Xhevat Prekazi Dies at 70: Partizan and Galatasaray Pay Tribute

Xhevat Prekazi Dies at 70: Partizan and Galatasaray Pay Tribute to Albanian Football Legend

Former Yugoslav football star Xhevat Prekazi, who left an unforgettable mark on Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray, has died at the age of 70. Both clubs have paid emotional tribute to the player who once expressed a remarkable wish: to have the jerseys of both teams placed in his coffin.

 

Former footballer Xhevat Prekazi, one of the most recognizable names in Yugoslav football and a player of Albanian origin, has died at the age of 70, prompting tributes from two of the most important clubs in his career: Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray Istanbul.

Born in Mitrovica in 1957, Prekazi spent much of his playing career in the former Yugoslavia and Turkey, establishing himself as a highly respected figure in both countries. Although the circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been clarified, the news has prompted heartfelt reactions from the football community.

Partizan: "Our second home was his second home"

Partizan Belgrade expressed its sorrow over the death of the former player, remembering his contribution to the club and the special relationship he maintained with the black-and-white team throughout his life.

 

Prekazi joined Partizan at youth level before making his first-team debut in 1976. He remained with the Serbian club until 1983, making 175 appearances and scoring 23 goals, according to the club's tribute.

During his time in Belgrade, he won three Yugoslav league titles, in the 1975–76, 1977–78 and 1982–83 seasons, as well as the Mitropa Cup in 1978.

"Xhevat Prekazi always emphasized that Partizan was his second home, which he frequently visited and where he regularly followed the results of the black-and-white team," the club stated.

"Preki, thank you for everything and rest in peace," Partizan added in its emotional farewell.

Galatasaray: "We will never forget you"

Galatasaray also paid tribute to the former footballer, highlighting the lasting impact he had on the Istanbul club and its supporters.

 

Prekazi spent six seasons with the Turkish giants, becoming one of the memorable figures of a generation of Galatasaray fans. He helped the club win two Turkish league championships, leaving behind unforgettable goals and performances.

"Prekazi, who created a generation of Galatasaray supporters with his unforgettable goals and indescribable joy, will always live in our hearts. We will never forget you," the Istanbul club said.

Galatasaray also extended its condolences to his family, relatives and everyone who loved him, expressing its prayers for his soul.

A special wish connecting Partizan and Galatasaray

One of the most touching aspects of Prekazi's legacy is a statement he made years ago in an interview with Serbian media, revealing what he wanted to accompany him on his final journey.

"When I die, I want the Partizan jersey and the Galatasaray jersey to be placed in my coffin. Only then will I be able to leave this world in peace," Prekazi once said.

The declaration reflected the profound importance both clubs held in his life. Despite playing for teams in different countries and football cultures, he considered Partizan and Galatasaray an inseparable part of his identity as a footballer.

A career across Yugoslavia, Turkey and the United States

Beyond his achievements with Partizan and Galatasaray, Prekazi also represented several other clubs during his professional career.

He played for Hajduk Split, with whom he won the Yugoslav Cup, as well as the American side Baltimore Blast. His career in Turkey also included spells with Altay and Bakirkoyspor.

He concluded his professional playing career in 1991 with Trudbenik, before continuing his involvement in football as a coach.

For Partizan, he remained a beloved former player. For Galatasaray, he was a footballer whose goals helped shape the memories of an entire generation of supporters.

Xhevat Prekazi's death marks the passing of a significant figure in the history of Yugoslav and Turkish football, but his legacy will continue to live on through the clubs, supporters and unforgettable moments he left behind.