Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic, 44, tragically suffered a heart attack in the 22nd minute of Sunday night’s match against Mladost in the Serbian top flight.
The Serbian soccer world is in mourning after the sudden death of a coach during a match. Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic tragically passed away after suffering a heart attack during Sunday night’s game against Mladost.
The 44-year-old collapsed 22 minutes into the top league match. The father of three from Bosnia was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved.
There was a medical emergency and the match was stopped by the referee as Zizovic received treatment. Notably, the match was later restarted, but was called off after news of Zizovic’s death.
The terrible news led to emotional scenes on the pitch, with Radnicki’s players collapsing to the floor in tears and their opponents looking overwhelmed. Eventually the referee slowly walked off the pitch and down the tunnel, leaving behind a stunned scene.
read more: Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes call out ‘unwarranted’ criticism of Liverpool star Mohamed Salahread more: Arsenal lose against Crystal Palace despite Mikel Arteta’s claims of ‘unfairness’
Tributes have been paid to Zizovic, who managed teams in Bosnia, Saudi Arabia and North Macedonia before Radnicki took over, but he had only managed two games before Sunday.
The Serbian FA said in a statement: “The Serbian Football Association has received 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 untimely departure means a great loss for the entire football world. The Serbian Football Association extends 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 for football and the legacy you left will remain with us forever.”
Zizovic had a 19-year playing career and earned two caps for Bosnia as a midfielder. He spent most of his career in Bosnia, but also played in Albania before turning to manager in 2017 after retiring.
He was appointed by Radnicki, who is based in Nis, Serbia’s third-largest city, on October 23 and was in his third game in charge.
Other Serbian clubs also paid tribute to Zizovic. Red Star Belgrade wrote in X: “FK Crvena Zvezda sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mladen Zizovic and the members of FK Radnicki 1923. Rest in peace, Mladen.”
Partizan Belgrade said: “Sadly, we have received the news that Radnicki’s former coach at Kragujevac, Mladen Zizovic, has passed away suddenly. We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and club.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
