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Former Galatasaray and Partizan midfielder Cevad Prekazi, widely remembered for his powerful left foot and spectacular long-range free kicks, has died at the age of 69.
The former Yugoslav football star died on Sunday, November 8, 2026. His death was announced by Partizan, the Serbian club where he began his senior career and established himself as one of the prominent players of Yugoslav football.
Galatasaray also confirmed his death in an emotional tribute, remembering him as one of the players whose goals and performances left a lasting mark on the club’s history.
Prekazi was born on August 18, 1957, in Mitrovica, Kosovo. He rose to prominence through Partizan before moving to other European clubs, including Hajduk Split, and later becoming a celebrated figure in Turkish football.
His death has prompted tributes from the two clubs most closely associated with his playing career, with supporters remembering his technical ability, remarkable free kicks and contributions to their successes.
Partizan announced the news with a message expressing sadness over the loss of its former player. The club recalled that Prekazi first wore its black-and-white shirt as a youth player before representing the senior team between 1976 and 1983.
During that period, he made 175 appearances and scored 23 goals for the club, according to Partizan’s official tribute. He also helped the team win three Yugoslav league titles and the Mitropa Cup in 1978.
The club said Prekazi continued to regard Partizan as his second home even after leaving the team. He maintained a relationship with the institution and regularly followed its matches.
Partizan said details of his funeral would be announced later. FK Partizan+1
Galatasaray remembers Prekazi’s historic free kick
Prekazi’s most celebrated years came after he joined Galatasaray in 1985. He spent six seasons with the Istanbul club, becoming a key member of the team that enjoyed domestic success and made history in European competition.
Galatasaray’s official tribute confirmed that he made 185 appearances and scored 40 goals for the club between 1985 and 1991. During that period, he won two Turkish league titles, in the 1986-1987 and 1987-1988 seasons.
The club also remembered his contribution to its run to the semi-finals of the 1988-1989 European Champion Clubs’ Cup, the competition now known as the UEFA Champions League.
One moment, in particular, secured his place in Galatasaray’s history. In 1989, Prekazi scored a remarkable free kick from approximately 40 metres against Monaco, producing one of the most memorable goals in the club’s European history.
His ability to strike the ball with power and accuracy from long distances made him a dangerous opponent whenever Galatasaray won a free kick near the penalty area. His left-footed delivery also made him an important contributor to the team’s attacking play.
Galatasaray described his football and personality as qualities that left a lasting impression on generations of supporters. In its condolence message, the club said his name would continue to live in the hearts of its fans.
Prekazi’s time at Galatasaray also coincided with a period in which the club strengthened its position in Turkish football and attracted wider attention through its European performances. Galatasaray+2
From Partizan to Hajduk Split and Turkish football
Before becoming a Galatasaray favourite, Prekazi had already built a strong reputation in Yugoslav football.
He developed through Partizan’s youth system and made his senior debut in 1976. His seven-year spell with the Belgrade club brought league titles and the Mitropa Cup, establishing him as an important player before his move abroad.
In 1983, he joined Hajduk Split in Croatia, where he continued his career and won the Yugoslav Cup. His time at Hajduk also included participation in the club’s European campaign, which reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals in the 1983-1984 season.
He later had a spell in the United States with Baltimore Blast before returning to Europe and signing for Galatasaray in 1985.
After leaving the Istanbul club in 1991, Prekazi continued playing in Turkey with Altay and Bakırköyspor. He subsequently returned to the former Yugoslavia and continued his football career before retiring.
His career across clubs in Yugoslavia, Croatia, the United States and Turkey reflected the international reach of football during that period. Kosovo Online+2
Prekazi also worked as a football coach
After retiring as a player, Prekazi remained involved in football through coaching and youth development.
He managed Železnik on two occasions and worked with young players at clubs including OFK Beograd, Sinđelić and Partizan.
His connection with Partizan remained particularly strong. The club noted that he frequently returned to visit and continued following the team’s results long after his playing days had ended.
Prekazi was also remembered for his connection to Kosovo and the wider Balkan football community. Born in Mitrovica to an Albanian family, he became an important figure in Yugoslav football before establishing a lasting reputation in Turkey.
His career brought together supporters from different countries, particularly through his performances for Partizan and Galatasaray.
Football clubs pay tribute to the late midfielder
The tributes from Galatasaray and Partizan reflect the different stages of Prekazi’s career and the lasting relationships he maintained with both clubs.
Partizan remembered his contribution to its history, highlighting his appearances, goals and trophies. Galatasaray, meanwhile, focused on his unforgettable goals, achievements and influence on generations of supporters.
His death has also attracted attention across Turkey and the Balkans, where football followers remember him for his technical quality and exceptional free-kick ability.
The cause of death had not been officially announced in the initial statements from the clubs. Reports also said that funeral arrangements would be communicated later.
Prekazi’s legacy will remain closely associated with his years at Partizan and Galatasaray, particularly the extraordinary free kick against Monaco in 1989. For supporters who watched him play, he was more than a midfielder who scored spectacular goals. He was one of the players whose performances helped create memories that remained part of club history long after his retirement.
