Aleksandar Kolarov

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kolarov began his career at Red Star Belgrade, but he did not break through and moved onto Čukarički in 2004. Two years later, he joined OFK Beograd before moving abroad for the first time by signing for Lazio in Serie A, where he won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in 2009. In 2010, he joined Manchester City, with which he won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup. He returned to Serie A in 2017 and saw out the remaining five years of his career with Roma and Inter Milan. Kolarov made his senior international debut for Serbia in 2008 and earned 94 caps. He was a member of Serbia's squads for the 2008 Olympics, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He was named Serbian Player of the Year in 2011.

In Their Own Story

The San Paolo roared, a sea of blue and white waves crashing against the stands. Kolarov stood over the ball, thirty-five yards out, the weight of the match resting on his shoulders. The goalkeeper rushed forward, eyes wide with anticipation of a cross or a pass. Instead, Kolarov struck the leather with the precision of a sniper. The ball screamed through the air, dipping viciously before nestling into the top corner, silencing the opposition and igniting a frenzy in the Curva A. In that moment, he was not just a defender; he was the architect of a miracle.

Reader's Guide

Kolarov played as a left-back but could also operate as a centre-back and anywhere along the left flank. Despite not being gifted with significant pace, he was known for his overlapping attacking runs on the wing, as well as his passing, crossing, and powerful ball-striking ability with his left foot, and his accuracy from free kicks.

Did You Know?

• Kolarov scored a 38-metre rocket for Lazio against Reggina on 30 September 2007.
• He ran 85 metres to score against Roma in the Derby della Capitale.
• Kolarov scored the only goal of Serbia's opening match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a free kick against Costa Rica.
• He was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament at the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.