Football has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Galatasaray and Partizan Belgrade midfielder Dževad Prekazi, whose remarkable left foot and unforgettable free-kick goals made him one of the most celebrated players of his generation.
Prekazi died on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the age of 69, prompting emotional tributes from Galatasaray and Partizan, two European clubs where he established himself as a football legend.
Partizan confirmed the death of their former player in a statement, expressing profound sadness over the loss of a footballer who made a lasting contribution to the Serbian club during his seven-year spell between 1976 and 1983.
Fondly known as ‘Preki’, the midfielder made 175 appearances for Partizan, scoring 23 goals and winning three league championships in the 1975/76, 1977/78 and 1982/83 seasons. He also helped the club secure the Mitropa Cup in 1978.
In its tribute, Partizan described Prekazi as one of the legendary figures in the club’s history, recalling how he progressed from its junior ranks to become an important member of the senior team.
The Serbian giants also revealed that despite moving on to other clubs during his playing career, Prekazi maintained a special relationship with Partizan and frequently returned to follow the team’s progress.
His death has also deeply affected Galatasaray supporters, particularly those who remember his extraordinary contributions to the Turkish club during the late 1980s.
Prekazi joined Galatasaray in 1985 after spells with Partizan and Croatian side Hajduk Split. He quickly became an influential figure in the Istanbul club’s midfield, earning admiration for his creativity, technical ability, powerful shooting and exceptional talent from free-kick situations.
Between 1985 and 1991, he made 185 appearances for Galatasaray, scoring 40 goals and helping the club win consecutive Turkish league titles in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons.
However, one particular moment ensured that his name would remain permanently associated with Galatasaray’s European football history.
During the 1988/89 European Champion Clubs’ Cup campaign, Galatasaray faced Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax in the quarter-finals after suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat in the first leg.
With their European ambitions hanging in the balance, the Turkish side needed an extraordinary performance in the return encounter.
Prekazi rose to the occasion, producing one of the most memorable goals of his career with a spectacular left-footed free-kick from approximately 40 metres.
His stunning effort helped inspire Galatasaray to overturn the first-leg deficit and secure a place in the semi-finals, marking one of the most remarkable comebacks in the club’s European history.
The goal became a defining moment in his career and cemented his reputation as one of the finest free-kick specialists to have represented the Turkish giants.
Galatasaray paid an emotional tribute to their former midfielder, describing him as someone who had written his name in golden letters in the club’s history through his footballing ability and character.
The club also remembered the happiness he brought to generations of supporters, promising that his unforgettable goals and contributions would never be forgotten.
Born on August 18, 1957, in Mitrovica, present-day Kosovo, Prekazi also represented the former Yugoslavia at Under-21 level during his playing career.
After leaving Galatasaray in 1991, he continued his career in Turkey with Altay and Bakırköyspor before eventually returning to the Belgrade football scene.
Beyond his achievements on the pitch, his connection with both Partizan and Galatasaray remained an important part of his football identity.
Partizan said the former midfielder always considered the Serbian club his second home, while Galatasaray’s farewell message reflected the deep affection he continued to enjoy among supporters in Turkey.
Although the exact cause of his death had not been officially disclosed in the initial announcements, Turkish media reported that he had experienced serious health difficulties in recent years.
His passing represents a significant loss for both clubs and supporters who witnessed his extraordinary talent during an era when his left foot could turn an ordinary free-kick opportunity into a moment of footballing history.
For Galatasaray, he will be remembered for the goals, trophies and European nights that helped shape the club’s identity. For Partizan, he remains one of the outstanding players to have worn the famous black and white shirt.
Dževad Prekazi may have left the football pitch many years ago, but his extraordinary free-kicks and contributions to European football will continue to live in the memories of supporters.
The football world has lost a special talent, but the memories of Preki’s remarkable career will endure.
