Discover the Serbia Soccer Team's Rise to European Football Prominence

I still remember the first time I watched Serbia play international football—it was during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and even then, you could sense something brewing. Fast forward to today, and they’ve firmly planted themselves as one of Europe’s most exciting national teams. Their journey hasn’t been straightforward, but then again, what great story is? I’ve always been fascinated by teams that build their identity not just on talent, but on resilience. Serbia embodies that perfectly.

When I look at their squad, it’s impossible not to marvel at the sheer depth. Players like Dušan Vlahović, Sergej Milinković-Savić, and Aleksandar Mitrović aren’t just individual stars—they form a spine that any top European side would envy. Vlahović, for instance, scored 24 goals in the 2021-22 Serie A season before his high-profile move to Juventus. That kind of output doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects a system that nurtures forwards who are both technically polished and mentally tough. I’ve spoken with coaches who’ve worked in Serbia’s youth academies, and they often emphasize discipline blended with creative freedom. It’s a balance that’s hard to strike, but when it works, it produces world-class talent.

What strikes me most, though, is their recent shift in competitive mentality. There’s a quote from a volleyball coach, Alinsunurin, that stuck with me: “Nu’ng nagsisimula pa lang ako mag-coach, nasanay na rin ako na ginagawa ko na. Kaya ngayong may PVL at UAAP, sanay na ako.” In rough translation, it speaks to growing into leadership through repetition and exposure—applying what you do at lower levels until it becomes second nature at the highest stage. I see a parallel here with Serbian football. For years, they competed, but often fell just short when it mattered. Now, with more players in elite European leagues—over 60% of their starting XI play in the top five leagues—they carry themselves with a different kind of confidence. They’re no longer just participants; they expect to win.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Serbia’s national team climbed from 25th to 11th in the FIFA World Rankings between 2020 and 2023. In the 2022 UEFA Nations League, they lost only one match in six outings. Stats like these aren’t flukes—they point to tactical maturity and squad cohesion. Under manager Dragan Stojković, they’ve adopted a flexible 3-4-2-1 formation that maximizes their attacking potential without sacrificing defensive stability. I personally love watching their midfield control games. Milinković-Savić, in particular, is a joy—his vision and passing range remind me of a young Zinedine Zidane, if I may be so bold.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth. Serbia’s Achilles' heel has often been consistency, especially in major tournaments. They crashed out of the 2022 World Cup group stage despite flashes of brilliance. But here’s what I believe sets them apart now: they learn quickly. You can see it in how they’ve approached recent Euro qualifiers—more disciplined, less prone to emotional swings. That growth mindset, combined with raw talent, makes them a threat to any opponent.

Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited about where this team is headed. With a solid core of players entering their prime and a clear footballing philosophy, Serbia isn’t just rising—they’re building something lasting. If they can maintain this trajectory, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them challenging for a Euro or World Cup title in the next decade. For now, though, they remain one of the most compelling stories in European football—a blend of grit, flair, and relentless progress.