Book Dedicated to Andrej Lazarov Unveiled in Kočani
Marjan Gijovski presented "The Fight Beats in the Heart of the Hero" with personal items of the late footballer on display.
On 13 November 2026, a new book dedicated to the life of Macedonian footballer Andrej Lazarov was presented at the Multicultural Centre in Kočani. The volume, titled "The Fight Beats in the Heart of the Hero," revisits the career and memory of the player who died in the fire at the Puls nightclub.
Author's research and testimonies
Author Marjan Gijovski assembled the book without ever having met Lazarov personally. Instead, Gijovski interviewed teammates, football friends and people who knew him away from the pitch to rebuild a full portrait of the man and the athlete.
The presentation included a passage that sought to capture Lazarov's presence across the places he lived and played: "Somewhere between the sky, Orizari, Kočani, Skopje, Kavadarci, Zagreb and Nova Gorica lives the spirit of Andrej Lazarov, the boy who moved into the hearts of many."
From those conversations emerged a concise description of his character: "A lion on the field, a lamb off it." That line was used repeatedly during the event to explain why Lazarov left such an impression on teammates and fans.
Personal effects belonging to Lazarov were displayed at the centre — his jerseys, boots, a football and photographs — giving attendees a tangible connection to his playing days and the life cut short by the tragedy in Kočani.
The book is presented as an effort to keep Lazarov's memory alive through the memories of those who carried him in their hearts.
Photo: glasno.mk
