Dušan Vlahović ( Part 1)

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5 Apr 2024

Dušan Vlahović ( Part 1)

Dušan Vlahović, born on January 28, 2000, is a Serbian professional footballer renowned for his prowess as a striker. He currently plies his trade for Serie A club Juventus and represents the Serbia national team.
Vlahović's football journey commenced with Partizan's youth system, where he honed his skills before making his breakthrough into the first team in 2016. During his time with Partizan, he contributed to the team's success by clinching a league title and two Serbian Cups.
In 2018, Vlahović ventured into Italian football, joining Serie A club Fiorentina. His time at Fiorentina saw him emerge as a potent goalscorer, earning accolades such as the Serie A Best Young Player for his remarkable tally of 21 league goals in the 2020–21 season.

Impressed by his performances, Italian giants Juventus secured Vlahović's services in January 2022, completing a high-profile transfer for a reported fee of €70 million. His arrival at Juventus was met with anticipation, as fans hoped for continued success on the field.
On the international stage, Vlahović has represented Serbia at various youth levels before earning his senior international debut in 2020 during the UEFA Nations League. His inclusion in the national team underscores his talent and potential as a rising star in Serbian football.
Dušan Vlahović, born in Belgrade, began his football journey in the Altina Zemun football school, where he displayed his talents despite competing against older players. Following this early experience, he spent a brief period in OFK Beograd's youth system, followed by a short stint at Red Star Belgrade, during which he made one appearance. These formative years laid the foundation for his promising career in football.

In the summer of 2014, Vlahović made a significant move by joining rivals Partizan. At the age of 15, he signed his first professional contract with the club in 2015. Under coach Ivan Tomić, Vlahović earned a spot in the first team and was assigned the jersey number 9 in early 2016. His debut in the Serbian SuperLiga came on 21 February against OFK Beograd, making him the youngest debutant in Partizan's history. Just a few days later, on 27 February, he became the youngest player to participate in the Eternal derby.

Vlahović marked his presence with his first career goal for Partizan on 2 April against Radnik Surdulica, securing a 3–2 home win and earning the title of the club's youngest scorer. He continued to impress by scoring in a semi-final cup match against Spartak Subotica on 20 April, helping his team to a 3–0 away victory. Despite attracting interest from European giants like Arsenal, Anderlecht, and Juventus, Partizan turned down all offers. Vlahović further showcased his talent by scoring a goal in the 2015–16 Serbian Cup final against Javor Ivanjica, contributing to a 2–0 win for his team.
Continuing his rise, Vlahović made his European debut for Partizan in the second leg of the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round against Zagłębie Lubin on 21 July. He also earned a start in the second fixture of the 2016–17 league season, featuring in an away match against Napredak Kruševac.

Vlahović made a significant move to Fiorentina, signing a five-year preliminary contract that became official on his 18th birthday, on 28 January 2018. His official acquisition by Fiorentina was confirmed on 22 February 2018, with the young striker opting to wear the number 18 shirt. However, due to administrative regulations, he was unable to play until 1 July 2018. Initially, he was registered to Fiorentina's under-19 team.
Vlahović made his senior debut for Fiorentina on 25 September 2018, at the age of 18, in a Serie A match against Inter Milan, which ended in a 2–1 defeat. In doing so, he became the first player born in the 2000s to represent the club. On 9 December of the same year, Vlahović achieved another milestone by becoming the first player born in the 2000s to start a match for Fiorentina, playing in a 3–3 draw against Sassuolo.

During the 2018–19 season, Vlahović made 10 appearances for the first team. He also contributed to Fiorentina's success in the Coppa Italia Primavera, scoring a brace against Torino in the first leg of the final and converting a penalty in the second leg.
In the following season, Vlahović was integrated into the first team. On 18 August 2019, he scored his first goals for Fiorentina, netting a brace in a 3–1 victory against Monza in the third round of the Coppa Italia. His first Serie A goals came on 10 November 2019, when he scored a brace in a 5–2 away defeat against Cagliari. Vlahović concluded the season with eight goals in 34 appearances for Fiorentina.

Vlahović enjoyed an increased role as a starter for Fiorentina, particularly following the appointment of Cesare Prandelli as the club's manager. On 22 December 2020, he scored a crucial goal in Fiorentina's 3–0 away victory against Juventus in Turin, marking the Viola's first win at Juventus' home ground in 12 years. Additionally, on 13 March 2021, Vlahović achieved a significant milestone by netting his first career hat-trick in a 4–1 away win over Benevento. His remarkable performances throughout the season culminated in him scoring a total of 21 goals and earning the title of Serie A Best Young Player.

In the 2021–22 season, Vlahović continued his impressive form. He kicked off the season with a brace in a 4–0 victory against Cosenza in the first round of the Coppa Italia on 14 August 2021. Then, on 31 October 2021, he scored another hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Spezia. Notably, on 19 December 2021, Vlahović scored his 33rd Serie A goal of the calendar year, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to achieve this feat since 1951. With a total of 38 league goals in his previous season-and-a-half at Fiorentina, Vlahović emerged as the top scorer among all active players in the same time frame. Additionally, he stood out as one of the few players born after 2000, alongside Erling Haaland, to have scored at least 40 goals in Europe's top-five leagues.