Football World Mourns as Prekazi Passes Away

Former midfielder Dževad Prekazi, who played for Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray, has died. His passing has brought out heartfelt tributes from both clubs where he was a football star.

Partizan Belgrade shared the sad news in a statement on Sunday, November 8. They expressed deep sorrow over losing the player who represented them from 1976 to 1983.

“Football Club Partizan has received the news of the passing of our legendary player Dževad Prekazi with profound sadness and grief,” the club said.

They affectionately called him Preki and remembered his seven years with the team. During that time, he played 175 matches and scored 23 goals.

Prekazi helped Partizan win three league titles in the 1975/76, 1977/78, and 1982/83 seasons. He also lifted the Mitropa Cup in 1978.

“Preki first wore the Black and White shirt during his junior years, before going on to represent the first team from 1976 to 1983,” the club said. “During that period, he made 175 appearances for the Club and scored 23 goals.”

After leaving Partizan, Prekazi moved to Hajduk Split in Croatia. He later joined Galatasaray, as well as Altay and Bakırköyspor.

His best years were at Galatasaray. Fans loved his left-footed shots, creativity, and amazing free-kick skills.

He played for Galatasaray from 1985 to 1991, netting 40 goals in 185 matches, according to Kosovo's KOHA.net. He helped the club win back-to-back Turkish league titles in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons.

One of his most remarkable moments came in the 1988/89 European Champion Clubs’ Cup against Swiss team Neuchâtel Xamax. After losing the first leg 3-0, Galatasaray needed a big comeback in the second leg.

Prekazi stepped up and scored a stunning free-kick from about 40 meters, helping Galatasaray turn the game around and reach the semi-finals.

Turkish news outlet Haberler reported on November 8, calling him a legendary free-kick specialist. His left-footed shots and football knowledge made him a memorable foreign player in Galatasaray’s history.

Galatasaray paid tribute to him after his death. In a statement cited by KOHA.net, the club said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Xhevat Prekazi, who wrote his name in golden letters in the history of Galatasaray and left an indelible mark on our memories through his football and character.”

They added, “Prekazi, who won over an entire generation of Galatasaray fans thanks to his unforgettable goals and the indescribable joy he gave us, will forever remain in our hearts. We will never forget.”

Galatasaray also sent condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

Though he had a successful run in Turkey, Partizan said Prekazi always saw the Belgrade club as his second home.

“Nevertheless, Dževad Prekazi always emphasised that Partizan was his second home. He often returned to the Club and regularly followed the Black and Whites’ results,” the Serbian club said.

Partizan will announce funeral details later. They concluded their tribute with, “Preki, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”

Prekazi was born in Mitrovica, now in Kosovo, and also played for the former Yugoslavia at the Under-21 level, according to KOHA.net.