Former Montenegro striker Andrija Delibasic has died aged 43 following a two-year battle with brain cancer.
The footballer, who scored six goals in 21 appearances for his country, passed away on Wednesday.
Delibasic underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, but sadly the disease returned.
His death was confirmed by media in his home country of Montenegro.
Andrija Delibasic famously scored against England for Montenegro in October 2011
PA
The striker enjoyed a successful career across Europe, playing for numerous clubs including Partizan Belgrade and several Spanish teams.
Delibasic’s most famous moment came in October 2011 when he scored a last-minute equaliser for Montenegro against England in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
The match in Podgorica saw England take a comfortable 2-0 lead through Ashley Young and Darren Bent.
Montenegro fought back with Elsad Zverotic pulling one back before Wayne Rooney was sent off.
Delibasic then headed in at the far post in added time, sparking wild celebrations in Montenegro’s capital.
The draw was enough for England to qualify, whilst sending Montenegro into the play-offs.
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Andrija Delibasic had scored six goals for his country, including his last-gasp equaliser against England
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Delibasic’s nomadic career also took him to Portugal with Benfica, Braga and Beira-Mar, Greece with AEK Athens, and Thailand with Ratchaburi.
Tributes poured in from Delibasic’s former clubs following the news of his passing.
Hercules wrote: “We lament the passing of Andrija Delibasic. He was the key to our promotion to the Primera Liga in 2009-10.”
Mallorca said: “We deeply regret the loss of our former player, Andrija Delibasic. We send our thoughts to his family and loved ones.”
Partizan Belgrade shared an emotional obituary: “Andrija, you fought like a lion. You didn’t let your illness get in the way, you got into an unequal match where the opponent was stronger, but you didn’t give up.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
We deeply regret the loss of Andrija Delibašić, former player of the club.
We send our condolences to his family and loved ones.
pic.twitter.com/McZDKrwanu
— RCD_MallorcaEN
(@RCD_MallorcaEN) March 19, 2025
After retiring from playing in 2015 at his hometown club Sutjeska, Delibasic moved into coaching.
He managed Montenegrin club Mornar from 2021 to 2023 but his promising coaching career was cut short by his illness.
Delibasic was born in Niksic, Montenegro, and finished his playing days at local club Sutjeska.
Throughout his career and illness, he was known as a fighter, as reflected in Partizan’s tribute describing how he “fought like a lion” against his disease.
