A Serbian football legend who played for top clubs like Lazio and Inter Milan, and later managed the Serbian national team, known for his exceptional vision and passing range.
Dejan Stanković is renowned for being the only man to represent three differently named nations at FIFA World Cups: Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Serbia. Throughout his illustrious career, he has left an indelible mark on the world of football, solidifying his position as one of the greatest Serbian players of all time.
Born on September 11, 1978, in Zemun, a municipality of Belgrade, Serbia, Stanković grew up in a family with a strong football background. His parents, Borislav and Dragica, encouraged his passion for the sport from a young age. He began playing football for FK Teleoptik, based in his neighborhood, before being spotted by Red Star Belgrade's cadet squad coach, Branko Radovi.
Stanković transferred to Red Star Belgrade's youth system at the age of 14, where he was coached by Vladimir Petrovi, playing alongside future professionals Nikola Lazeti and Nenad Lalatovi. His dedication and talent earned him a spot on the first team, making his debut at the senior level in 1995, at just 16 years old, against crosstown rivals OFK Beograd.
Stanković's impressive performances at Red Star Belgrade caught the attention of European clubs, and in 1998, he joined Lazio in Italy. During his five-year tenure, he established himself as a skilled midfielder, earning a reputation for his vision, passing ability, and goal-scoring prowess.
In 2004, Stanković joined Inter Milan, where he spent nine seasons, winning numerous titles, including five Serie A championships, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. His exceptional leadership skills and experience led to his appointment as captain of the Serbia national team from 2007 to 2011.
Stanković's international career spanned over 15 years, during which he represented three differently named nations: Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Serbia. He participated in three FIFA World Cups, including the 2006 tournament, where he scored a memorable goal against Argentina.
Stanković's dedication to his country was unparalleled, earning him 103 caps and 15 goals for Serbia. His leadership and experience played a significant role in the team's qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
After announcing his retirement from professional football in 2013, Stanković transitioned into coaching. He began his managerial career at Serie A club, Udinese Calcio, before taking the reins at Spartak Moscow in 2019.
Under his guidance, Spartak Moscow has experienced significant success, including winning the 2019-20 Russian Premier League title and reaching the quarterfinals of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League.
Dejan Stanković's remarkable football career, spanning over two decades, has left an indelible mark on the sport. His dedication, leadership, and skill have earned him a place among the greatest Serbian players of all time, and his managerial success has cemented his status as a respected coach in European football.
57 Years Old
A Serbian footballer and manager who played for several clubs and managed the Serbian national team, known for his defensive skills and tactical acumen. He led the Serbian team to the 2018 World Cup.
57 Years Old
A Montenegrin football legend who played for top clubs like Valencia and Real Madrid, and later managed the Serbian national team. He's most known for his impressive skills on the pitch and successful managerial career.
61 Years Old
A Serbian football legend who played for top clubs like Red Star Belgrade and Marseille, and later managed the Japanese national team. He's a Balkan football icon.
56 Years Old
A Serbian professional footballer who played as a midfielder, known for his skillful dribbling and goal-scoring ability, earning him a spot in the Yugoslav national team.
47 Years Old
A Serbian professional footballer who played as a striker, known for his impressive goal-scoring record and successful stints with top-tier clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Chelsea.
