Galatasaray legend Cevad Prekazi dies: an emotional farewell from the Yellow-Reds

Cevad (Dževad) Prekazi, one of Galatasaray's unforgettable players, has died at the age of 69. The passing of the legendary figure, who left a deep mark on Turkish football with the titles he won in the Yellow-Reds' shirt and the historic goals he scored in European competition, has caused great sorrow. The death of Prekazi, remembered above all for his legendary long-range free kick against Monaco, was announced by Galatasaray and Partizan. The former star, who took the name Cevat Prekazi after acquiring Turkish citizenship, played a leading role in the Yellow-Reds' historic achievements in European competition.

According to the information received, Prekazi passed away on Sunday, 8 November. Following the death of the former player, who suffered a stroke three years ago and was reported to have recovered after treatment, Partizan, the club whose academy he came through, also published a message of condolence and announced that details of the funeral would be shared at a later date.

Galatasaray bade farewell to their legendary player with the following words:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Cevad Prekazi, who wrote his name in golden letters in Galatasaray's history and left a lasting mark on our memories with his football and his character. Prekazi, who made a whole generation Galatasaray supporters through his unforgettable goals and the indescribable joy he gave us, will live on in our hearts forever. We will never forget you..."

He left an unforgettable mark at Galatasaray

Born in 1957 in the Kosovan city of Mitrovica, Prekazi began his football career at Trepča. The left winger won three Yugoslav First League titles with Partizan before moving to Hajduk Split. Joining Galatasaray in the summer of 1985, the legendary figure spent the most memorable period of his career in Istanbul.

Prekazi wore the Yellow-Reds' shirt until the end of 1991, winning two Süper Lig titles, one Turkish Cup and three Presidential Cup (Turkish Super Cup) titles with Galatasaray. In particular, he played a key role in Galatasaray reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup in the 1988-89 season. The historic free kick he scored in the quarter-final second leg against Monaco, played in Cologne, became one of the unforgettable moments of Turkish football.

After leaving Galatasaray, Prekazi also played for Altay and Bakırköyspor in Turkey, and brought his playing career to a close at Trudbenik in 1993. After retiring from football, the former star worked in coaching and scouting roles, served as a youth scout at Partizan and, most recently, was assistant coach of the Serbia U21 national team during 2021-2024.