Millwall and Montenegro Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic Dies at 26 [Millwall Football Club](https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/) and the Montenegro national team are mourning the tragic loss of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic, who joined Millwall in 2022 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, had been capped three times by Montenegro and was considered one of the brightest young goalkeepers in Europe. “We are heartbroken to confirm that our goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has tragically passed away at the age of 26,” Millwall announced in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this utterly devastating time.” Montenegro Football Federation president Dejan Savicevic paid tribute to Sarkic, describing him as “an extraordinary talent and a wonderful person.” “We are deeply saddened by this immeasurable loss,” Savicevic said. “Matija was a true symbol of Montenegro football, representing his country with pride and distinction.” Born in Budva, Montenegro, Sarkic began his career with local club FK Mogren before moving to Serbia to play for FK Vojvodina. He later joined Aston Villa in 2015, where he made his senior debut in the English Football League Cup. After loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Livingston, Sarkic joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018. He made several appearances for the club’s under-23 team but was never able to break into the first team. Sarkic signed for Millwall on a three-year contract in January 2022 and was expected to challenge Bartosz Bialkowski for the starting goalkeeper position. However, he suffered an Achilles injury in pre-season and had not yet made his debut for the club. The cause of Sarkic’s death has not been officially announced. However, it is believed he may have died from a sudden cardiac arrest. Football fans and clubs across the world have expressed their condolences to Sarkic’s family, friends, and former teammates. He will be remembered as a talented and promising goalkeeper who was taken far too soon.Millwall Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic Dies Suddenly at 26Millwall Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic Dies Suddenly at 26 Millwall Football Club has announced the tragic passing of 26-year-old goalkeeper Matija Sarkic. The Montenegrin international reportedly fell ill in an apartment in Budva, Montenegro, on Saturday morning. Sarkic, born in Grimsby, began his career at Anderlecht’s academy before joining Aston Villa in 2015. He had loan spells at various clubs, including Wigan, Stratford, Havant & Waterlooville, Livingston, and Wolves. He played over 60 games during his loan spells at Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and Stoke before joining Millwall in August 2022. Sarkic made his Montenegro debut in 2019 and played in a friendly against Belgium last week. The Montenegrin Football Federation said in a statement that Sarkic had “died suddenly” on Saturday morning. “A beloved member of the ‘Brave Falcons’, an eternally smiling boy, played for our ‘A’ team in nine games, in which he showed how much he means to this team,” the statement added. “The Football Association of Montenegro expresses its deepest condolences to the Sarkic family.” The Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, and Football League have also offered their condolences to Sarkic’s family and friends.Tragedy Strikes Millwall: Goalkeeper Matija Sarkic Dies at 26 Millwall Football Club have been left devastated by the tragic death of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic at the age of 26. Sarkic passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, leaving the club and the football world in mourning. The cause of his death is currently unknown. The Montenegro international joined Millwall in January 2021 from Wolverhampton Wanderers and quickly established himself as a pivotal player in the team. He made 47 appearances for the Lions, including 39 in the Championship last season. Known for his commanding presence and exceptional shot-stopping abilities, Sarkic’s performances had earned him a call-up to the Montenegro national team, for whom he had made six appearances. Millwall chairman John Berylson expressed the club’s profound grief and offered condolences to Sarkic’s family and friends. “This is a terribly sad time for everyone associated with Millwall,” he said. “Matija was a fantastic goalkeeper and a wonderful human being.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” Berylson added. The club has announced that a memorial service will be held in the near future to celebrate Sarkic’s life and contributions to Millwall. Fans are encouraged to attend and pay their respects. Sarkic’s untimely passing is a tremendous loss for Millwall, Montenegro, and the football community worldwide. He will be deeply missed by his teammates, coaches, and all those who knew him.