to the ground as play continued.
Medical teams rushed to assist and transported him to hospital, where his death was confirmed despite prolonged resuscitation attempts.
The match was halted immediately and briefly resumed after his evacuation, but was later abandoned altogether once the tragic news was confirmed.
Players from both teams broke down in tears, with scenes of shock and grief spreading through the stadium.
Žižović, a former Bosnian international midfielder, had been appointed as Radnički’s coach only on October 23, making the match his third in charge.
Born in Rogatica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, he played for several Balkan clubs and later managed teams across the region, earning a reputation for his dedication and tactical intelligence.
He is survived by three children.
The Football Association of Serbia described his death as 'a huge loss for the entire football community,' while Radnički 1923 issued a statement mourning 'not only a great coach but an exceptional man whose passion and integrity touched everyone around him.'
The incident occurred in the 22nd minute of the game against Mladost Lućani, when Žižović suddenly fell to the ground as play continued.
Medical teams rushed to assist and transported him to hospital, where his death was confirmed despite prolonged resuscitation attempts.
The match was halted immediately and briefly resumed after his evacuation, but was later abandoned altogether once the tragic news was confirmed.
Players from both teams broke down in tears, with scenes of shock and grief spreading through the stadium.
Žižović, a former Bosnian international midfielder, had been appointed as Radnički’s coach only on October 23, making the match his third in charge.
Born in Rogatica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, he played for several Balkan clubs and later managed teams across the region, earning a reputation for his dedication and tactical intelligence.
He is survived by three children.
The Football Association of Serbia described his death as 'a huge loss for the entire football community,' while Radnički 1923 issued a statement mourning 'not only a great coach but an exceptional man whose passion and integrity touched everyone around him.'
Opposing coach Neško Milovanović expressed his sorrow, saying: 'This is a very hard day for his family and for Serbian football as a whole. Three children lost their father. He was young, devoted, and a wonderful human being.'
Leading Serbian clubs, including Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade, also released condolence messages.
Local reports suggest cardiac arrest as the likely cause, though official medical findings have not yet been published.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about medical preparedness and health screening in professional sports.
Mladen Žižović’s passing has left an indelible mark on Balkan football—a painful reminder of the human fragility behind the game’s passion, discipline, and drive for victory.
Leading Serbian clubs, including Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade, also released condolence messages.
Local reports suggest cardiac arrest as the likely cause, though official medical findings have not yet been published.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about medical preparedness and health screening in professional sports.
Mladen Žižović’s passing has left an indelible mark on Balkan football—a painful reminder of the human fragility behind the game’s passion, discipline, and drive for victory.