The football world was left in profound shock on November 3, 2025, when Mladen Žižović, the 44-year-old manager of Serbian Super League club Radnički 1923, collapsed from a heart attack during his team’s away match against Mladost Lučani and subsequently died at the hospital despite all medical efforts.
The devastating incident occurred in the 22nd minute of the first half when Žižović suddenly collapsed near the touchline. What began as a routine Serbian Super League fixture transformed into an unimaginable tragedy that would leave players, fans, and the entire football community grappling with grief.
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The Tragic Sequence of Events
The match was immediately halted when Žižović fell ill near the Radnički bench, losing consciousness as medical staff from both teams rushed to provide emergency assistance. The severity of the situation became apparent as the 44-year-old manager was quickly transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital.
| Timeline of Events | Details |
|---|---|
| 22nd minute | Mladen Žižović collapses on touchline |
| Immediate response | Medical teams from both clubs provide emergency care |
| Transportation | Manager rushed to hospital by ambulance |
| Match continuation | Game briefly resumed after his departure |
| Tragic confirmation | Death confirmed shortly after, match abandoned |
Initially, play was suspended while medical officials attended to Žižović, and the match resumed after he was carried away. However, when news arrived minutes later that he had died, the game was immediately halted and players dropped to the pitch in dismay.
The heartbreaking moment when players learned of their manager’s death was captured on video, showing players collapsing to the ground in tears, some dropping to their knees while others wept uncontrollably, unable to process the devastating news.
Who Was Mladen Žižović?
Born on December 27, 1980, in Rogatica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mladen Žižović enjoyed a distinguished career both as a player and manager. His football journey began in his hometown before evolving into a remarkable career that spanned nearly two decades.
Playing Career Highlights
During his playing career, Žižović represented several notable clubs including Radnik Bijeljina, Rudar Ugljevik, Zrinjski Mostar, Tirana, Borac Banja Luka, and Mladost Rogatica. His talent was recognized at the international level when he earned four caps for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2008, making his debut in a friendly match against Japan.
| Club Career Summary | Years | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Mladost Rogatica | 1998-99 | Career beginning |
| Radnik Bijeljina | 1999-2003 | 70+ games, 17 goals |
| Zrinjski Mostar | 2005-2009 | BiH Cup (2007/08), Premier League (2008/09) |
| KF Tirana | 2009-2011 | Albanian Cup (2010/11) |
| Borac Banja Luka | 2011-2014 | Regional experience |
| Radnik Bijeljina | 2014-2016 | BiH Cup (2015/16), career end |
His most successful period came with Zrinjski Mostar, where he won both the BiH Cup in 2007/08 and the BiH Premier League in 2008/09. He also experienced international club success, winning the Albanian Cup with KF Tirana in 2010/11.
Transition to Management
After retiring from playing in 2016, Žižović began his coaching career at Radnik Bijeljina in 2017, where he served for two years before moving to manage Zrinjski Mostar (2019-2020), Sloboda Tuzla (2021-2022), and Borac Banja Luka.
His most recent achievement came during the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League season, where he led Borac Banja Luka to the round of 16, demonstrating his tactical acumen and leadership abilities on the European stage.
A Manager’s Brief But Impactful Tenure
Žižović was appointed as head coach of Radnički 1923 just eleven days before the tragic incident, on October 23, 2025. Despite his brief time with the club, he had already gained the respect of everyone at the club—players, associates, and fans—with his energy, professionalism, and human qualities.
Radnički 1923, sitting tenth in the 16-team Serbian Super League with 16 points in 13 matches, were looking to climb the table with a victory that could have seen them rise as high as seventh place.
Overwhelming Tributes Pour In
The football community’s response to Žižović’s death was immediate and heartfelt. Radnički 1923 released a statement expressing their “deepest sorrow,” describing their lost manager as “not only a great specialist but above all a good person, a friend, and a sports worker who, with his knowledge, energy, and nobility, left a deep mark in the hearts of all who knew him”.
The Serbian Football Association received the news “with deep sorrow and disbelief,” stating that “his untimely departure represents a tremendous loss for the entire football community“. They honored his memory by declaring that “his love for football and the legacy he left behind will remain with us forever”.
Even rival clubs paid their respects. Red Star Belgrade expressed their “deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mladen Žižović, as well as to the members of FK Radnički 1923“, while Partizan Belgrade added their own tribute, expressing sadness at the sudden passing of “Radnički’s coach from Kragujevac“.
Personal Legacy and Family
Žižović leaves behind three children, adding another layer of tragedy to this devastating loss. The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association paid tribute to him as “another true sports worker,” highlighting how he had “devoted himself to coaching, leading clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region” after finishing his playing career.
The Broader Impact on Football
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressures and stresses faced by football managers at all levels. The sudden loss of such a young and promising coach has sent shockwaves through the football community, highlighting the fragility of life and the passion that drives those involved in the beautiful game.
The emotional scenes that followed the announcement of Žižović’s death—with players from both teams consoling each other in grief—demonstrated the profound impact he had made in his short time with Radnički 1923.
The Serbian Super League has not only lost a talented manager but the football world has lost a dedicated professional who embodied the spirit of the game through his playing days and into his promising coaching career.
Mladen Žižović’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his football journey, from his international appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina to his final days inspiring a new generation of players at Radnički 1923. His sudden departure serves as a poignant reminder that football, at its core, is about human connections that transcend the boundaries of the pitch.
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FAQs
What exactly happened to Mladen Žižović during the match?
Mladen Žižović, 44-year-old manager of Radnički 1923, dies after heart attack in 22nd minute against Mladost Lučani. Players devastated by tragic news.
How long had Žižović been managing Radnički 1923?
Žižović had only been appointed as head coach of Radnički 1923 on October 23, 2025, just eleven days before the tragic incident. The match against Mladost Lučani was only his third game in charge.
What was Mladen Žižović’s playing background?
Žižović was a midfielder who played for various clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Zrinjski Mostar where he won the BiH Premier League in 2008/09. He also earned four caps for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in 2008.
How did the players and football community react?
Players from both teams were devastated when informed of his death, with many breaking down in tears on the pitch. The match was immediately abandoned, and tributes poured in from clubs across Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What coaching achievements did Žižović have before joining Radnički 1923?
Most notably, Žižović led Borac Banja Luka to the UEFA Conference League round of 16 during the 2024/25 season. He had previously managed clubs including Radnik Bijeljina, Zrinjski Mostar, and Sloboda Tuzla throughout his coaching career that began in 2017.
