GALATASARAY, PARTIZAN MOURN LEGENDARY MIDFIELDER PREKAZI

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By: Hammad Fasasi

Former Partizan Belgrade and Galatasaray midfielder, Dževad Prekazi, has died, prompting tributes from the European clubs where he made a lasting impact during his football career.

Partizan confirmed his death in a statement released on Sunday, November 8, expressing sadness over the loss of the former midfielder, who represented the Serbian club between 1976 and 1983.

The club described him as a legendary player, recalling his contributions during his seven-year spell with the first team, where he made 175 appearances and scored 23 goals.

“Football Club Partizan has received the news of the passing of our legendary player Dževad Prekazi with profound sadness and grief,” the club stated.

Fondly known as Preki, he began his journey at Partizan during his junior years before progressing to the senior team in 1976.

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

Following his departure from Partizan, Prekazi joined Croatian side Hajduk Split before moving to Turkey, where he played for Galatasaray, Altay and Bakırköyspor.

His most successful spell came at Galatasaray, where his powerful left-footed shots, creativity and exceptional free-kick ability earned him admiration among supporters.

He represented the Turkish giants between 1985 and 1991, scoring 40 goals in 185 appearances, according to Kosovo-based news outlet KOHA.net.

He also played a key role in Galatasaray’s consecutive Turkish league title triumphs in the 1986/87 and 1987/88 seasons.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came during Galatasaray’s 1988/89 European Champion Clubs’ Cup campaign against Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax.

After suffering a 3-0 defeat in the first leg away from home, Galatasaray needed a remarkable performance in the return fixture to overturn the deficit.

Prekazi produced an outstanding display, scoring a spectacular free-kick from approximately 40 metres to help the Turkish side complete the comeback and advance to the semi-finals.

Turkish news outlet Haberler, in a report published on November 8, described him as a legendary free-kick specialist whose powerful left-footed strikes and football intelligence made him one of the most memorable foreign players in Galatasaray’s history.

Galatasaray also paid tribute to the former midfielder following the announcement of his death.

In a statement quoted by KOHA.net, the club said, “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.”

The club added that his unforgettable goals and contributions had endeared him to generations of supporters, assuring that his memory would remain alive.

Galatasaray also extended its condolences to his family, loved ones and supporters.

Despite his successful career in Turkey, Partizan said Prekazi maintained a strong attachment to the Serbian club, which he continued to regard 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 club stated.

Partizan added that details of his funeral would be announced at a later date.

The club concluded 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, according to KOHA.net.