The goalkeeper of the Montenegro national team and a number of English clubs died at the age of 26

Today, tragic news has emerged. Montenegro national team and Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26, as announced by the Montenegrin Football Association and his club.

In a statement from Millwall, the club said:

“Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic, the Lions’ top goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton in August 2023.

Matija, a Montenegro international, proudly represented his country on numerous occasions. Everyone at the club extends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends during this very sad time. The club will not be making any further comments at this moment and requests privacy.”

The Millwall Supporters' Club posted the following on social media:

“What terrible news. Waking up this morning, we learned that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic passed away at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family, as well as for all of us connected with Millwall. Once a Lion, always a Lion.”

According to The Mirror, Sarkic fell ill in an apartment in the city of Budva. His friends immediately called an ambulance, but he could not be saved and passed away around 6:30 AM local time.

Matija Sarkic was born in England to an English mother and a Montenegrin father and went through Aston Villa’s youth academy. He played for Anderlecht, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton, and several other English clubs. Last summer, he joined Millwall, where he became the first-choice goalkeeper for the Championship team.