Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26.
Sarkic, a Montenegro international, joined the Championship club from Wolves in August 2023 and made 33 appearances last season. His last appearance for his country was in a 2-0 friendly defeat by Belgium on June 5.
The Montenegro Football Association (FSCG) announced that Sarkic died suddenly on Saturday morning, with local media reporting he collapsed at his apartment in Budva. The FSCG described Sarkic as a “beloved member” of the national squad and an “eternally smiling guy.” The association expressed great sorrow over his untimely death, acknowledging the profound pain felt by the Sarkic family.
Millwall issued a statement expressing their devastation, saying, “Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.”
This was Matija Sarkic just 10 days ago. Man of the match for his country.
A little over a week later and he’s no longer with us. Fantastic talent and by all accounts a lovely young man. You will be missed 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/WgK4C402m7
— JP (@JPMillwall2) June 15, 2024
Born in Grimsby, Sarkic began his youth career at Belgian side Anderlecht before joining Aston Villa. His career included loan spells at Wigan, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville, and Livingston before a permanent move to Wolves in 2020. He also had loans at Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City—where he made 23 appearances during the 2021-22 season—and Stoke City before transferring to Millwall.
Aston Villa paid tribute to Matija Sarkic on X, stating, “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened. He joined our academy in 2015 and spent five years with the club, during which time he made his full international debut for Montenegro, before departing in the summer of 2020. The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
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The Football Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, and the English Football League also extended their condolences to Sarkic’s family and friends during this difficult time.
