Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Šarkić has died at the age of 26. The Grimsby-born player, who signed for Millwall last summer, reportedly fell ill while staying at an apartment in Budva, Montenegro, during international duty. He passed away around 6:30 am local time on Saturday, June 15.
Šarkić had recently showcased his talents with several impressive saves in a friendly match against Belgium in Brussels on June 5. Despite winning man of the match in that game, he did not play in the subsequent friendly against Georgia in Podgorica four days later.
Millwall released a statement expressing their grief: “Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Šarkić has passed away at the age of 26. Šarkić, the Lions’ number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023. A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions. Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.” The club also requested privacy for Matija’s family.
The Millwall Supporters’ Club expressed their sorrow on social media, posting: “What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Šarkić has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion.”
Šarkić began his career in Anderlecht’s academy before being signed by Aston Villa in 2015. He joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and had loan spells with Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and Stoke City. He signed a permanent contract with Millwall during the 2023 summer transfer window and made 32 appearances for the club last season.
Credit: Joe
