Tragedy Strikes Football as Chelsea Legend’s Cousin Dies After Suffering Heart Attack During Match
- Former Serbia international Dejan Milovanovic has died after collapsing during a Red Star Belgrade veterans’ game
- Milovanovic’s career included winning three league titles with Red Star and a Ligue 2 title win with Lens
- Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic is in mourning, with tributes pouring in from the football community
Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic is mourning a personal tragedy after the sudden death of his cousin, Dejan Milovanovic.
The former Serbia international collapsed during a Red Star Belgrade veterans’ match on Tuesday and passed away shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
Source: Getty Images
According to the Daily Mail, Milovanovic was taking part in a Red Star Belgrade legends’ game against PKB Korporacija when disaster struck.
The 41-year-old reportedly collapsed as he prepared to take a corner, requiring urgent resuscitation on the pitch.
Though he was revived and quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, Milovanovic suffered a second heart attack that led to his heartbreaking death.
The midfielder had scored earlier in the game, unknowingly playing his final minutes on a pitch that had defined much of his life.
A look at Milovanovic’s football career
Known for his leadership and commitment, Milovanovic captained Red Star Belgrade, winning three league titles and lifting a total of seven trophies with the club, The Sun reports.
Source: Getty Images
The 41-year-old midfielder’s career also took him to France, where he helped Lens secure the Ligue 2 title in the 2008/09 season, and to Greece, where he played for Panionios.
Milovanovic concluded his professional career at Vozdovac in 2014.
Football ran deep in his bloodline as he was the son of former Red Star midfielder Dorde Milovanovic and cousin of Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic, who is yet to make a public statement following the news.
Red Star and Veterans League pay tribute
The Veterans League postponed its upcoming games this week as a mark of respect for Milovanovic following his tragic passing.
In an emotional statement, Bosko Durovski, president of Red Star’s Veterans’ Section, hailed the 41-year-old star not only as a skilled footballer but also as an exceptional person:
“With his skill, fighting spirit, and charisma, he left an indelible mark in the hearts of his teammates and fans. His dedication to Red Star and love for football were recognisable to everyone who had the chance to watch him.”
Fans, teammates, and former coaches have flooded social media with tributes, remembering Milovanovic as a player who embodied passion and professionalism.
For Ivanovic, who won 10 trophies with Chelsea, including the Champions League, this is a deeply personal loss.
The football world has united to offer condolences to the Ivanovic and Milovanovic families, with many calling the midfielder’s death a reminder of how fragile life can be, even for elite athletes.
South African veteran star tragically dies
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that a football match in Verulam, north of Durban, ended in heartbreaking scenes on Saturday, 16th August, when a 59-year-old man collapsed and died shortly after the game.
The player, who was part of an “over-50s” soccer team, had just completed a match at the Verulam Recreational Grounds when the incident occurred.
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Source: Legit.ng
