Former Croatia midfielder Nikola Pokrivac has died in a car accident in Karlovac, central Croatia, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) confirmed on Friday. He was 39.
Local media reported that the crash involved four vehicles and also claimed the life of a 42-year-old occupant from another car. Pokrivac was travelling with three teammates from the fourth-tier club NK Vojnić. All three sustained injuries, with two reported to be in critical condition.
Pokrivac enjoyed a distinguished career, playing for top clubs including Dinamo Zagreb, AS Monaco, and Red Bull Salzburg. He earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team between 2008 and 2010 and was part of the squad that reached the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2008. He also featured in World Cup qualifiers, including two matches against England.
In 2015, Pokrivac was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which forced him to retire from professional football. However, showing immense courage and passion for the game, he made a return to the pitch in 2021, joining amateur side NK Vojnić last summer.
Croatian Football Federation president Marijan Kustić paid tribute to Pokrivac, describing him as a footballer who lived and breathed the sport.
“Nikola was a great football player who lived football until his last moment in this world and who showed great courage in life by overcoming a terrible disease,” said Kustić.
“This is a great loss for our football community and especially painful for the family.”
In a heartfelt statement, he added:
“It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life. I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreparable loss. The HNS and the Croatian football family will stand with them in these most difficult moments.”
