Former Croatian Football Star Nikola Pokrivac Dies in Car Crash

The football world is mourning the loss of Nikola Pokrivac, a former midfielder for the Croatian national team, who tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 39. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) confirmed the devastating news on Friday.

The fatal incident occurred in Karlovac, a city located in central Croatia, involving a total of four vehicles.

Reports from local media indicate that another person in a separate vehicle also died in the crash. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tragic accident.

Pokrivac was traveling with three of his teammates from NK Vojnić, a Croatian fourth-division club. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His three teammates suffered injuries, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Recognized for his vision and resolve on the pitch, Pokrivac represented Croatia 15 times between 2008 and 2009. His club career included notable stints with AS Monaco, Dinamo Zagreb, Red Bull Salzburg, and other European teams.

The HNS released a statement expressing their profound sadness:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Nikola Pokrivac. He was a cherished teammate and an esteemed figure in Croatian football. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the injured players.”

Beyond his footballing abilities, Pokrivac was admired for his resilience. In 2014, he garnered attention for his courageous battle against Hodgkin’s lymphoma, eventually returning to football after a long recovery period.

Tributes have poured in from across the Croatian football community and beyond, remembering Pokrivac as a warrior and a true sportsman.