Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of just 26-years-old after falling ill in his home nation of Montenegro.
The goalkeeper’s sudden passing has shocked the footballing world with tributes pouring in for the Millwall star who has previously played for a host of English clubs.
Sarkic was in the coastal Montenegro town of Budva when he reportedly fell ill while with friends at an apartment on Saturday morning.
An ambulance was immediately called to the scene, but attempts to save his life failed as he died around 6.30am local time.
The player reportedly enjoyed a meal with friends at a restaurant in the area on Friday evening before returning to the accommodation he was staying at.
Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of just 26-years-old
Sarkic made 33 appearances for Millwall after joining the club from Wolves in August 2023
Tributes have poured in for the 26-year-old goalkeeper who passed away on Saturday morning
Local police are now at the scene and an investigation is underway, but reports in Montenegro suggest the death was due to natural causes.
Grimsby-born Sarkic, who is the son of Montenegro ambassador Bojan Sarkic, was recently in action just over a week ago when he played the entirety of an international friendly defeat against Belgium on June 5.
Championship side Millwall have revealed the club’s devastation upon hearing the news and have issued a short statement in response to their player’s passing. They have also blacked out their X profile out of respect.
Posting on the club’s official website, an announcement 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, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.
‘A Montenegro international, 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 immensely sad time.
‘The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected,’ the statement concluded.
Sarkic passed away on Saturday morning after falling ill in the coastal Montenegro town of Budvar
Sarkic made 33 appearances for Millwall in the Championship last season after becoming the club’s first-choice goalkeeper
The 26-year-old was previously amongst the ranks of Premier League side Wolverhampton
Sarkic moved to The Den only last year after completing a transfer from Wolves where he signed a long-term contract and immediately became a permanent figure in the first-team.
His talents saw the former Aston Villa and Wolves shot-stopper cement a starting role as he went on to record 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 horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26.
‘Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.’
Millwall have released a short statement documenting their devastation after Sarkic passed away on Saturday
The Grimsby-born player began his career at 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, with further loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and Stoke City following before he joined Millwall.
Clubs from across the Premier League and all EFL divisions were quick to publish their own condolences following the shock news, with Leeds amongst those posting a tribute online.
‘The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Matija’s family, friends and all connected with Millwall at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Matija,’ said Leeds.
Sarkic quickly became a fan favourite at Millwall after impressing with strong performances
Newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich said: ‘The thoughts of all 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 sends their deepest condolences to Matija’s family, friends and the club at this very sad time.’
Liverpool’s official X account added: ‘Such awful news. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Matija’s family and friends at this difficult time.’
European football body UEFA, added: ‘On behalf of European football, our deepest condolences go to Matija’s friends, family and everybody who knew him. Rest in peace, Matija.’