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The football world is mourning the loss of former Croatian international Nikola Pokrivac, who tragically passed away on April 18, 2025, in a severe car accident near Karlovac, Croatia. The 39-year-old was one of two people who lost their lives in a collision involving four vehicles. Three others were reported to have sustained serious injuries in the crash.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Croatian football community and beyond. Pokrivac, remembered not just for his footballing ability, but also for his perseverance and character, leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond the pitch. The Croatian Football Federation and several of his former clubs have expressed deep condolences, praising him as a player who gave everything to the sport and as a person admired by teammates and fans alike.
Pokrivac’s life was marked by both sporting success and personal challenges. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer that eventually forced him to retire from professional football. He battled the illness with resilience, undergoing multiple treatments and sharing his journey publicly to inspire others facing similar battles. Despite retiring from top-level football, he continued to play in the lower tiers of Croatian football and remained active in the sport, most recently playing for NK Vojnic '95.
Brief summary of Pokrivac’s footballing career
Born in Zagreb in 1985, Pokrivac began his football journey at the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb, one of Croatia’s most storied clubs. He broke into the professional scene with Dinamo and quickly attracted international attention. His career included stints with prominent European clubs such as AS Monaco in France and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. Known for his tenacity in midfield and his tactical discipline, he was a dependable presence wherever he played.
On the international stage, Pokrivac earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team between 2008 and 2010. He was part of the squad that competed in UEFA Euro 2008, where Croatia reached the quarter-finals. Though not always in the spotlight, his contributions were valued by coaches and teammates alike
