Chelsea legend Branislav Ivanovic is mourning the death of his cousin after he suffered a heart attack mid-game.
Former Serbia international Dejan Milovanovic died aged 41 on Tuesday after the episode during a Red Star Belgrade legends’ match.
Milovanovic collapsed as he prepared to take a corner and needed reviving before being rushed to hospital, where he suffered a second heart attack, this time fatal.
The midfielder had scored in his final ever game as the Red Star Belgrade legends ran out against PKB Korporacija.
Milovanovic, who played twice for Serbia, captained his hometown club Red Star and won seven trophies, including three league titles.
He also won the Ligue 2 title with Lens in 2008-09 and represented Panionios in Greece and Vozdovac in Serbia before retiring in at the end of the 2013-14 season.
Branislav Ivanovic, left, is mourning the death of his cousin Dejan Milovanovic, right
Ivanovic (left) celebrated with Milovanovic (centre) after the latter scored in the U21s Euros in 2007 (Dusan Tadic pictured on the right)
He came from a footballing family, having been the cousin of Ivanovic and the son of former Red Star midfielder Dorde Milovanovic.
The Veterans League have postponed their next fixtures and a statement read: ‘Dear club representatives, a few minutes ago, during a veterans’ match, Dejan Milovanoviv, a player of FK Zvezdara, passed away.
‘For this reason, the next round, which was supposed to be played on September 18, will be postponed.’
Red Star shared a tribute from Bosko Durovski, president of the club’s Veterans’ Sections, which read: ‘Dejan was more than a footballer. As a child of our club, he progressed through all the youth categories and took his first steps in professional football in the red-and-white jersey.
‘With his skill, fighting spirit, and charisma, he left an indelible mark in the hearts of his teammates and fans. His dedication to Red Star and love for football were recognizable to everyone who had the chance to watch him on the field or share a locker room with him.
‘Beyond his sporting qualities, we will remember him as an exceptional person, cheerful, smiling, and always ready to help. The friendships he built with those around him were sincere and profound, and his character left a strong impression on everyone who knew him.
‘After the end of his playing career, Dejan continued to stay close to his club and enjoyed spending time with Red Star veterans, eagerly participating in their final appearances and preserving the spirit of Red Star that has always defined our club.
‘The untimely departure of our Deki has left an immense void in our Red Star family. In these difficult moments, on behalf of all the veterans of FK Crvena zvezda, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who loved him.
Milovanovic (foreground) won seven trophies with Red Star Belgrade and got promoted to Ligu 1 with Lens (pictured with them in 2010)
‘Dejan, your name and the memories of you will live forever in the club and among those of us who had the honor of knowing you. Thank you for everything you gave to Red Star and for being a part of it. Rest in peace, and we will carry you in our hearts.’
In a separate tribute, Red Star themselves penned: ‘Dejan loved football and Red Star the most. It will remain recorded that it was on the pitch that the heart of a great Red Star fan, fighter, and football master stopped beating.’
Meanwhile, Lens wrote on X: ‘Le Racing has learned with deep emotion of the sudden passing of Dejan Milovanović, which occurred this Tuesday at the age of 41. Sang et Or between 2008 and 2010, the Serbian midfielder wore the Lensois jersey 47 times. To his family and loved ones, the club extends its most sincere condolences.’
Ivanovic, who played for Chelsea between 2008 and 2017, winning 10 trophies including three Premier Leagues and a Champions League before joining West Brom, is yet to publicly comment.
