UPDATE: The second Memorial Tournament dedicated to the late Montenegrin goalkeeper Matija Šarkić is set to take place on April 3-4, 2026, at the FSCG training camp in Montenegro. This event will feature an impressive lineup of eight teams, including top clubs like Wolverhampton, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Inter Milan.
Officials confirm that the tournament aims to honor Šarkić’s legacy and his significant contributions to Montenegrin football. Momir Đurđevac, General Secretary of the Football Association of Montenegro (FSCG), stated, “We will utilize all our resources to ensure this tournament proceeds flawlessly, as befits Matija Šarkić’s name.”
The tournament will see teams from various countries, including representatives from Belgium (Antwerp), Serbia (Partizan), and two national teams from Montenegro and Slovenia. Montenegro will compete in Group A alongside Antwerp, Aston Villa, and Tottenham, while Group B includes Inter, Wolverhampton, Partizan, and Slovenia.
This tournament marks a significant step in fulfilling the FSCG’s commitment to honoring Šarkić, who chose to represent Montenegro despite opportunities elsewhere. “Matija could have played anywhere, but he chose Montenegro,” added Đurđevac.
The inaugural tournament took place in Brussels, where teams like Birmingham City and Aston Villa participated. Bojan Šarkić, Matija’s father, expressed gratitude to the FSCG for their ongoing support: “Matija and his brother Oliver proudly wore the Montenegrin crest from a young age.”
In a touching tribute, Slovenian players wore black armbands during a match shortly after Matija’s passing, an act Bojan says will be remembered forever.
The tournament promises to be a grand celebration of youth football, drawing in 146 players from five countries. Grassroots manager Nikola Prentić emphasized the importance of following UEFA’s guidelines to enhance youth development, stating, “This age group is crucial in our strategy.”
Matches will follow a structured format, with each team playing three matches per day, featuring 20-minute halves and rolling substitutions.
Matija Šarkić passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2022, just days after an outstanding performance for the national team against Belgium, where he showcased his skills on an international stage. His journey began at the Anderlecht academy and included stints at Aston Villa, where he made significant strides in his career.
As the date approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the strongest youth tournaments in Europe, honoring a player who left an indelible mark on Montenegrin football.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the FSCG prepares to host a memorable event in celebration of Matija Šarkić’s legacy.
