Millwall star dead at 26: Matija Sarkic tragically passes away after falling ill as tributes pour in for the goalkeeper
- The 26-year-old Millwall goalkeeper died after falling ill in an apartment
- Matija Sarkic was on international duty with Montenegro at the time of his death
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Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically died aged just 26 after falling ill while on international duty with Montenegro.
The goalkeeper’s sudden death has shocked the football world and tributes are pouring in for the Millwall star, who has previously played for a host of English clubs.
Sarkic was in the coastal town of Budva in Montegro when he reportedly fell ill on Saturday morning while at an apartment with friends.
An ambulance was immediately called to the scene, but attempts to save his life failed as he died at around 6:30 am local time.
Grimsby-born Montenegro international Sarkic recently saw action just over a week ago when he played the entire international friendly against Belgium.
Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of just 26
Sarkic made 33 appearances for Millwall after joining the club from Wolves in August 2023
Tributes have been paid to the 26-year-old goalkeeper who died on Saturday morning
Championship side Millwall have revealed that the club are devastated after hearing the news and have issued a short statement following Sarkic’s death.
An announcement on the club’s official website read: ‘Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
‘Sarkic, The Lions’ number one goalkeeper, has made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.
‘As an international from Montenegro, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.
“The club wishes to make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected,” the statement concluded.
Sarkic died on Saturday morning after falling ill in the coastal town of Budvar in Montenegro
Sarkic only moved to The Den last year after completing a transfer from Wolves, where he signed a long-term contract and immediately became a first-team regular.
His talents saw the former Aston Villa and Wolves goalkeeper cement a starting role as he made 33 appearances for the club, making 77 saves and keeping 12 clean sheets.
A Millwall supporters group posted an emotional announcement on X, adding: ‘RIP Matija Sarkic. What terrible news to wake up this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
‘Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.’
The Grimsby-born player started his career with Belgian side Anderlecht before moving to Villa in 2015, where he was subsequently loaned out to Wigan Athletic, Havant & Waterlooville and Livingston.
Wolves made a permanent move for Sarkic in 2020, followed by further loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and Stoke City before joining Millwall.
Clubs from across the Premier League and Championship quickly published their own condolences following the shocking news, with Leeds posting a tribute online.
‘The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Matija’s family, friends and everyone associated with Millwall at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Matija,” Leeds said.
Newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich said: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Ipswich Town are with Matija’s family and friends and everyone at Millwall at this incredibly sad time.’
Crystal Palace echoed similar sentiments, adding: ‘Everyone at Crystal Palace extends their deepest condolences to Matija’s family, friends and the club at this very sad time.’
More to follow.