Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - A top-flight manager has tragically d!ed at the age of 44 after suffering a heart attack during a match in Serbia.
Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic collapsed on the side
of the pitch after suffering a heart attack 22 minutes into the Serbian club's
match with Mladost on Sunday evening, November 2.
Shortly after, his players and coaching staff were informed
later in the match that Zizovic, who had immediately been rushed to hospital
after receiving medical treatment, had tragically passed away.
The sad news sparked heartbreaking scenes on the pitch, as
players from both teams broke down in tears as they comforted each other in
mourning.
According to Mail Online, the game was initially suspended
after Zizovic collapsed and was resumed by the referee once the Bosnian
boss was transported to hospital.
After the players received the heartbreaking news, the
referee abandoned the match.
Zizovic, who was taking charge of just his third game at
Radnicki 1923 following his appointment on October 23, retired from his playing
career in 2016.
He made two appearances for the Bosnia and Herzegovina
national team, having spent all of his career in either his homeland or
Albania.
Radnicki issued a tribute to Zizovic in a statement, as
the club expressed their 'deep pain and disbelief' of his passing.
‘A man who left a deep mark wherever he worked with his
knowledge, calmness and nobility,' the statement read.
‘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.
‘FK Radnički 1923 expresses its deepest condolences to the
family, friends, and everyone who knew Mladen.
His dedication to football, passion for the game, and human
warmth will forever remain etched in the memories of all who had the honor of
knowing him.
‘Rest in peace, Mladen.’
In a tribute to Zizovic, who leaves behind three children,
the Serbian FA wrote: 'The Football Association of Serbia has received with
deep sorrow and disbelief the news of the sudden death of FK Radnički 1923
coach Mladen Zizovic, who passed away during the Mozzart Bet Super League of
Serbia match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani.
'His untimely departure represents a tremendous loss for the
entire football community
'The Football Association of Serbia expresses its deepest
condolences to the Zizovic family, the members of FK Radnicki 1923, as well as
all friends and admirers of his character and work.
'Rest in peace, Mladen. Your love for football and the
legacy you left behind will remain with us forever.'
Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade added: 'With sadness, we
received the news that Radnicki's coach from Kragujevac, Mladen Zizovic, has
suddenly passed away.'Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and
club.'
The Bosnian and Herzegovina Football Association
also offered their own tribute to Zizovic, writing 'The Bosnian and
Herzegovina football community lost another true sports worker today. Football
coach and long-time player for Bosnian clubs, Mladen Zizovic, passed away at
the age of 44.
'During his rich playing career, Žižović played for numerous
clubs in our country, among which HŠK Zrinjski Mostar, FK Radnik Bijeljina and
FK Borac Banja Luka stand out, and he also wore the jersey of the Bosnia and
Herzegovina national team. After finishing his playing career, he devoted
himself to coaching, leading clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.
'His premature departure represents a great loss for Bosnian
and Herzegovinan football.
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