Dževad Prekazi, the former Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray midfielder whose left foot produced one of the most famous goals in Turkish football, has died. Partizan announced the news in a statement on Sunday, November 8, describing the loss of a player who wore the club’s black and white shirt from 1976 to 1983.
Affectionately known as Preki, he came through Partizan’s youth ranks before establishing himself in the first team over a seven-year spell. He made 175 appearances and scored 23 goals, winning three league titles in the 1975/76, 1977/78 and 1982/83 seasons, along with the Mitropa Cup in 1978.
“Football Club Partizan has received the news of the passing of our legendary player Dževad Prekazi with profound sadness and grief,” the club said, recalling his junior years and his rise to the senior side.
A Career That Crossed Borders
After leaving Partizan, Prekazi joined Croatian side Hajduk Split before moving to Turkey, where he turned out for Galatasaray, Altay and Bakırköyspor. It was at Galatasaray that he enjoyed his most memorable years, representing the Istanbul giants between 1985 and 1991 and scoring 40 goals in 185 appearances. His creativity, powerful left-footed shooting and free-kick expertise made him a favourite among supporters, and he helped the club to consecutive Turkish league titles in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons.
The defining moment of his career arrived during the 1988/89 European Champion Clubs’ Cup campaign against Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax. Trailing 3-0 after the first leg away from home, Galatasaray needed a remarkable response in the return encounter. Prekazi delivered, scoring an extraordinary free-kick from approximately 40 metres to help the Turkish side overturn the deficit and reach the semi-finals.
Tributes From Both Clubs
Turkish outlet Haberler described him as a legendary free-kick specialist whose extraordinary left-footed shots and football intelligence made him one of the most memorable foreign players in Galatasaray’s history. The club also paid tribute following news of his death.
“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,” Galatasaray said.
The club added that Prekazi had won over an entire generation of fans through his unforgettable goals and the joy he gave them, and that he would remain in their hearts. Galatasaray extended condolences to his family, loved ones and supporters.
Despite his success in Turkey, Partizan said 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, closing its tribute with the words: “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. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the clubs where he built his reputation, and from the supporters who remember him as one of the most gifted players ever to grace their colours.
