Former Croatian national team midfielder Nikola Pokrivac has tragically died in a car accident at the young age of 39.
Pokrivac, who represented Monaco and RB Salzburg during his career, earned 15 international appearances for Croatia between 2008 and 2010.
After battling Hodgkin`s lymphoma diagnosed a decade prior, Pokrivac made a return to football in 2021.
He had been playing for fifth-tier side NK Vojnic, joining them last summer.
The fatal car crash involving four vehicles occurred on Friday evening in the Croatian city of Karlovac.
Reports from local media indicate that three of Pokrivac`s Vojnic teammates were also in the vehicle and sustained serious injuries, requiring hospitalization.
Sadly, a 42-year-old individual in another vehicle also lost their life in the collision.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed Pokrivac`s death on Saturday morning, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
Federation president Marijan Kustics stated, “Nikola was an exceptional football player, deeply passionate about the sport until his very last moments. His courageous battle against a serious illness was truly inspiring.”
Kustics added, “This is a profound loss for our football community, and an especially devastating time for his family. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow in this incredibly sad moment as we mourn a young life taken too soon. I extend my deepest condolences to Nikola`s family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss. The Croatian Football Federation and the entire football family stand in solidarity with them during these most challenging times.”
Pokrivac played against England twice during the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup.
He was also part of the Croatian squad that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.
Since his return to football in 2021, Pokrivac had also taken on the role of a youth team coach.
His most successful period as a player was with Dinamo Zagreb, where he secured three Croatian league titles.
Dinamo Zagreb released a heartfelt statement on Saturday, saying: “It is with immense sadness and disbelief that we learned of the tragic car accident in Karlovac, where our former player Nikola Pokrivac tragically lost his life.”
The club continued, “Nikola will forever remain a cherished member of the Dinamo family – remembered as a talented midfielder, a true fighter on the field, and a man of great heart. He played 69 games for the Blues, contributing to four championship titles and three Cup victories.”
“GNK Dinamo expresses its sincerest and deepest condolences to his family, as well as to the families of all victims of this tragic accident.”
Monaco, where Pokrivac played in 2008, also shared their condolences: “The Club is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former midfielder Nikola Pokrivac. AS Monaco sends its most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
