Millwall goalkeeper Sarkic has died aged 26

Montenegro and Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died aged 26, his club and national football association announced on Saturday.

The Football Association of Montenegro said Sarkic “died suddenly early this morning”, calling him “a beloved member of the Brave Falcons, a guy who always smiles”.

Grimsby-born Sarkic has played nine times for Montenegro. He made his debut for Belarus in 2019 and started in goal in a friendly against Belgium on 5 June.

His twin brother Oliver is a midfielder alongside Montenegrin champions Decic Tuzi.

He began his club career in Anderlecht’s youth academy before moving to Aston Villa in 2015.

He had loan spells at Wigan, Stratford and Havant & Waterlooville in England and Livingston in Scotland before joining Wolves in 2020. After other loan spells at Shrewsbury, Birmingham and Stoke, he moved to Millwall.

“Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26,” his Championship club said in a statement.

“Sarkic, the Lions’ number one goalkeeper, has made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.”

“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”

The Football Federation of Montenegro echoed his sentiment.

“In the shirt of that iconic London club, he left a mark that was yet to become part of a bigger and more beautiful story. His untimely death stopped that and caused great pain to the Sarkic family.”