Vasilije Kostov (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Vasilije Kostov has been ranked the best U18 midfielder in the world according to CIES, based on his senior-level performances over the last six months.
Crvena zvezda have announced with pride that Vasilije Kostov, their 17-year-old midfielder, has been ranked the best U18 midfielder in the world based on senior-level performances in the last six months, according to a detailed study by the respected football observatory CIES.
Kostov has delivered an outstanding start to the season. Across 19 appearances in all competitions, he has scored six goals and provided five assists, earning an impressive CIES index of 75.5. The analysis, which evaluates young players exclusively through metrics from senior football, highlights his rapid progression and extraordinary maturity on the pitch.
In its announcement, Crvena zvezda emphasised that the CIES index includes advanced parameters such as passing quality, progressive distribution, chance creation, defensive discipline and overall impact on team play. The club noted that Kostov has produced elite-level numbers in each area, confirming him as one of the leading talents of his generation.
The recognition is also viewed as another strong endorsement of the club’s youth academy, long regarded as one of the most productive in the region. Kostov’s development has already been reflected on the international stage as well — he recently made his debut for Serbia’s national team in the match against Albania.
For Crvena zvezda, this accolade not only confirms the quality of their young midfielder but also signals that a new star is emerging, capable of shaping the future of both club and national team football.