Sarkic was currently away on international duty with Montenegro, but reportedly fell ill and was pronounced dead early this morning.
The Montenegro Football Association (FSCG) said Sarkic had died suddenly on Saturday morning, with local media reporting he collapsed at his apartment in Budva.
The Millwall goalkeeper was man-of the-match during Montenegro’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium last Wednesday.
“Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26,” read a club statement.
“Sarkic, The Lions’ number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023.
“A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions.
“Everyone at the club sends their love and condolences to Matija’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.
“The club will make no further comment at this time and asks that the privacy of Matija’s family is respected.”
Sarkic signed for Wolves on a three-year contract from Aston Villa in the summer of 2020 after spending five years at Villa Park
He had productive loan stints with Birmingham City (23 league appearances) and Shrewsbury Town (26 league appearances).
“Matija was a very well-liked person in the club. A statement from Shrewsbury Town said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time.
After returning to Wolves, Sarkic played in the EFL Cup second round victory over Preston as a member of the first team.
He also participated in their 2-2 FA Cup draw at Liverpool and their victory over Leeds in the third round.
A statement from Wolves said: “We are truly heartbroken by today’s tragic news.
“Matija was someone who had time for anybody at the football club, no matter who they were.
“He was smart, bright, warm and funny, and gave everything to his profession and the people around him.
“A teammate, a colleague and a friend. He will be missed by all of us.”
Born in Grimsby, Sarkic began his football career as a young player for Anderlecht in Belgium, and he later joined Aston Villa.
Before making a permanent move to Wolves in 2020, he had loan stints with Wigan, Stratford Town, Havant & Waterlooville, and Livingston.
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