Serbia has a rich history of producing world-class soccer talent. In 2025, the country continues to shine with a mix of experienced veterans and exciting young stars. Let’s explore the 10 best Serbian players dominating the global stage this year.
1. Aleksandar Mitrović
Position: Striker
Club: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Aleksandar Mitrović is Serbia’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 58 goals in 91 international appearances. In the 2024/25 season, he scored 13 goals in 13 matches for Al-Hilal, showcasing his lethal finishing. Known for his aerial strength and physicality, Mitrović remains a nightmare for defenders.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 13 goals in 13 league matches
- 5 assists in 28 total appearances
- 57 international goals (Serbian record)
2. Dušan Vlahović
Position: Striker
Club: Juventus (Italy)
At 25, Vlahović is one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. He combines speed, technical skill, and a powerful shot. In 2024/25, he scored 14 goals in 32 matches for Juventus and became a key player for Serbia’s national team.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 14 goals and 6 assists for Juventus
- 89% pass accuracy in Serie A
- 25 goals in 50 international caps
3. Dušan Tadić
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger
Club: Fenerbahçe (Turkey)
The captain of Serbia’s national team, Tadić is a creative maestro. At 36, he continues to deliver precise passes and clutch goals. In 2024, he led Fenerbahçe to the Süper Lig title with 10 goals and 12 assists.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 8 goals and 9 assists in 33 matches
- 243 career club assists
- 22 goals and 40 assists for Serbia
4. Sergej Milinković-Savić
Position: Central Midfielder
Club: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Milinković-Savić is a complete midfielder known for his vision and physical presence. After moving to Al-Hilal in 2023, he adapted seamlessly, contributing 8 goals and 11 assists in the 2024/25 season.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 89% pass accuracy
- 2.5 tackles per match
- 4x Serbian Player of the Year
5. Strahinja Pavlović
Position: Center-Back
Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Pavlović, 23, has emerged as one of Europe’s top defenders. His composure and tackling ability helped AC Milan concede the fewest goals in Serie A in 2024/25. He also scored 1 goal and provided 2 assists in the league.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 17 tackles and 27 clearances in 11 matches
- 79% aerial duel success rate
- 4 international goals for Serbia
6. Filip Kostić
Position: Left Winger
Club: Juventus (Italy)
Kostić is famous for his crossing ability and work rate. In 2024/25, he created 9 assists for Juventus and played a vital role in Serbia’s UEFA Nations League campaign.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 1.8 key passes per match
- 12 successful dribbles
- 5x Serie A Team of the Season
7. Nikola Milenković
Position: Center-Back
Club: Nottingham Forest (England)
Milenković is a reliable defender with over 200 Serie A appearances before joining Nottingham Forest. His leadership and positioning make him indispensable for both club and country.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 14 clean sheets in 23 Premier League matches
- 89% tackle success rate
- 43 international caps
8. Luka Jović
Position: Striker
Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Jović revived his career at AC Milan after inconsistent spells elsewhere. In 2024/25, he scored 9 goals in all competitions, using his poaching instincts to great effect.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 9 goals in 28 matches
- 83% shot accuracy
- 18 international goals
9. Kosta Nedeljković
Position: Right-Back
Club: Aston Villa (England)
At 19, Nedeljković is Serbia’s brightest defensive prospect. His speed and crossing earned him a €31 million move to Aston Villa in 2024. He’s already a regular starter for the national team.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 4 assists in 18 Premier League matches
- 2.1 tackles per game
- 76% dribble success rate
10. Andrija Maksimović
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Maksimović, 17, is a rising star with exceptional dribbling and creativity. He scored 5 goals and 3 assists in his debut SuperLiga season, attracting interest from top European clubs.
Key Stats (2024/25):
- 5 goals and 3 assists in 15 matches
- 87% pass accuracy
- 2x Serbian Young Player of the Year
Bottom Line
Serbia’s soccer talent pool in 2025 blends experience and youth. Veterans like Mitrović and Tadić continue to inspire, while rising stars like Nedeljković and Maksimović promise a bright future. Whether scoring goals, creating chances, or defending relentlessly, these players represent the best of Serbian soccer today.