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Serbian football is in mourning after coach Mladen Žižović died during a league match at just 44 years old. He was known for eliminating Olimpija while coaching Borac.
Serbian football was struck by tragedy on Sunday evening when Mladen Žižović, head coach of Radnički 1923, collapsed during a SuperLiga match against Mladost Lučani and later passed away despite rapid medical intervention. He was just 44 years old.
According to reports from Serbia, Žižović suddenly fell to the ground near the touchline in the first half. Medical teams rushed to his aid and attempted resuscitation, but the coach could not be revived. The match was immediately suspended as players and staff were left in shock.
A respected coach with regional connections
Žižović was well known to football fans across the Balkans. During his spell as head coach of Borac Banja Luka, he famously eliminated Olimpija Ljubljana in European competition — a result that earned him widespread recognition in both Bosnia and Slovenia.
Just a month ago, Žižović had taken charge of Radnički 1923, succeeding Feđa Dudić, who is now coaching Maribor in Slovenia. He led the team in only two league matches before his tragic passing.
From player to coach
Before turning to coaching, Žižović enjoyed a long playing career. He spent most of it at Zrinjski Mostar, where he became one of the club’s symbols, and also represented Borac Banja Luka and KF Tirana in Albania.
Since starting his coaching career in 2017, he managed several clubs, including Radnik Bijeljina, Zrinjski Mostar, Sloboda Tuzla, Al Kholood (Saudi Arabia), Shkupi (North Macedonia), Borac Banja Luka, and most recently Radnički Kragujevac.
His sudden death has devastated the regional football community. Clubs from Bosnia, Serbia, and Slovenia have already issued condolences, remembering him as “a passionate professional, a kind person, and a true football man.”