European football clubs Galatasaray and Partizan Belgrade have mourned the death of former midfielder Dževad Prekazi, remembered for his exceptional left foot, creativity and unforgettable free-kick goals.
Partizan confirmed his passing on Sunday, November 8, expressing sadness over the loss of a player who made a significant contribution during his time at the Serbian club between 1976 and 1983.
Fondly known as “Preki”, Prekazi made 175 appearances for Partizan, scoring 23 goals. He also helped the club win three league titles and the Mitropa Cup in 1978.
After leaving Belgrade, the midfielder played for Hajduk Split before continuing his career in Turkey, where he represented Galatasaray, Altay and Bakırköyspor.
His most celebrated years came at Galatasaray, where he played between 1985 and 1991. During that period, he scored 40 goals in 185 appearances and helped the Turkish giants secure consecutive league titles in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons.
One of the defining moments of his career came during Galatasaray’s 1988/89 European Cup campaign against Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax. After suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg, the Turkish club needed a remarkable comeback in the return fixture.
Prekazi produced a memorable performance, scoring an extraordinary free-kick from approximately 40 metres as Galatasaray overturned the deficit to reach the semi-finals.
In its tribute, Galatasaray described him as a player who had left an enduring mark on the club’s history through his footballing ability and character. The club also extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters.
Partizan, meanwhile, recalled that despite his success in Turkey, Prekazi continued to regard the Belgrade outfit as his second home and regularly followed the club’s results.
Born in Mitrovica, in present-day Kosovo, Prekazi also represented the former Yugoslavia at Under-21 level.
His death marks the loss of a football figure whose technical brilliance and remarkable set-piece ability earned him lasting admiration among supporters in Serbia and Turkey.
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