Introduction
Dušan Vlahović is a Serbian professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Italian club AC Milan and the Serbia national team. Born on 22 September 1998 in Valjevo, Serbia, he emerged from the youth ranks of Red Star Belgrade to become one of the most promising young forwards in European football. Vlahović's career has been marked by rapid development, significant goal-scoring records, and a reputation for physical presence, aerial ability, and composure in front of goal.
Early Life and Youth Career
Family Background
Vlahović was raised in a modest household in Valjevo, where football played a central role in community life. His father, Đorđe, was a factory worker, while his mother, Marija, worked as a nurse. From a young age, Dušan exhibited a passion for the sport, often practicing in a makeshift field with friends and older players. The support of his family and local coaches provided the foundation for his future endeavors.
Youth Development
At the age of ten, Vlahović joined the youth academy of Red Star Belgrade, one of the most prestigious clubs in Serbia. The academy's training regime focused on technical skill, tactical understanding, and physical conditioning. Vlahović adapted quickly to the demands of the program, displaying a natural instinct for positioning and an early ability to finish chances with both feet. His performances in youth competitions attracted attention from national selectors and international scouts.
Club Career
Red Star Belgrade
Vlahović progressed through the various youth levels at Red Star, culminating in his promotion to the senior squad for the 2016–17 season. He made his professional debut in the Serbian SuperLiga on 11 August 2016, coming on as a substitute against FK Voždovac. In his first season, he appeared in 14 league matches and scored three goals, a respectable return for a teenager acclimating to top-flight football. His contributions helped Red Star secure a second-place finish in the league and a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.
Juventus
In February 2017, Vlahović signed a contract with the Italian giants Juventus, initially assigned to the club's youth and reserve teams. The move to Turin was seen as a significant step in his career, offering exposure to Serie A's high level of play and a pathway to European competition. During the 2017–18 season, he made sporadic first-team appearances, mostly as a late substitute, but found regular playing time during the 2018–19 campaign. His debut for Juventus in Serie A came on 3 September 2018 against Sassuolo, a match in which he contributed an assist.
Loan to Frosinone
Seeking more consistent first-team minutes, Vlahović joined Serie B side Frosinone on a season-long loan for the 2019–20 season. In 28 appearances, he netted 12 goals, including a remarkable hat-trick against Crotone. His performance played a pivotal role in Frosinone's promotion to Serie A, earning him recognition as the club's top scorer for that campaign. The loan spell also solidified his reputation as a reliable goal threat in a competitive environment.
Return to Juventus
After the loan, Vlahović returned to Juventus with renewed confidence. The 2020–21 season saw him become a more prominent part of the squad, with 15 league appearances and six goals. His versatility allowed him to operate both as a central striker and on the wings, offering tactical flexibility to the team's offensive strategies. The 2021–22 season further showcased his development, as he contributed key goals in the Serie A and the UEFA Champions League, helping the club secure its 36th league title.
Transfer to AC Milan
In the summer of 2023, Vlahović completed a high-profile transfer to AC Milan, following a contract dispute with Juventus. The transfer was one of the most expensive in Serie A history, reflecting the expectations placed upon him. He debuted for Milan on 13 August 2023, scoring the opening goal in a 2–1 victory over Bologna. Over the course of the 2023–24 season, Vlahović has become a central figure in Milan's attacking lineup, recording 19 league goals and playing a crucial role in the club's pursuit of a domestic double.
International Career
Youth International Representation
Vlahović's talent earned him call-ups to Serbia's youth national teams, beginning with the under-19 squad. He participated in the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, scoring two goals in the group stage. In 2018, he advanced to the under-21 side, scoring five goals across 12 caps. His performances at youth levels positioned him as a leading prospect for the senior national team.
Senior Team Contributions
Vlahović received his first senior cap for Serbia in March 2018 during a friendly against Turkey. Since then, he has accumulated over 25 appearances and has scored eight goals for his country. He was an integral part of Serbia's squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the round of 16. Vlahović scored a decisive goal in the group stage match against Ecuador, contributing to Serbia's advancement. His presence in international tournaments continues to elevate his profile and showcase his abilities on a global stage.
Playing Style
Physical Attributes and Technical Skills
Standing at 1.88 meters, Vlahović's height and athleticism make him a formidable target man. His physical strength allows him to hold off defenders, win aerial duels, and maintain possession under pressure. Technically, he is proficient with both feet and demonstrates a keen sense for positioning. His ability to time runs and finish with accuracy has earned him the nickname "the Greek god of football" among certain fan groups.
Strengths
- Aerial dominance and heading accuracy.
- Strong work rate and pressing from the front.
- Composure in front of goal and decision-making.
- Versatility across forward positions.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent pace compared to pacey full-backs.
- Occasional lack of off-the-ball movement when trailing.
- Susceptibility to defensive marking in tight games.
Career Statistics
Club
Vlahović has played for multiple clubs across Serbia and Italy. Below is a summarized account of his club appearances and goals up to the end of the 2023–24 season.
| Club | Years | League Appearances | League Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Star Belgrade | 2016–2017 | 14 | 3 |
| Juventus (First Team) | 2017–2023 | 58 | 17 |
| Frosinone (Loan) | 2019–2020 | 28 | 12 |
| AC Milan | 2023–Present | 31 | 19 |
International
Vlahović's international record reflects his contributions to Serbia at various levels.
| National Team | Years | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serbia U19 | 2017 | 6 | 2 |
| Serbia U21 | 2018–2020 | 12 | 5 |
| Serbia Senior | 2018–Present | 27 | 8 |
Honours and Achievements
Club
- Serbian SuperLiga runner‑up: 2016–17 with Red Star Belgrade
- Serie A champion: 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22 with Juventus
- UEFA Europa League runner‑up: 2020–21 with Juventus
- Serie B champion: 2019–20 with Frosinone (promotion)
- Serie A champion: 2023–24 with AC Milan
International
- FIFA World Cup group stage match: 2022, scored against Ecuador
- UEFA Nations League qualification: 2021
Individual
- Serbian Player of the Year: 2019
- Serie A Top Scorer – Joint: 2021–22 (shared with another striker)
- UEFA Champions League Goal of the Month: November 2021
- AC Milan Player of the Season: 2023–24
Personal Life
Family
Dušan Vlahović is married to Ana Vlahović, a former professional volleyball player. Together they have two children. The family frequently participates in community outreach programs in Valjevo and Milan, promoting sports participation among youth.
Education
While pursuing a professional football career, Vlahović enrolled in a correspondence program for sports science at the University of Belgrade, completing his studies in 2022. His academic focus has centered on athletic performance and nutrition.
Philanthropy
Vlahović has established a foundation aimed at supporting underprivileged children in Serbia. The foundation focuses on building sports facilities, providing equipment, and running training camps. The initiative has expanded to include scholarships for aspiring footballers in rural areas.
Legacy and Influence
Impact on Serbian Football
As one of the most successful Serbian forwards in recent history, Vlahović has inspired a generation of young athletes. His transition from a local club to top European teams exemplifies the potential for Serbian talent to excel on a global stage. Moreover, his philanthropic efforts have drawn attention to the importance of sports development programs in the region.
Influence on Clubs
Vlahović's arrival at both Juventus and AC Milan has been associated with a shift towards a more dynamic and high-scoring attacking philosophy. At Juventus, he provided a reliable finishing option that complemented the team's midfield creativity. At Milan, his presence has been linked to a resurgence in goal-scoring efficiency and a renewed sense of competitiveness in domestic competitions.
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