Former Croatia international Nikola Pokrivac has tragically died in a car accident in Karlovac, central Croatia, at the age of 39. The collision involved four vehicles and claimed another life, with two of Pokrivac’s teammates from NK Vojnic 95 currently in critical condition.
Pokrivac, who earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team between 2008 and 2010, played for top clubs like Dinamo Zagreb, AS Monaco, and RB Salzburg. He won four Croatian league titles and three Croatian Cups with Dinamo Zagreb.
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The Croatian Football Federation expressed deep condolences for this loss, stating, “It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life.” Federation president Marijan Kustic added, “I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreparable loss, and the HNS and the Croatian football family will be with them in these most difficult moments.”
Dinamo Zagreb, where Pokrivac made 69 appearances, released a poignant statement honoring their former player’s memory: “We are devastated to hear about the loss of Nikola Pokrivac, a player who will forever hold a special place within the Dinamo family. He was not only a talented midfielder but also a determined athlete and a compassionate individual.”
AS Monaco also paid their respects, conveying their deep sadness upon learning of Pokrivac’s passing: “The Club is profoundly saddened to announce the loss of its former midfielder, Nikola Pokrivac. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and all those who cherished him.”
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Pokrivac had overcome Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which forced him to retire from professional football in 2015, but he returned to play at the amateur level and worked as a youth coach.