Former Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray midfielder Dževad Prekazi has died, prompting tributes from the two European clubs where he built a reputation as one of football’s most gifted free-kick specialists.
The Kosovo-born former Yugoslavia youth international was remembered for his creativity, powerful left foot and lasting contribution to both clubs, particularly Galatasaray, where he became a firm favourite among supporters.
Also read: Isaac Fayose threatens legal action over rape allegation
Prekazi, who died on Sunday, November 8, was 69. Partizan announced his death in a tribute on its official website, recalling his seven-year spell with the club from 1976 to 1983.
During that period, he made 175 appearances and scored 23 goals.
He also won three Yugoslav league titles in the 1975/76, 1977/78 and 1982/83 seasons, alongside the Mitropa Cup in 1978.
“Preki, thank you for everything. Rest in peace,” Partizan wrote in its farewell message, adding that the former midfielder always regarded the Belgrade club as his second home and continued to follow its results after leaving.
After Partizan, Prekazi joined Hajduk Split before moving to Turkey, where he became one of Galatasaray’s most celebrated foreign players.
He represented the Istanbul club between 1985 and 1991, scoring 40 goals in 185 appearances.
During his time there, Galatasaray won consecutive Turkish league titles in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons.
His most enduring moment came during the 1988/89 European Champion Clubs’ Cup campaign, when Galatasaray reached the semi-finals.
In the quarter-final second leg against Monaco, Prekazi scored a spectacular free-kick from approximately 40 metres, a goal that remains one of the most memorable moments in the club’s history.
Galatasaray paid tribute to the former midfielder, describing his passing as a painful loss to the club and its supporters.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Cevad Prekazi, who wrote his name in golden letters in the history of Galatasaray and left an indelible mark on our memories through his football and character,” the club said.
It added that his unforgettable goals and the joy he brought to supporters would ensure that his name remained in the hearts of generations of Galatasaray fans.
The Turkish Football Federation also expressed condolences, recognising his contribution to Galatasaray, where he won several domestic honours between 1985 and 1991.
He also played for Altay and Bakırköyspor during his time in Turkey.
Born on August 18, 1957, in Mitrovica, in present-day Kosovo, Prekazi also represented Yugoslavia at Under-21 level.
After retiring from professional football, he remained involved in the game, including working with young players and serving on the coaching staff of Serbia’s Under-21 national team.
Also read: Isaac Fayose threatens legal action over rape allegation
His death marks the loss of a midfielder remembered for his technical ability, vision and exceptional left foot, with tributes from Partizan, Galatasaray and the Serbian Football Association reflecting the lasting impression he made across European football.
