Montenegro and Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically passed away at the age of 26, his club and national football association announced on Saturday.
The Montenegro Football Association described Sarkic as a "beloved member of the 'Brave Falcons' and an eternally smiling guy" who "died suddenly early this morning."
Sarkic, born in Grimsby, made nine appearances for Montenegro and started in goal in a friendly against Belgium on June 5. His twin brother, Oliver, is a midfielder with Montenegrin champions Decic Tuzi.
Sarkic began his club career in Anderlecht's youth academy before moving to Aston Villa in 2015.
He had loan spells at Wigan, Stratford, Havant & Waterlooville, Livingston, Wolves, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and Stoke before joining Millwall in August 2023.
Millwall FC expressed their devastation, stating that Sarkic made 33 appearances for the club and that everyone sends their love and condolences to his family and friends.
The Montenegro football federation echoed the sentiment, stating that Sarkic's premature death stopped a promising story and caused great pain to the Sarkic family.
The football community mourns the loss of a talented goalkeeper who left an indelible mark on the sport at a young age.
