Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic dies aged 26
Millwall goalkeeper and Montenegro international Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26.
The club confirmed the news of Sarkic's passing today (15 June) with a statement on their website, which reads: "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.
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"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."
Further details regarding the goalkeeper's passing are yet to be confirmed. He was last seen on international duty for the Balkan country earlier this month, playing 90 minutes in a friendly against Belgium on 5 June in Brussels.
He received praise from pundits for his performance during his last match in the country's 2-0 defeat after making an impressive nine saves during the game.
Sarkic had joined Millwall from Wolverhampton Wonderers, after a series of loan spells at clubs such as Birmingham City, Stoke City and Shrewsbury Town.
Born in Grimsby to Montenegrin parents, he began is youth career with Belgian side Anderlecht before joining Aston Villa. Sarkic made his senior international debut in 2019.
Tributes have since begun to pour in on social media, with Millwall Supporters' Club writing on X: "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."
Birmingham City also shared its own tribute, writing: "Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has passed away at the age of 26.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those that knew him."
"We join the footballing world in mourning the loss of our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic who has sadly passed away," added Sarkic's former club Wigan Athletic.
"Our thoughts are with Matija’s family and friends at this difficult time."
"Heartbreaking news that Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away, aged 26," journalist Fabrizio Romano added.
"Thoughts with family… rest in peace, Matija."
Topics: Football
Brenna Cooper