Former Croatia midfielder Nikola Pokrivac has died at the age of 39 following a car accident in Karlovac, Croatia. The collision, which took place on 18 April, involved four vehicles and also claimed the life of another individual. Two of Pokrivac’s teammates from NK Vojnić ’95 were left critically injured.
Born in Čakovec in 1985, Pokrivac began his professional football career with NK Varteks before earning a move to Dinamo Zagreb in 2007. His performances in Croatia’s top flight attracted interest from abroad and he signed for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in 2008. A technically gifted and hard-working midfielder, Pokrivac went on to play for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, winning the Austrian Bundesliga title.
He later returned to Dinamo Zagreb and also had spells with Rijeka, Shakhter Karagandy in Kazakhstan, and Maccabi Petah Tikva in Israel. Known for his versatility in midfield and strong tactical discipline, Pokrivac built a respectable career across Europe.
At international level, he made his debut for Croatia in 2008 under coach Slaven Bilic. He was part of the squad at UEFA Euro 2008 and earned 15 caps for his country between 2008 and 2010. Though not always a regular starter, he was widely respected for his commitment whenever called upon.
In 2015, Pokrivac was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer that forced him to step away from professional football. After undergoing extensive treatment, he made a full recovery and later returned to the game at an amateur level. In recent years, he had been playing for NK Vojnić ’95.
Following the news of his death, tributes have poured in from across the football world. The Croatian Football Federation expressed deep sadness, remembering him as a dedicated footballer and a person of great strength. Luka Modric, his former international teammate, wrote on social media: “Rest in peace, Nikola. You were a true warrior, on and off the pitch. My thoughts are with your family.”
There is concern over the cause and impact of the crash, with investigations ongoing. Pokrivac is survived by his wife Katarina and their daughter. His passing is being deeply felt in the Croatian football community and beyond, where he is remembered not only for his footballing ability but also for his courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
