Serbia may not have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but the future of its national football team appears promising. Emerging talents like Andrija Maksimović, Mihajlo Cvetković, and Veljko Milosavljević are catching attention across Europe, bringing fresh energy to a team that has struggled in recent international tournaments. The spotlight is particularly on Vasilije Kostov, a midfielder considered the brightest jewel in Serbia's youthful roster of players.
Kostov, born in Belgrade in May 2008, displayed an affinity for football from an early age. He recalls his early memories: “My mom told me when I was two years old that I enjoyed kicking the ball with my dad,” he shared in a past interview with Serbian outlet Kurir. Such early beginnings laid the foundation for a career that’s rapidly gaining traction.
At six, Kostov joined the SF Royal academy, where his natural aptitude for the game quickly drew the attention of coaches. Sportski žurnal reported comments from his youth coaches, who recognized his exceptional qualities: “Vasa already had the capabilities that made you realize he would be a player,” noted Dejan Jović, highlighting Kostov's spatial awareness and technical skills. It wasn’t long before Red Star Belgrade snapped him up to join their youth academy.
Early Achievements and Impact at Red Star Belgrade
Rising through the ranks, Kostov's teenage years at Red Star have been nothing short of extraordinary. In the 2023-24 season, at just 15 years old, he played for the U17 side, where he scored 11 goals and provided nine assists. His standout performances were pivotal in securing the youth league title for the team. It was during the 2024 U17 Euros that Kostov caught the eye of scouts, contributing significantly to Serbia's run to the semifinals and earning a spot in UEFA’s official team of the tournament alongside other top talents.
As he was promoted to the U19 squad for the 2024-25 season, Kostov continued to astound fans and critics alike. In a high-stakes match against arch-rivals Partizan, he scored a stunning opener that demonstrated his flair for the dramatic. His ongoing success translated to league play, netting 12 goals in 22 matches during the first half of the season and solidifying his reputation in the affluent European football scene.
Breaking into Senior Football
Kostov's impressive track record did not go unnoticed, leading to his elevation to the senior team at Red Star. Under the guidance of then-coach Vladan Milojevic, he saw limited action in April but made headlines with a memorable performance against Partizan in the U19s match earlier, where he scored an eye-catching goal in the dying moments of the game.
Now, in the midst of the 2025-26 campaign, Kostov has solidified his role in the first team. Primarily playing as a midfielder or on the right flank, he has racked up an impressive 14 goals and seven assists this season across all competitions, including the Europa League. His talent in playmaking, coupled with an advanced ability to remain calm under pressure—evident when he executed a delicate panenka against Barcelona—has made him a player to watch.
Peer Recognition and Future Prospects
Kostov's ascent in the footballing world has attracted interest from some of Europe’s largest clubs, including Barcelona and Arsenal, as speculation about his future intensifies. Despite the noise surrounding potential transfers, he remains grounded in his focus on personal and team success. “I don’t pay attention to all that," he stated when addressing transfer rumors, emphasizing a desire to leave an indelible mark at Red Star before considering a switch.
With a contract lasting two more years, Kostov's commitment to Red Star and his willingness to embrace challenges has galvanized both team and country. Following his senior international debut for Serbia at age 17, expectations are high for his contributions as the team approaches Euro 2028. His on-field performances and mentality suggest he could significantly impact Serbia’s aspirations on the international stage.
As Kostov continues to evolve and impress with his technical abilities and maturity beyond his years, he stands poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of Serbian football. With each match, he solidifies his status not just as a promising young talent, but as a key player in the national team's ambitions.
By: Yousef Teclab / @TeclabYousef
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Srdjan Stevanovic / Getty Images
The post Rising Star Vasilije Kostov: A Bright Future for Serbia’s National Team first appeared on Breaking The Lines.