Mladen Žižović, a 44-year-old football manager in Serbia, died after suffering a heart attack during a match on Monday. He collapsed on the sidelines in the 22nd minute of Radnički 1923's game against Mladost Lučani in the Serbian SuperLiga.
Paramedics rushed Žižović to hospital, and play tentatively resumed. However, about 20 minutes later, news of his death reached the stadium, and the match was abandoned. Footage shows referees stopping the game as players from both teams fell to the ground in grief.
Radnički 1923 released a statement saying, 'Our club has lost not only a great specialist but above all, a good person, a friend, and a sports worker who, with his knowledge, energy, and nobility, left a deep mark in the hearts of all who knew him.' The club extended condolences to his family and friends.
Žižović played professional football for two decades, earning two caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2008. He transitioned to coaching in 2017 and managed seven elite clubs, including Borac Banja Luka, which he led to the UEFA Conference League round of 16 in the 2024/25 season. He was appointed head coach of Radnički 1923 last month, and Monday's match was only his third in charge.
The Football Association of Serbia expressed deep sorrow, stating, 'His untimely departure represents a tremendous loss for the entire football community.' They offered condolences to his family, club, and admirers.
