The football world is mourning the loss of former Croatia international Nikola Pokrivac, who died at the age of 39 after a multi-vehicle collision in Karlovac.

According to reports from local police, the collision occurred on Friday evening as Pokrivac was returning home from a training session with his current club, NK Vojnic, who compete in Croatia’s fourth division.

The tragic accident involved four vehicles and also claimed the life of another individual who was not travelling with Pokrivac. Two of his team-mates were critically injured in the crash and remain in hospital.

In a statement, the Croatian Football Federation expressed its profound grief:

‘It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment, as we mourn the loss of a young life.’

Federation President Marijan Kustic added:

‘I can only offer my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones at this time of irreplaceable loss. Both the HNS and the entire Croatian football community will stand by them during these most difficult moments.

‘Nikola was an outstanding footballer who dedicated his life to the sport until his very last day, and who demonstrated extraordinary strength and courage in overcoming a cruel illness.

‘This is a tremendous loss for our football family, and an especially painful tragedy for those closest to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nikola and his loved ones.’

Pokrivac earned 15 caps for Croatia between 2008 and 2010, including an appearance at UEFA Euro 2008. He was also part of the squad that faced England at Wembley during their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, where Croatia suffered a 5-1 defeat.

Throughout his career, the talented midfielder represented clubs including Dinamo Zagreb, AS Monaco, and Red Bull Salzburg, securing domestic honours in both Croatia and Austria.

In 2015, Pokrivac was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, which ultimately forced him to retire from professional football two years later. However, his passion for the game saw him return to amateur football in 2021, joining sixth-tier side NK Pusca, later moving to fifth-tier GNK Tigar, before signing for fourth-division Vojnic 95 last year.