FOUR CLUBS, ONE MEMORY: MEMORIAL TO MLADEN ŽIŽOVIĆ TO BE HELD IN BIJELJINA

The first memorial tournament dedicated to Mladen Žižović, the former footballer and coach who left a lasting mark on clubs across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, is scheduled to take place in Bijeljina on September 27 and 28.

PHOTO: Ilustracija

The tournament is expected to feature clubs that marked different stages of Žižović’s football career – Radnik, Radnički 1923, Borac and Zrinjski.

The participation of Bijeljina’s Radnik carries particular significance, as Žižović made a lasting contribution to the club both as a player and a coach. Just days after his death, Radnik announced plans to organise a memorial tournament bringing together clubs with which he had a special connection.

Banja Luka’s Borac is also expected to take part. With Borac, Žižović achieved a historic European result, reaching the UEFA Conference League round of 16.

Zrinjski is also among the expected participants. Žižović wore the club’s shirt as a player and won the Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier League title with Zrinjski in 2009.

REMEMBERING A FOOTBALLER AND COACH

Mladen Žižović died on November 3, 2025, at the age of 45, after falling ill during a match between his Radnički 1923 and Mladost in Lučani.

Despite an immediate response and being taken to hospital, Žižović could not be saved.

His death deeply affected the football community, and the memorial tournament will provide an opportunity to preserve his name and legacy through the sport that defined his life.

THE MEMORIAL DURING THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK

The tournament is scheduled to take place during the September international break, which runs from September 21 to October 6.

The semi-final matches are planned for the opening day, September 27, while the following day will feature the placement matches.

The first Mladen Žižović Memorial Tournament will thus bring together, in one place, clubs from different chapters of his career and keep his memory alive through football – the sport in which he left a lasting mark across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.