Darko Božović, the former Partizan Belgrade goalkeeper, has died at the age of 48 after a long and serious illness. Partizan, the Football Association of Serbia and several clubs paid tribute to him on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Five trophies with Partizan
Božović was born in Podgorica on August 9, 1978. Known as “Mačak” (the Cat), he kept goal for several clubs in Serbia and abroad, but made his biggest mark at Partizan, where he played from 2007 to 2010. In those three seasons he won three Serbian league titles and two Serbian Cups. He also made two appearances for the Montenegro national team.
Goalkeeping coach
After his playing career he stayed in football as a goalkeeping coach. His last job was at the Serbian SuperLiga club Železničar Pančevo.
Friends rallied round
When his illness became public in 2025, goalkeepers and former players from rival clubs organised a charity match, “Prijatelji za Darka” (Friends for Darko), to help pay for his treatment abroad. After his death Partizan posted an emotional farewell to the goalkeeper who won five trophies with the club, and the Football Association of Serbia issued a statement of condolence.