UPDATE: The Football Association of Montenegro (FSCG) has just announced the highly anticipated second memorial tournament dedicated to the late Montenegrin goalkeeper Matija Šarkić. Scheduled for April 3-4, 2026, this prestigious event will take place at the FSCG training camp and will feature eight teams of under-14 players, including top clubs such as Wolverhampton, Tottenham, and Aston Villa.
In a statement, FSCG General Secretary Momir Đurđevac emphasized the association’s commitment to honoring Šarkić’s legacy. “We will use all our resources to ensure this tournament is held in the spirit of Matija Šarkić,” he asserted, highlighting the significance of the event for Montenegrin football.
The tournament will see teams competing in two groups. Group A includes Montenegro, Antwerp, Aston Villa, and Tottenham, while Group B features Inter Milan, Wolverhampton, Partizan, and Slovenia. This remarkable lineup underscores the high regard clubs have for Šarkić, who tragically passed away on June 15, 2022.
According to Đurđevac, the tournament’s organization capitalizes on the FSCG’s promise to honor Šarkić’s contributions to Montenegrin football. “He could have played anywhere, but he chose Montenegro,” he said, reflecting the deep pride shared by the football community.
The inaugural tournament was held last year in Brussels, where teams like Birmingham and Millwall participated. “We organized that event quickly, starting in January to gather teams,” said Bojan Šarkić, Matija’s father. “Antwerp won in Brussels and will have the honor of opening the upcoming tournament against Montenegro.”
The event will gather around 146 young players from five countries, making it a significant celebration of youth football. Grassroots manager Nikola Prentić emphasized the importance of following UEFA guidelines for developmental tournaments, ensuring a structured format with three matches daily, played in two halves of 20 minutes each.
The emotional impact of this tournament reaches beyond the field. It serves as a testament to the respect Matija earned, highlighted by Slovenian players donning black armbands shortly after his passing during a European Championship match. “That gesture will be remembered forever,” Bojan stated, underscoring the unity in mourning and honoring his son’s legacy.
As preparations continue, the FSCG aims to make this tournament not only a competition but a heartfelt tribute to a young talent who left an indelible mark on Montenegrin football. With a robust lineup and enthusiastic participation, the second Matija Šarkić memorial tournament is poised to become a landmark event, possibly one of the strongest youth tournaments in Europe.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches, and mark your calendars for this important celebration of football and remembrance.
