Millwall Football Club has announced a poignant tribute to their late goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, who tragically passed away earlier this summer at the age of 26. The club will honor Sarkic during their Championship opener against Watford this Saturday at The Den, where his family and partner will be present.
Sarkic, who was in Montenegro with his partner Phoebe at the time of his untimely death, had only joined Millwall last season from Wolverhampton Wanderers. His death has sent shockwaves through the club, following closely on the heels of the tragic loss of former Millwall owner John Berylson in a car accident just a year prior.
In memory of Sarkic, Millwall will unveil a mural dedicated to the late goalkeeper in the Cold Blow Lane stand. The mural, designed to capture the spirit and talent of Sarkic, will stand as a lasting tribute to his contributions on and off the pitch.
Fans attending the match will participate in a minute’s applause before kickoff, celebrating Sarkic’s life and the impact he made in his brief time at the club. The club has also announced that they will retire Sarkic’s number 20 shirt, ensuring that his legacy will live on at Millwall.
In addition to the mural and the retirement of his jersey, Millwall has introduced the “Matija Sarkic Save of the Year Award,” which will be presented during the club’s end-of-season celebrations. This award will recognize the best save made by a Millwall goalkeeper each season, commemorating Sarkic’s skill and dedication to his craft.
Further honoring his memory, a memory tree will be planted in front of the players’ entrance at The Den, a place where Sarkic made a lasting impact during his time at the club. The tree, alongside a commemorative plaque, will serve as a place for reflection for both players and fans.
Millwall’s goalkeeping coach, Andy Marshall, who had worked closely with Sarkic since he was 17, was deeply affected by the news of his death. Marshall, recalling the moment he received the call from Sarkic’s father, described the loss as “awful” and emphasized the bond they shared over the years.
“Matija was like a son to me,” Marshall said. “His passing has left a hole in all of our hearts, but we will keep his memory alive through these tributes and the way we carry ourselves on the pitch.”
As Millwall prepares to start their new season, the tribute to Matija Sarkic will be a reminder of the club’s resilience and the deep connections forged within the football community. The Den will undoubtedly be filled with emotion this Saturday as fans, players, and staff come together to celebrate the life of a remarkable young man gone too soon.
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