In Serbia, a head coach of a SuperLiga club tragically passed away after collapsing during a match

44-year-old Mladen Žižović, a former player for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, had been appointed head coach of Serbian side Radnički 1923 on October 23. Under his guidance, the team had played just three matches.

During today’s game against Mladost, with Radnički leading 2–0 in the 22nd minute, Žižović suddenly lost consciousness on the sideline. The referee stopped the match, and the coach was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. The game resumed briefly, but around 20 minutes later, the heartbreaking news came through — Žižović had passed away.

The referee then halted the match for good. Broadcast footage showed players breaking down in tears upon learning of his death — some fell to the ground covering their faces, while others took a knee to honor their coach.

Published by Patrick Jane
03.11.2025