Marko Elsner, the legendary Aiglons defender from 1987 to 1993, has passed away. The club was informed of the sad news by Rok, one of Marko’s children, himself a professional footballer and French U18 champion with OGC Nice in 2004.

“His best years were spent at Nice,” wrote his other son Luka, first team coach at Amiens. His children’s thoughts immediately turned to Le Gym and its supporters, deeply saddened by the news. One of the greatest Rouge et Noir players of all time left us, this Monday at just 60 years of age.

Roger Ricort, Tony Kurbos, Nenad Bjekovic, Daniel Bravo, Milos Djelmas, Marko Elsner and René Marsiglia.

His authority on the pitch was the stuff of folklore at the old Stade du Ray, just like his elegance on the ball; highlighted by his incredible scorpion back-heel in the build up to Kurbos’ ‘Goal of the Century’ against PSG. 

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After leaving to play for Austrian side Admira Wacker after the play-off against Strasbourg, he returned to help Le Gym in the second division between 1991 and 1993.

A former Crvena Zvezda great, the Yugoslavia and Slovenia international, himself the son of a footballer, kept a special place in his heart for Les Aiglons and passed on that affection to his sons. “Our family is strongly linked to the club and the city. I know the mark my father left here,” explained Rok, last year, on the eve of Luka’s return to Ligue 1, symbolically, at Allianz Riviera.

OGC Nice presents its sincere condolences to his family and friends. A tribute will be organised at the stadium as soon as possible.

L.O.

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