Former Croatia international Nikola Pokrivač dies aged 39
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Nikola Pokrivač (Photo: Werner100359/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Tragic news hit the Croatian football community on Friday evening with the passing of former Croatia international Nikola Pokrivač.
Pokrivač tragically passed away tonight in a car accident in Karlovac, the Croatian Football Federation confirmed in a statement.
He was just 39 years of age.
Pokrivač, who was a current player for fourth-tier side NK Vojnić ’95, had a memorable football journey. After representing Croatia in various youth national teams, he made his senior debut for the Vatreni in May 2008 against Moldova.
He quickly became part of the squad for the UEFA European Championship that same year, playing in the group stage win over Poland in Austria and Switzerland.
Over his international career, Pokrivač earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team.
At club level, his career took him from Varteks to Dinamo Zagreb, and then abroad to Monaco and Red Bull Salzburg.
He later returned to Dinamo, and also played for Inter Zaprešić, Rijeka, Shakhter Karagandy in Kazakhstan, Maccabi Petah Tikva in Israel, and Slaven Belupo.
In 2015, Pokrivač stepped away from professional football to focus on his health after being diagnosed with a serious illness.
Despite the challenges, his love for the game never faded. He continued playing in the lower leagues, showing his unwavering passion for football until the very end.
HNS President Marijan Kustić shared heartfelt words following Pokrivač’s passing.
“It’s impossible to find words of comfort at a moment like this, when we’ve lost such a young life. I offer my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones in this time of unimaginable sorrow.
The Croatian Football Federation and the entire football family are with them during these difficult days. Nikola was a wonderful footballer who lived the game until his very last moment. He showed incredible bravery in his battle with illness.
This is a huge loss for Croatian football and an especially painful one for his family. Our prayers are with them.”
Bivši hrvatski reprezentativac Nikola Pokrivač, koji je za Vatrene zaigrao 15 puta, a proteklih se godina uspješno borio s teškom bolesti, tragično je preminuo večeras u prometnoj nesreći u Karlovcu. 🙏
HNS izražava duboku sućut njegovoj obitelji zbog ovog nenadoknadivog… pic.twitter.com/ce8aDXSUJ1— HNS (@HNS_CFF) April 18, 2025
Nikola Pokrivač will be remembered not only for his talent on the pitch, but also for his strength, courage, and love for the game that never faded.
