Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, a beloved figure in the football community, has tragically passed away at the age of 26, the club announced today. Sarkic, who last played just ten days ago in a friendly against Belgium for Montenegro, reportedly fell ill at his residence in Budva, Montenegro this morning, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
The Montenegro Football Association described Sarkic’s death as sudden and expressed deep sadness over the player’s loss in a statement. Championship side Millwall, where Sarkic had made 33 appearances since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers last year, conveyed their devastation in an official statement.
“A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions,” the club said. “Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.”
Born in Grimsby, Sarkic had recently played for Montenegro in various international fixtures, making his debut in 2019 against Belarus. The Montenegro Football Association fondly remembered him as a beloved member of their national team, known for his infectious smile and commitment on the field.
The statement continued, “In the jersey of that iconic London club (Millwall), he left his mark, which was yet to become part of a bigger and more beautiful story. Premature death stopped that and caused great pain to the Sarkic family.”
The Millwall Supporters’ Club also expressed their shock and sadness on social media, describing Sarkic’s passing as “horrendous news” and emphasizing his enduring connection with the club: “Once a lion, always a lion.”
Sarkic, who began his football journey in Anderlecht’s Academy before moving to Aston Villa in 2015, had a profound impact on each of his former clubs. Before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers, he had subsequent loan spells at various clubs, including Wigan, Livingston, and Shrewsbury, leaving a lasting legacy at each. His former clubs, including Aston Villa, also paid tribute to him, a testament to the personal connections he formed throughout his career.
“Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic,” Villa said in a statement. “The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
The football community, a tight-knit network of support and camaraderie, including Stoke City, the Professional Footballers’ Association, and the English Football League, has extended their heartfelt sympathies to Sarkic’s loved ones, demonstrating the unity and solidarity that defines the sport.
