The football world is in mourning. Today, at the age of 53, Sinisa Mihajlović has died, after a long career in Italy as a player and Head Coach in Serie A. In 2019, he was diagnosed with a form of Acute myeloid leukemia and only last March underwent a new cycle of treatment after tests showed the illness had returned. He fought a long, tough battle with courage and determination, as described as one of the reasons behind him receiving a special award at the Coach of the Year awards in 2020.

“I'm deeply saddened to hear the news, this is a sad day for Italian football," declared FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. "Sinisa was a leader both on and off the pitch, an example of passion, determination and courage. He was able to inspire and move people. Mihajlovic was a true champion, as a player, a Coach, and a human being. In an age often characterised by falseness, he knew how to speak openly and honestly overlooking his flaws and weaknesses. This is another reason why he, and his positive approach to life, must be remembered".

After winning the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade in 1991, the following year Sinisa was bought by Roma, where he collected 54 appearances and got one goal until his departure in 1994. With an extraordinary left-foot and one of the greatest free-kick takers in the history of the game (28 goals scored from free-kicks), his footballing journey then took him to Sampdoria (from 1994 to 1998 with 110 appearances and twelve goals) and Lazio. With the Biancoceleste, he grabbed 20 goals in 126 games, winning a Scudetto, a UEFA Super Cup, a Cup Winner's Cup, two Italian Super Cups and Italian Cups. He ended his playing career at Inter, adding another Scudetto to his name, as well as an Italian Super Cup and two further Italian Cups. He was also a major player on the international scene, earning 63 caps for Yugoslavia, scoring nine times, and participating in the 1998 World Cup and European Championships in 2000. 

Not all great players are able to repeat their feat as a Head Coach, but Mihajlović showed he could excel in this area, too. The second phase of his footballing career started off as Assistant Coach to current Italy Head Coach Roberto Mancini at Inter in 2006, where they won two Serie A titles and an Italian Super Cup together. His first full-time Head Coach role came in 2008 at Bologna, which was then followed by spells at Catania, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, AC Milan, Torino and Sporting Lisbon. In-between, he was also chosen to lead the Serbian national team before returning to Bologna, where he remained for three seasons, agreeing to step down last September. At Bologna, where he is an honorary citizen, as well as in many other Italian cities, Sinisa entered the hearts of many hence why the entire footballing world today mourns his death.