Former Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray midfielder Dževad Prekazi has died, prompting tributes from the European clubs where he established himself as a celebrated football figure.
Partizan confirmed his death in a statement published on Sunday, November 8, expressing sadness over the loss of the former player, who represented the Serbian club between 1976 and 1983.
“Football Club Partizan has received the news of the passing of our legendary player Dževad Prekazi with profound sadness and grief,” the club said.
The club, fondly referring to him as Preki, recalled his contribution during his seven-year spell with the first team, during which he made 175 appearances and scored 23 goals.
He also won three league titles with Partizan in the 1975/76, 1977/78 and 1982/83 seasons, as well as the Mitropa Cup in 1978.
“Preki first wore the Black and White shirt during his junior years, before going on to represent the first team from 1976 to 1983,” the club said.
“During that period, he made 175 appearances for the Club and scored 23 goals.”
Following his departure from Partizan, Prekazi joined Croatian side Hajduk Split before moving to Turkey, where he represented Galatasaray, Altay and Bakırköyspor.
His most memorable years came at Galatasaray, where his left-footed strikes, creativity and remarkable free-kick ability made him a favourite among supporters.
He represented the Turkish giants between 1985 and 1991, scoring 40 goals in 185 appearances, according to Kosovo-based news outlet KOHA.net.
He also helped Galatasaray win consecutive Turkish league titles in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons.
One of the defining moments of his career came during the 1988/89 European Champion Clubs’ Cup campaign against Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax.
After losing the first leg 3-0 away from home, Galatasaray needed a remarkable response in the return encounter.
Prekazi delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career, scoring an extraordinary free-kick from approximately 40 metres to help the Turkish side overturn the deficit and progress to the semi-finals.
Turkish news outlet Haberler, in a report published on November 8, described him as a legendary free-kick specialist whose extraordinary left-footed shots and football intelligence made him one of the memorable foreign players in Galatasaray’s history.
The club also paid tribute to him following news of his death.
In a statement quoted by KOHA.net, Galatasaray said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Xhevat 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 added, “Prekazi, who won over an entire generation of Galatasaray fans thanks to his unforgettable goals and the indescribable joy he gave us, will forever remain in our hearts. We will never forget.”
Galatasaray also extended its condolences to his family, loved ones and supporters.
Despite his successful spell in Turkey, Partizan maintained that Prekazi continued to regard the Belgrade club as his second home.
“Nevertheless, Dževad Prekazi always emphasised that Partizan was his second home. He often returned to the Club and regularly followed the Black and Whites’ results,” the Serbian club said.
Partizan added that details of his funeral would be announced later.
Concluding its tribute, the club wrote, “Preki, thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”
Prekazi was born in Mitrovica, in present-day Kosovo, and also represented the former Yugoslavia at Under-21 level, according to KOHA.net.
