Andrija Delibasic, a former center-forward for SL Benfica and Rayo Vallecano who played for Montenegro from 2009 to 2013 and earned 21 caps and six goals, died at the age of 43 following a two-year fight with brain cancer.
After retiring from playing in 2015, the former striker, who is best remembered for his time with the aforementioned Spanish club, went to coaching. He began as Partizan’s assistant manager in September 2016 but illness ended his career on the other side of the white line.
Delibasic played for a variety of teams throughout Europe during his 1999–2015 career, including SC Braga, AEK Athens, and FK Partizan Belgrade. He played for Real Mallorca, Real Sociedad, and Hercules in Spain alone.
He scored six goals in 21 appearances for Montenegro on the international scene, but his goal in the 2-2 draw with the England national team in a Euro 2012 qualifying match in Podgorica is perhaps what people remember him for the most.
Among his professional achievements were two Serbian championships with Partizan Belgrade and a little role in Benfica’s 2005 Portuguese league victory and championship. From February to July 2014, he travelled all the way to Asia to play for Ratchaburi FC, a team based in Thailand.
We mourn the loss of Andrija Delibasic,” commented Hercules, for whom he played 68 times. Our 2009–10 ascent to the Primera Liga was largely due to him. In two seasons, he scored 20 goals for us. We offer his family and friends our sincerest sympathies.
Delibasic represented Mallorca from 2004 until 2008. “We deeply regret the loss of our former player, Andrija Delibasic,” the Spanish club stated in a final tribute to their former attacker. We are thinking of his loved ones and family.
⚫ Lamentamos profundamente el fallecimiento de Andrija Delibašić, exjugador Txuri Urdin en la temporada 2007/08. Nuestro más sentido pésame a familiares y amigos. Goian bego. pic.twitter.com/XYVCukpsxn
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) March 19, 2025
An obituary was written by Partizan, the place where Delibasic started his 281-game career. “You battled like a lion, Andrija. Despite being ill, you persevered and entered a match that was unfair because your opponent was stronger.
You were a fighter who had faith in your abilities, your own efforts, and the help of friends and family. You won by flashing your teeth. The first time! Regretfully, the illness reappeared and became far more pernicious.
The Serbian top flight team went on, “This time you were unable to overwhelm her, and we are attempting to come to terms with the fact that you are no longer with us.” “May the angels protect you, Andrija, and may you rest in peace!”
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