Football manager dies at 44 after collapsing during a match as players break down in tears.

A top-flight manager, aged 44, has died after suffering a heart attack and falling during a game. Mladen Zizovic was in charge of Radnicki 1923’s match against Mladost in Serbia on Sunday evening when tragedy struck in the 22nd minute. Medics raced to his help and took him to the hospital.

The match was first suspended, but the referee resumed play while Zizovic was on his way to the hospital. Only 20 minutes later, it was unfortunately revealed that he had died. Both teams’ players and coaches burst into tears on the field before the game was called off. Watch the reaction below.

It was Zizovic’s third match in charge of the club, after taking over on October 23. During his playing career, he won the Bosnian Cup twice, once with Radnik Bijeljina and again with Zrinjski Mostar, as well as the Bosnian Premier League title with the latter, and his coaching contributions have been met with universal praise since the news broke.

Tributes to Mladen Zizovic

Zizovic, who leaves behind three children, has received tributes from throughout the football community. According to The Sun, the Serbian FA released the following statement:

“The Football Association of Serbia has heard with great sadness and bewilderment the news of the sudden death of FK Radnicki 1923 coach Mladen Zizovic, who died during the Mozzart Bet Super League of Serbia match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani. His premature departure is a terrible loss to the whole football community.”

It went on to say, “The Football Association of Serbia extends its heartfelt condolences to the Zizovic family, the members of FK Radnicki 1923, and all friends and admirers of his character and work.” Rest in peace, Mladen. Your passion for football and the legacy you created will be with us forever.”

Partizan Belgrade added: “We received the sad news that Radnicki’s coach from Kragujevac, Mladen Zizovic, has died unexpectedly. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and club.

Crvena Zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade, expressed their sympathies to the family and friends of Mladen Zizović, as well as FK Radnicki 1923. “Rest in peace, Mladen.”