The world of football is in mourning after a top-flight coach tragically passed away at the age of 44 after suffering a heart attack during a match in Serbia. Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic suffered a heart attack 22 minutes into Sunday night’s game against Mladost and collapsed pitchside.
Zizovic was immediately taken to the hospital after receiving treatment. However, he died shortly after the match resumed. The match was initially stopped after Zizovic collapsed, but resumed after he was taken to the hospital. However, 20 minutes later he was tragically pronounced dead.
Players and staff from both clubs broke down in tears on the pitch before the match was called off. Footage of the harrowing incident was shared on social media on Monday.
Former Bosnian international Zizovic only took over on October 23rd, and the match against Mladost was only his third game as manager of the club. Last season, he coached Borac’s Borak Banja Luka in the Europa Conference League.
Paying their condolences to Zizovic, who left behind three children, the Serbian FA wrote: “The Serbian Football Association accepts with deep sadness and disbelief the sudden death of FK Radnicki 1923 coach Mladen Zizovic, who passed away during the Serbian Mozart Bet Super League match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani.”
“His premature departure represents a huge loss to the entire football world.
“The Serbian Football Association would like to express its deepest condolences to the Zizovic family, the members of FK Radnicki 1923 and all the friends and fans who admired his personality and work.
“Rest in peace Mladen. Your love of football and the legacy you leave behind will remain with us forever.”
Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade also expressed their condolences. It read: “Sadly, we have received the news that Radnicki’s former coach at Kragujevac, Mladen Zizovic, has suddenly passed away.
“My deepest condolences to his family, friends and club.”
Red Star Belgrade said: “FK Crvena Zvezda would like to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mladen Žijovic and the members of FK Radnicki 1923. Rest in peace, Mladen.”
