The international football community mourns the loss of Andrija Delibašić, a former Montenegrin striker who once graced the pitch for AEK Athens during the 2006-07 season.
Delibašić passed away at the age of 44 after a courageous battle with a brain tumor, leaving behind a legacy as a talented footballer and coach.
According to the Serbian outlet Blic, Delibašić “lost the fight against the gravest illness” after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2023. He underwent immediate surgery at the time, but the cancer returned shortly afterward, marking the beginning of a difficult struggle that ultimately claimed his life.
Born on April 24, 1981, in Nikšić, Montenegro’s second-largest city, Delibašić emerged as a prodigious talent in the mid-1990s. At just 14, he joined the ranks of Partizan Belgrade, where he quickly established himself as one of the region’s most promising young footballers. By 2004, the then-23-year-old forward had earned a transfer to Mallorca, having scored in the Champions League group stages—a testament to his skill and potential. His career took him across Europe, with loan spells at Benfica, Braga, AEK under manager Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, Beira Mar, and Real Sociedad. His stint in Greece with AEK was brief, appearing in 15 matches and scoring once in the club’s iconic yellow-and-black kit.
Delibašić also left his mark on the international stage. He represented Serbia and Montenegro at the 2004 Athens Olympics and later played 21 matches for an independent Montenegro, netting 6 goals.
After hanging up his boots, Delibašić transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant at Partizan and Budućnost. In 2021, he took the helm as head coach of Mornar, but it was during this tenure that his tumor was discovered. He later returned to football as sporting director of Budućnost, determined to stay involved in the sport he loved despite his illness. Tragically, his life was cut short far too soon.
For Greek fans, Delibašić’s time at AEK remains a fleeting but memorable chapter in the club’s history. His passing is a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who once shone brightly on the field. The football world, from Athens to Podgorica, bids farewell to a fighter whose spirit endured until the end.