Croatian football is in mourning following the sudden death of former international midfielder Nikola Pokrivac, who was killed in a car accident on Friday near Karlovac, around 50 kilometres southwest of Zagreb. He was 39.
Pokrivac earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team and featured in their Euro 2008 campaign. Known for his composure in midfield and relentless work ethic, he had spells with Dinamo Zagreb and Red Bull Salzburg, but also left his mark in France, where he played for AS Monaco during the 2008–2009 season. He made 36 appearances for the Principality side in Ligue 1, contributing to a side that was navigating a period of transition.
His professional career was cut short at the age of 30 due to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a serious form of cancer. Nevertheless, his love for the game persisted, and he continued to turn out for amateur clubs in Croatia long after his professional retirement.
Two other passengers who were in the vehicle with him remain in critical condition.
The Croatian Football Federation released a statement paying tribute to Pokrivac, describing him as “a great footballer who lived for the game until his final days and showed incredible courage in overcoming a devastating illness.” They called his death “a tremendous loss for Croatian football and a deeply painful tragedy for his family.”
While his career was shorter than many, Nikola Pokrivac’s determination, humility and enduring love for football made him a respected figure both on and off the pitch.
