Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26 after falling ill.
The Grimsby-born Montenegro international, who played for a string of British clubs including Aston Villa, Wolves, Birmingham City, and Stoke City, reportedly became ill at an apartment in the town of Budva after being on international duty. Despite his friends’ immediate call for an ambulance, Sarkic passed away around 6:30 am local time on Saturday.
Sarkic had recently started against Belgium last Thursday, where he was named man of the match after making an impressive nine saves in Montenegro’s 2-0 defeat. The goalkeeper spent his youth career in Belgian giants Anderlecht’s academy before joining Aston Villa. During his five-year spell at Villa, he was loaned out to Wigan Athletic, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville, and Livingston.
In 2020, Sarkic moved to Wolves but did not make a first-team appearance. He was subsequently loaned to Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City, and Stoke City before Millwall signed him last summer.
The Millwall Supporters’ Club posted on X: “What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.”
Tributes poured in for Sarkic, with one Birmingham fan saying: “Heartbreaking news this morning that our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26. Rest in peace.”
Another Millwall fan expressed their shock: “I’m absolutely speechless reading the news. RIP Matija Sarkic.”
