Radnicki manager Zizovic dies at 44 after heart attack on bench | OneFootball

Tragedy in the top Serbian league. Mladen Zizovic, coach of Radnički 1923, died at 44 due to a sudden illness on the bench.

From Serbia, Zizovic, coach of Radnicki, dies. The 44-year-old struck by a heart attack on the bench

The drama during Mladost Lucani–Radnicki 1923

A tragedy has shaken Serbian football. Mladen Zizovic, coach of Radnicki 1923, died at just 44 years old after suffering a heart attack during the championship match against Mladost Lucani.

The former Bosnian national collapsed suddenly halfway through the first half. Emergency services were immediate: the coach was rushed to the nearest hospital, but all resuscitation attempts proved futile.

At the 40th minute, the referee suspended the match after the tragic confirmation of the death arrived. The stadium fell silent, while players, staff members, and fans of both teams couldn't hold back their emotions.

The statement from the Serbian Federation

Shortly after the suspension of the match, the Serbian Football Association (FSS) released an official statement to confirm the sudden death of Zizovic: “The Serbian Football Association confirms with deep sadness and disbelief the news of the death of Radnicki 1923 coach, Mladen Zizovic, during the championship match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani.”

The statement concludes with a message of condolence addressed to the coach's family, the club, and all of Bosnian and Serbian football, united in mourning his passing.

A beloved and respected former Bosnian national

Born in 1981 in Zvornik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mladen Zizovic had a long career as a footballer. A central defender and then a midfielder, he wore the jerseys of Borac Banja Luka, Zrinjski Mostar, and Siroki Brijeg, also earning some caps for the Bosnian national team.

After retiring, he moved to coaching, distinguishing himself for his human approach and tactical expertise. He coached several teams in the Balkans, with his most recent experience being with Radnicki Kragujevac (1923), a Serbian first division club.

The condolences from the football world

The news of Zizovic's death quickly spread across European sports media, sparking a wave of messages of sympathy and emotion. Players, colleagues, and club officials from Serbia and Bosnia expressed their sorrow for the loss of a respected coach, described as “a kind man, passionate and always close to his players.”

The Bosnian Football Association also paid tribute to the former national, recalling “his dedication to football and constant commitment to the growth of young players.”

Mourning that shakes Balkan football

The match between Mladost Lucani and Radnicki has been officially postponed to a later date. In the coming days, the Serbian League will consider the possibility of observing a minute of silence on all championship fields.

Radnicki, in a statement released at night, expressed their grief: “We have lost our coach, but above all a friend and an extraordinary man. Mladen will forever remain in our hearts.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.