A British Montenegrin football star has died suddenly at the age of 26.
Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who played for Millwall and the Montenegrin national team, collapsed in his apartment in Budva and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
In a statement confirming the sad news, Millwall Football Club said they were “completely shocked” by his passing:
Sarkic is the Lions’ first-choice goalkeeper and has made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolves in August 2023.
As a Montenegro international, Matia has proudly represented his country on many occasions.
Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Mattia’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.
The club will make no further comment at this time and ask that the privacy of Mattia’s family be respected.
Sarkic last played in an international match against Belgium a few days ago, where his team lost 2-0.
Social media was flooded with tributes to the Sarkic cult, with one account noting that he had attended his twin brother’s wedding just a few days earlier:
Just 5 days ago, Matija Sarkic attended the wedding of his twin brother. This is not just because he is away from Millwall, but also because of his age. It comes from nowhere. I shook his hand two months ago and you could tell he was a genuine and kind man. rest in peace pic.twitter.com/7bONpNxPfO
— Ben (@BL98MFC) June 15, 2024
Millwall Football Club is sad to announce the death of Matija Sarkic at the age of 26.
— Millwall Football Club (@MillwallFC) June 15, 2024
Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn that our former goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away aged 26.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/NW0uFAKxh1
— Birmingham City Football Club (@BCFC) June 15, 2024
Heartbreaking news that Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Mattia Zarkic has sadly passed away at the age of 26.
Thoughts with your family…RIP Matija. pic.twitter.com/uJm5mdV18E
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2024
The news of the death of Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, aged just 26, is truly shocking.
My sincerest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/3xRMBWQwIj
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) June 15, 2024
Rest in peace Mattiga Sarkan
What terrible news to wake up this morning to the news that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26.
This is devastating news for his friends and family and all of us connected with Millwall.
Once a lion, always a lion pic.twitter.com/nlVAHh7Taj
— Millwall Supporters Club (@TheMillwallFans) June 15, 2024
The exact cause of death has not been made public.
