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19th Mar 2025

Former Champions League and La Liga star Andrija Delibasic dies aged 43

Harry Warner

Tributes have flooded in for the former Real Sociedad striker

Former Champions League and La Liga star Andrija Delibasic has died aged 43.

The Montenegrin striker played for a range of big clubs across Europe including Benfica, Real Sociedad and AEK Athens.

He famously scored a late goal for his nation against England in a 2-2 draw with the Three Lions back in 2011.

Delibasic sadly died after a long battled with cancer after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, prior to his death which was confirmed on Tuesday.

Delibasic was most prolific at Partizan Belgrade where he scored 48 goals in 100 appearances.

He also netted three goals in the Champions League, including goals against Porto who would go on to win the competition.

Tributes have flooded in for the player after the sad news was announced.

Real Sociedad wrote: ‘We deeply regret the passing of Andrija Delibašić, former Txuri Urdin player from the 2007/08 season. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Goian bego’.

Meanwhile, Hercules said: ‘Hercules CF mourns the passing of Andrija Delibašić, former blue and white player. 

‘He was instrumental in our promotion to the First Division in the 2009/2010 season. He wore the Hercules jersey for two seasons, scoring 20 goals. The club wishes to send its deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP’

Fellow Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano wrote: ‘Rayo Vallecano is mourning the passing of our former player Andrija Delibasic’. 

‘Deli played for us for three seasons (2010-2013), playing a key role in our promotion to the First Division in 2011. We would like to express our deepest condolences and send our love to his family and friends. RIP Deli’.

Meanwhile, Partizan wrote: ‘Andrija Delibasic 1981 – 2025 Rest in peace legend!!!’

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