Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the age of 26 after falling ill during his international duties with Montenegro.

The sudden death of the young goalkeeper has shocked the football world, with tributes pouring in for the Millwall star who previously played for many English clubs.

Sarkic was in the Montenegrin seaside town of Budva when he reportedly fell ill while staying with friends in an apartment on Saturday morning.

An ambulance was immediately called to the scene, but the doctors’ efforts to save his life were unsuccessful. Grimsby-born Montenegro international Sarkic had recently played in a friendly against Belgium.

Millwall announced that the club is devastated by the news and issued a statement on Sarkic’s death. They have also blacked out their social media profile.

Who was Matija Sarkic?

Posted on the club’s official website, the statement read: “Millwall Football Club is absolutely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic, the Lions’ number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023. An international with Montenegro, he proudly represented his country on many occasions. Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”

“The club will not be making any further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family be respected,” the statement concluded.

Sarkic moved to The Den last year after completing his transfer from Wolves, where he signed a long-term contract and became an instant first-team regular.

The former Aston Villa and Wolves goalkeeper took on the first-choice keeper role and made 33 appearances for the club, making 77 saves.

“What horrible news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion,” fans of the team wrote on social media.

Clubs from across the Premier League and Championship quickly posted their condolences following the shocking news, with Leeds United posting a tribute online.

“The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Matija’s family, friends, and everyone associated with Millwall at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Matija,” Leeds said.

Crystal Palace added: “Everyone at Crystal Palace sends their deepest condolences to Matija’s family, friends, and club at this very sad time.”