Andrija Maksimović (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Crvena Zvezda’s 17-year-old talent, Andrija Maksimović, impressed the world with a stellar performance against Inter, raising his stock for a potential record-breaking transfer.
In a highly anticipated moment, Crvena Zvezda coach Vladan Milojević decided to give 17-year-old Andrija Maksimović his chance on the grand stage, starting him in a Champions League match against Inter at the legendary Giuseppe Meazza stadium. The young talent, dubbed the "Messi of Marakana", played fearlessly and showcased his skills against some of Europe’s finest players.
This match marked Maksimović’s fifth professional game, and his performance further solidified his reputation as one of the top talents from Zvezda's academy. In just a short span, Maksimović has demonstrated incredible potential, notably in his standout performance against rivals Partizan, where he began to draw attention from across Europe.
Milojević highlighted the teenager’s extraordinary abilities:
"Andrija is incredibly talented. That’s why he got his chance. I didn’t even realize how young he was—it’s a reward for his hard work," said the Zvezda coach, adding that Maksimović has a "brilliant future." His confidence, creativity, and composure on the ball have already attracted interest from clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, both of whom have reportedly submitted significant offers for the player.
Zvezda, however, rejected an initial bid of €10 million, holding out for a much higher transfer fee, which could make Maksimović the most expensive transfer in the club's history. His stellar performances have earned him a call-up to Serbia's national team under Dragan Stojković, further fueling speculation about his bright future.
Despite the rising interest from major clubs, Maksimović remains focused on Crvena Zvezda. He recently signed a three-year contract extension and expressed his desire to continue improving.
"I will keep training hard to prove that I can do even better. I’m happy to continue with the club I love," Maksimović said, after making his Champions League debut. Though disappointed that his debut didn't end in victory, he remains optimistic about the future.
"Coach Milojević gives me strength, and he helps me relax before every game," Maksimović added.
Having already impressed during his loan spell at Grafičar, where he scored three goals and provided two assists in five appearances as a 16-year-old, it’s clear that Srbija has a rising star in Maksimović, with a promising football career ahead of him.