Former Croatia international Nikola Pokrivac dies in car crash at 39

The world of football is mourning the tragic loss of former Croatia midfielder Nikola Pokrivac, who died in a car crash in his native country. The 39-year-old, once a rising star of Croatian football, passed away on Friday evening in a four-car collision in Karlovac, a town in central Croatia. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) over the weekend.

Car crash claims life of former Croatia player Nikola Pokrivac

According to local reports, Pokrivac was travelling with three teammates from his current club NK Vojnic—an amateur side he joined last summer—when their vehicle was involved in the multi-car accident. Tragically, another person, a 42-year-old travelling in a separate vehicle, also lost their life in the incident. The three other occupants of Pokrivac’s car were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The devastating news has sent shockwaves through the Croatian football community and beyond. Nikola Pokrivac, who played for clubs including Dinamo Zagreb, AS Monaco, and RB Salzburg, was widely admired not only for his ability on the pitch but for his resilience off it.

“This is a great loss for our football community, and especially painful for the family,” said Croatian Football Federation president Marijan Kustic in a heartfelt statement. “Nikola was a great football player, who lived football until his last moment in this world, and who showed great courage in life by overcoming a terrible disease.”

From rising talent to Euro 2008 and beyond

Former Croatia player Nikola Pokrivac dies in car crash

Pokrivac’s footballing journey began in Croatia, where he came through the ranks at Varteks before making his mark at Dinamo Zagreb, one of the country’s most storied clubs. His performances caught the attention of scouts across Europe, and he made the move to AS Monaco in France’s Ligue 1, later joining RB Salzburg in Austria where he continued to impress with his technical quality and vision in midfield.

Between 2008 and 2010, Pokrivac earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team, representing his country with pride and passion. He was part of the squad that featured in Euro 2008, a tournament in which Croatia reached the quarter-finals after a dramatic win over Germany in the group stage. Pokrivac also played against England during the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup—a reminder of the level he reached during the peak of his playing career.

Despite never becoming a global household name, Pokrivac’s style and consistency made him a fan favourite among those who followed Croatian football closely during that era.

Battling illness with quiet strength

Nikola Pokrivac dead at 39: Former Croatia star dies in horror car crash as tributes flood in

In 2015, Pokrivac was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that would change the course of his life. He was forced to retire from professional football to undergo treatment, but he faced the illness with the same tenacity he displayed on the field. He beat the disease, and in a testament to his enduring love for the game, returned to amateur football in 2021.

Pokrivac’s comeback wasn’t about chasing glory or headlines—it was about reconnecting with the game that had given him so much. He joined NK Vojnic, a small club in Croatia’s lower leagues, where he not only played but inspired younger teammates with his story and spirit.

“Even after leaving the professional scene, Nikola lived and breathed football,” said one former teammate. “He brought professionalism to everything he did, even at this level. He was more than just a player to us.”

Croatian football family mourns the loss

In the wake of the tragedy, tributes have poured in from across Croatia and the broader footballing world. Fans, former teammates, and clubs have all expressed their grief at the untimely passing of a player who gave everything to the sport.

“It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life,” continued HNS president Marijan Kustic. “I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreparable loss. The Croatian football family will be with them in these most difficult moments.”

A life remembered through football

Nikola Pokrivac’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and unwavering love for football. Whether playing on the international stage or for a humble local team, he carried himself with humility and heart. He may not have lifted major trophies or broken scoring records, but those who knew him or watched him play will remember a man who gave his all and never stopped fighting—on the pitch or off it.

As Croatia reflects on the loss of one of its own, the legacy Pokrivac leaves behind is not only in his caps and clubs, but in the courage he showed during the toughest moments of his life.

Rest in peace, Nikola.