Stefan Savic

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

On 20 July 2015, Savić moved to Atlético Madrid for a €10 million fee and signed a five-year contract with the club; midfielder Mario Suárez moving in the opposite direction for free as part of the deal, though Suárez later sold for €4 million in January 2016. Savić became the first Montenegrin footballer who played in the Champions League final in the 21st century, 18 years after Predrag Mijatović, who scored the decisive goal in the 1998 final for Real Madrid against Juventus. At Atlético, his team reached the 2016 UEFA Champions League final, won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018, and won La Liga in 2021. Savić made over 100 appearances for Fiorentina across three seasons before his move to Madrid.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the turf at the Vicente Calderón as the final whistle approached. Savić wiped mud from his forehead, chest heaving, eyes locked on the referee. He turned to Godín, pointing emphatically at a loose marker near the box. One more minute. One more tackle. The roar of the stands was a physical weight behind them, fueling every sprint. In that moment, the red and white shirt felt heavier than any armor.

Reader's Guide

The atmosphere surrounding Atlético Madrid is defined by an unwavering sense of identity and community. For years, the Vicente Calderón served as the spiritual heart, a compact fortress where noise amplified pressure on opponents. The transition to the Wanda Metropolitano brought modern scale but retained the passionate soul of the Rojiblancos. Fans here are known for their loyalty regardless of results, creating an environment where players like Savić thrive under pressure. Traditions include the 'Hala Madrid' chants adapted into 'Atraco', and the unwavering support during European nights. The stadium architecture reflects this intensity, with steep stands designed to keep supporters close to the pitch action. Socially, the club represents the working-class roots of the city, valuing grit over glamour. This cultural backdrop shapes every matchday experience, making victories feel like communal triumphs and defeats shared burdens.

Did You Know?

• Savić became the first Montenegrin footballer to play in a UEFA Champions League final in the 21st century, 18 years after Predrag Mijatović scored the decisive goal in the 1998 final for Real Madrid.
• His father Dragan, president of the municipal assembly in Mojkovac, committed suicide on 6 April 2011 when Stefan was 20 years old; Red Star Belgrade's Delije ultras held up a banner saying 'Support for Stefan Savić' after the loss.
• In addition to his native Montenegrin, Savić speaks English, Italian, and Spanish fluently.
• Savić scored his first goal for Manchester City on 1 October 2011, heading in from a Samir Nasri corner in a 4–0 win away to Blackburn Rovers.
• He has been named Montenegrin Footballer of the Year seven times: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.