The football world has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Mladen Zizovic, the 44-year-old head coach of Radnicki 1923, who tragically collapsed during a Serbian SuperLiga match on Sunday, November 3, 2025.
According to multiple reports, including Reuters, The Guardian, and Metro Sport, Zizovic suffered a suspected heart attack on the sidelines during the first half of Radnicki’s home fixture against Mladost Lucani at the Cika Daca Stadium in Kragujevac, Serbia.
Eyewitnesses said the coach appeared to stumble and then fell to the ground in the 22nd minute of play. Medical personnel immediately rushed to his side, providing emergency treatment before he was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite their best efforts, doctors later confirmed that Zizovic had passed away.
The match was briefly paused as paramedics worked to revive him, but play resumed after he was taken away. However, moments before half-time, the tragic news of his death reached players and officials, prompting the referee to abandon the match.
The heartbreaking announcement led to an emotional scene on the pitch. Players from both teams collapsed to the ground in tears, some embracing one another in grief. Fans inside the stadium were also visibly shaken, many weeping as the news spread.
Zizovic had only recently taken charge of Radnicki 1923, having been appointed on October 23, 2025. The match against Mladost was just his third game as manager. Despite his short time with the team, he was said to have made a strong impression through his calm leadership, professionalism, and positive influence on players and staff.
Born on December 27, 1980, in Rogatica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zizovic was a respected figure in Balkan football. As a player, he was known for his intelligence and creativity as an attacking midfielder. He began his senior career with Radnik Bijeljina, later representing clubs such as Rudar Ugljevik, Zrinjski Mostar, Tirana, and Borac Banja Luka. He also made several appearances for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team before retiring in 2016.
After retiring from active play, Zizovic transitioned into management. He began coaching Radnik Bijeljina in 2017 and later managed Zrinjski Mostar, Sloboda Tuzla, Al Kholood in Saudi Arabia, Shkupi in North Macedonia, and Borac Banja Luka, before joining Radnicki 1923.
In a statement, the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) expressed deep sorrow over his sudden passing, describing Zizovic as a devoted professional whose contribution to football will never be forgotten. The association extended its condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters across Bosnia and Serbia.
His club, Radnicki 1923, also released an emotional tribute, calling him a man of great integrity, quiet strength, and deep love for the game. The club noted that although his time with them was short, he left behind a legacy of discipline, unity, and respect.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the region and beyond. Red Star Belgrade, Partizan Belgrade, and several Bosnian clubs have all sent messages of condolence, joining fans, players, and officials in celebrating the life of a man remembered for his passion and humility.
One emotional message from a Radnicki player read, “He believed in us and made us believe in ourselves. We will never forget you, coach.”
As the football community continues to mourn, Radnicki 1923’s next league fixture against Cukaricki, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, remains uncertain as the club and league discuss whether to postpone it in light of the tragedy.
Zizovic is survived by his family, who have requested privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
The outpouring of grief from across the football world reflects the respect he earned throughout his long career, both as a player and as a coach.
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