Chelsea legend devastated as cousin, 41, dies after shocking heart attack during football match
Branislav Ivanovic, the former Chelsea star, is grieving the loss of his cousin, Dejan Milovanovic, who passed away at 41 after suffering a heart attack during a Red Star Belgrade legends match. Milovanovic, a former Serbian international, collapsed as he was preparing to take a corner and was initially revived before being transported to a hospital. There, he suffered a second, fatal heart attack.
Milovanovic had just scored in what would be his final appearance as Red Star Belgrade legends faced PKB Korporacija. His football legacy includes two caps for Serbia, a captaincy at Red Star, and seven domestic trophies, among them three league titles. He also enjoyed spells with Lens in France—where he helped secure the Ligue 2 title in 2008-09—and stints at Panionios in Greece and Vozdovac in Serbia before ending his professional career in 2014.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in football, Milovanovic was the cousin of Ivanovic and the son of former Red Star player Dorde Milovanovic. The shock of his death led the Veterans League to postpone upcoming fixtures, stating, “Dear club representatives, a few minutes ago, during a veterans’ match, Dejan Milovanoviv, a player of FK Zvezdara, passed away. For this reason, the next round, which was supposed to be played on September 18, will be postponed.”
Red Star Belgrade honored Milovanovic with a heartfelt message from Bosko Durovski, president of the club’s Veterans’ Sections: “Dejan was more than a footballer. As a child of our club, he progressed through all the youth categories and took his first steps in professional football in the red-and-white jersey. With his skill, fighting spirit, and charisma, he left an indelible mark in the hearts of his teammates and fans. His dedication to Red Star and love for football were recognizable to everyone who had the chance to watch him on the field or share a locker room with him. Beyond his sporting qualities, we will remember him as an exceptional person, cheerful, smiling, and always ready to help. The friendships he built with those around him were sincere and profound, and his character left a strong impression on everyone who knew him. After the end of his playing career, Dejan continued to stay close to his club and enjoyed spending time with Red Star veterans, eagerly participating in their final appearances and preserving the spirit of Red Star that has always defined our club. The untimely departure of our Deki has left an immense void in our Red Star family. In these difficult moments, on behalf of all the veterans of FK Crvena zvezda, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who loved him. Dejan, your name and the memories of you will live forever in the club and among those of us who had the honor of knowing you. Thank you for everything you gave to Red Star and for being a part of it. Rest in peace, and we will carry you in our hearts.”
Red Star further reflected on his passion, sharing, “Dejan loved football and Red Star the most. It will remain recorded that it was on the pitch that the heart of a great Red Star fan, fighter, and football master stopped beating.”
French club Lens, where Milovanovic played between 2008 and 2010, also released a statement: “Le Racing has learned with deep emotion of the sudden passing of Dejan Milovanović, which occurred this Tuesday at the age of 41. Sang et Or between 2008 and 2010, the Serbian midfielder wore the Lensois jersey 47 times. To his family and loved ones, the club extends its most sincere condolences.”
Branislav Ivanovic, whose own career at Chelsea was marked by 10 major trophies including three Premier League titles and a Champions League win, has not yet made a public statement regarding his cousin’s tragic passing. The football community continues to mourn Milovanovic’s sudden loss and reflect on his legacy both on and off the pitch.
