The heartbreaking moment top-flight footballers collapse as they are told their manager, 44, has died mid-match after heart attack in the dug-out

The tragic death of a senior manager at the age of 44 after suffering a heart attack during a match in Serbia left the football world in mourning.

Mladen Zizovic, coach of Radnicki 1923, collapsed on the sidelines after suffering a heart attack in the 22nd minute of the Serbian club’s match against Mladost on Sunday evening.

Later in the match, his players and coaching staff were informed of the tragic death of Zizovic, who was immediately taken to hospital after receiving medical treatment; This led to heartbreaking scenes of destruction on the field.

Footage of the heartbreaking incident, which occurred 20 minutes after the restart, was shared on social media on Monday as players burst into tears and grieved and consoled each other.

The match was interrupted after Zizovic fainted and was restarted by the referee after the Bosnian coach was taken to hospital.

The referee called off the match after the players received the sad news.

Zizovic, who took charge of the third match of Radnicki 1923 after his appointment on 23 October, retired from his football career in 2016.

Radnicki 1923 coach Mladen Zizovic collapsed near the field after suffering a heart attack.

Players and staff were told the Bosnian player had sadly died after being taken to hospital

The player, who spent his entire career in his hometown or Albania, played twice for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

Radnicki paid tribute to Zizovic in a statement in which he expressed the club’s “deep pain and disbelief” at his death.

The statement said, ‘He is a person who leaves a deep mark wherever he works with his knowledge, calmness and nobility.’

‘Despite his short stay at Kragujevac, he managed to gain the respect of everyone at the club, among players, partners and fans, with his energy, professionalism and human qualities.

‘FK Radnički 1923 extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew Mladen.

His dedication to football, his passion for the game and his human warmth will forever be etched in the memories of everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

‘Rest in peace, Mladen.’

Commemorating Zizovic, who left three children behind, the Serbian Football Federation wrote: ‘The Serbian Football Federation received with deep sadness and disbelief the news of the sudden death of FK Radnički 1923 coach Mladen Zizovic, who passed away during the Mozzart Bet Serbian Super League match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani.

Praise poured in for Zizovic, who led seven clubs during his managerial career.

Zizovic coached the Bosnian team Borac Banja Luka in European football last season.

His untimely departure means a great loss for the entire football community.

‘The Football Federation of Serbia expresses its deepest condolences to the Zizovic family, the members of FK Radnicki 1923 and all friends and admirers of his character and work.

‘Rest in peace, Mladen. Your love for football and the legacy you left behind will stay with us forever.’

Serbian giant Partizan Belgrade added: ‘We are saddened to receive the news that Radnicki’s coach at Kragujevac, Mladen Zizovic, has passed away suddenly.

‘We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and the club.’

The Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina also paid tribute to Zizovic and wrote: ‘The football community of Bosnia and Herzegovina lost another true sports worker today. Mladen Zizovic, football coach and long-time player of Bosnian clubs, passed away at the age of 44.

‘During his rich football career, Žižović played for many clubs in our country, including HŠK Zrinjski Mostar, FK Radnik Bijeljina and FK Borac Banja Luka, and also played for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. After completing his playing career, he devoted himself to coaching and leadership of clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

‘His early departure means a great loss for Bosnian and Herzegovinian football.

‘The Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with Mladen Zizovic.’

While Zizovic won the Bosnian Premier League with Zrinjski Mostar in the 2008-09 season, he also won the Bosnian Cup and the Albanian Cup twice.

Radnicki’s appointment came after one season in charge of Bosnian club Borac Banja Luka before he decided to resign in the summer.

While Zizovic’s team missed the Bosnian championship by one point, he led the club’s longest campaign in Europe by taking the team to the last 16 of the Conference League.

His former players released an emotional joint statement following the news of his death.

‘Boss, our Žiža, we can’t believe you left us,’ said the Borac team.

We are shaken by the terrible news that has reached us at Platanova 6 and we refuse to accept that we will no longer see you smiling, we will no longer hear you make jokes at the expense of yourself and others, we will no longer listen to you talk about the football to which you have devoted your life.

‘You left us at the age of 44 and we only remember every moment you spent at City Stadium. First as a player and then as a manager who achieved the greatest European success in our history.

‘We will remember that you gave your best to Borca and Banja Luka and that we wrote stories together forever.

‘It’s hard to accept that you’re gone. Life is cruel and gets the best of us very quickly.

‘You live through us and we tell the story of Mladen Žižović, a man, a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a coach and a football player.

His former players at Borac, where he guided the club to its most successful European campaign last season, posted an emotional tribute on social media.

‘Young man, may your victory be eternal, Banjaluka and Borac will remember you forever.’

The Serbian Super League said it was ‘deeply shocked’ by Zizovic’s death and expressed its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

The league added that the match between Radnicki and Mladost is expected to restart at a later date.

Radnicki is currently scheduled to play against FK Vojvodina on Saturday.