Matija Sarkic was still standing between the posts for the Montenegro national team just a few days ago. He passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning
Montenegro’s national goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26. This was announced by his English club FC Millwall and the Montenegrin association on Saturday morning. There was initially no information on the cause of death.
Sarkic had played 90 minutes in goal for the Montenegrin national team on June 5 in a test match against the hosts Belgium (0:2). Four days later, he was not part of the squad for the home match against Georgia (1-3). He made a total of nine appearances for the Montenegro national team.
“Millwall Football Club is deeply saddened to announce the death of Matija Sarkic at the age of 26,” the statement read. Born in Grimsby, East England, Sarkic joined the London club in 2023 from first division side Wolverhampton Wanderers and was the Lions’ regular goalkeeper last season.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time,” Millwall’s statement continued. “The club will have no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family be respected.”
According to the Montenegrin public broadcaster RTCG, Sarkic woke up early on Saturday morning at around 6.00 a.m. and felt ill. Friends called an ambulance, but Sarkic died shortly afterwards. The evening before, he had met up with friends and eaten in a restaurant.
Sarkic was under contract with Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Stoke City, among others.
