(foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Serbian football legend Nemanja Vidić joined the largest protest in Serbia’s history, continuing his fight against corruption in both the country’s leadership and its football institutions.
Belgrade witnessed a historic protest yesterday, with several hundred thousand people gathering to express their dissatisfaction with the ruling regime. The movement, led by striking students, saw support from various public figures, including Serbian football icon Nemanja Vidić.
While Aleksandar Vučić is officially Serbia’s president, his political influence extends far beyond his title, with accusations of corruption, clientelism, and organized crime dominating public discourse. His control also reaches into Serbian football, where Vidić once attempted to enact change.
The former Manchester United star previously campaigned to become president of the Serbian Football Association (FSS), aiming to clean up the sport’s governance. Despite strong backing, Vidić’s bid was ultimately blocked, preventing him from bringing much-needed reform.
Refusing to remain silent, Vidić has since openly supported student protests and joined demonstrators on the streets of Belgrade.
In a statement last year, he emphasized his commitment to Serbia’s youth:
"I support our students and highly educated young people, who will have to lead our society tomorrow. We must build the future on such children. What kind of father would I be if I did not support students?"
Vidić’s presence at the protests underscores his continued resistance against corruption, both in Serbian football and the broader political landscape.