Meet Aleksa Damjanović: Crvena Zvezda’s & Serbia’s Next Big Thing
Aleksa Damjanović is emerging as Serbia’s next great forward talent.
Serbian football boasts a grandiose history that has deep roots in the country’s cultural heritage. Countless legendary players have emerged from the Serbian SuperLiga, Dejan Stanković and Nemanja Vidić being two exceptional examples that contributed much to the decoration of Balkan club football and the national team.
Today, Serbian football has no lack of their former renown, nurturing and producing national team talents like Dušan Vlahović and Strahinja Pavlović. Amongst the national team, younger players are starting to break through—U21 players such as Kosta Nedeljković, Jan-Carlo Simić, and Andrija Maksimović. There is one name in particular that could join these ranks soon. Aleksa Damjanović.
Who is Aleksa Damjanović?
Aleksa Damjanović is a 16-year-old rising academy star currently making waves at FK Crvena Zvezda, one of the most acclaimed clubs in Serbia. He is the son of Serbian international Jovan Damjanović. Playing as a left-footed center-forward, Aleksa has already shown considerable potential and talent that marks him as a player to watch for top-flight European clubs. This player was the youngest selected for the European U17 Championship, of which Serbia reached the quarterfinal.
He has been developing promisingly in the Kadetska Liga (U17s), producing 12 goals in his 16 matches during the 2024/2025 season, a frequency of one goal every 89 minutes. His potential has not gone unnoticed in Serbian football circles, as he represents his country in UEFA’s U17 youth league. A bright talent with the potential to shine all over Europe.
Former Serbia U17 coach, Jovan Damjanović, has said, ‘I strongly believe in the capabilities of the ’07’ generation to make their mark, with Aleksa having the most potential of the group.’
It is probably worth noting that Jovan is Aleksa’s father.
Profile of Aleksa Damjanović:
Despite his young age, the 16-year-old striker exhibits impressive characteristics that are often seen in more seasoned professionals. His ability in link-up play is notable; he displays a great understanding of timing and positioning, which allows him to effectively combine with teammates and orchestrate attacking opportunities. This skill is complemented by his hold-up play, where he demonstrates strength and poise in holding off defenders to bring fellow players into the game. Aleksa is also a head above his peers, standing at 6’1 (187 cm).
The Serbian’s off-the-ball movement is another area where he excels. His intelligence in finding space enables him to create goal-scoring chances not only for himself but also for his teammates. He possesses a remarkable ability to read the game, anticipating passes and positioning himself advantageously—a key trait for any forward. The striker’s most pressing weakness at hand is an occasional lapse of concentration, as he has often demonstrated a lack of urgency on the ball in scoring positions, occasionally deciding too late whether he will shoot or lay the ball off to a teammate.
One great example of this happened during a match against AC Milan’s U19s. Damjanović turned onto the pitch as a late substitution and was quickly thrown into the fire with a progressive pass into the box that freed him from his run.
With the ball at his feet, he had a solid chance to shoot near post, but he also had a teammate in the box who was unmarked. The striker panicked, taking too long to decide on his action, and the ball was swept before he could get it out of his feet. Aleksa would do well to implement more pressing and tracking back into his game; he could learn to shoot more often than he does now, as his chance usually has more value than the one he looks to create.
In addition, his heading ability and physicality stand out, making him a dual threat both on the ground and in aerial challenges. During a match versus Alanyaspor’s U17s, Aleksa found a pocket of space in the box during a counterattack due to his terrific movement, and converted a free header into a goal. His physical attributes, combined with his agility, allow him to compete effectively with defenders much older and more experienced than himself.
Furthermore, Aleksa’s finishing skill, technique, and killer instinct set him apart from his peers. He is a natural goalscorer who will tidy up any chance put in front of him.
According to Serbian Football Scout, a popular X account that covers the nation’s young talents, Aleksa is ‘a very soft touch for a player of his size. Drops & links up well. Some light Harry Kane vibes so far.’
🇷🇸 U17 turned the match around Vs 🇸🇰 with 2 late goals from Aleksa Damjanović (15), clinching a 2-1 win after losing the first friendly 2-0.
— Serbian Football Scout (@SerbFootyScout) September 26, 2024
He may not get the praise he deserves yet, but he’s a big talent.
Man Utd’s Edward Ibrović-Fletcher (16) also played in both matches. pic.twitter.com/9cyuaaFGhw
Player Comparisons
Because of Aleksa’s natural gift for finishing and his penchant for link-up play, the players I find to possess similar profiles are Jørgen Strand Larsen and Artem Dovbyk. These forwards all have an instinct for goals but are effective contributors to the team dynamic through intelligent passing, movement, and holding the ball with their back to goal. Together, these players share a unique blend of individual skill and collaborative play, making them instrumental assets on the pitch.
What’s Next for Aleksa Damjanović?
Overall, Aleksa Damjanović is a promising young forward who not only showcases natural talent but also possesses the necessary drive to continue his development. He has the makings of a modern target forward and an always-present aerial threat. He has yet to debut for Crvena Zvezda’s first team; however, his combination of technical ability, physicality, and tactical awareness will make him a significant asset for FK Crvena Zvezda. Not only that, but he could also have a bright future in the game. He is one to keep an eye on.
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