Whenever you watch Nemanja Matic on the field, there are a few things that instantly stand out: his endurance, resilience, and sharp football intelligence. While many fans recognize him as one of José Mourinho’s most trusted and likeable figures, alongside names like Michael Essien and Didier Drogba, few are aware of the painful history that shaped him.
Did you know that Matic’s family endured the hardships of the Yugoslav Wars and that his parents were survivors of the aftermath of World War II? Much like fellow footballers Luka Modric and Dusan Vlahovic, Matic’s early life was deeply affected by the scars of Wars.
The Untold Journey of Nemanja Matic from War-Torn Childhood to Fame
For his family, football became a source of solace and hope in the aftermath of the war. Coached by his father, Nemanja grew up carrying the dreams of his family’s redemption on his shoulders. This biography delves deep into the life of Nemanja Matic, from his challenging childhood to the heights of football stardom. Without further ado, let’s begin his remarkable story.
Nemanja Matic Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
Serbian Nemanja Matic arrived into the world on the 1st day of August 1988, in Šabac, SFR Yugoslavia, to parents Dragan and Biljana Matić, both of whom were athletes. With a heritage rooted in Macedonian descent, which was once part of Yugoslavia and is now within the borders of Serbia, Matic’s family history is deeply intertwined with the region’s tumultuous past.
His parents were childhood survivors of World War II, having witnessed the struggles and hardships of that era. The former Yugoslavia once united various nations, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia, a fact that adds depth to Matic’s identity and the experiences that shaped his early life.
Research has it that Nemanja Matic’s family endured the turmoil of a series of ethnic conflicts, including wars of independence and insurgencies, which began in 1991, just three years after he was born. He was raised alongside his brother, Uros, and both inherited their athletic talents from their parents.
Youth Career:
Young Nemanja Matic kicked off his football journey at just five years old in 1993, training at Vrelo Football Club, where his father was the coach. This early exposure to the sport provided him with a solid sporting foundation for his future career.
By the age of 10, Matic’s parents made a significant decision, allowing him to take a bold step toward independence in his football journey. In 1999, he left home to join Obrenovac 1905, marking the start of his career away from his father’s guidance.
At age five in 1993, Young kickstarted his journey with Vrelo football club under his father’s guidance.
Taking that step to join Obrenovac 1905 was significant for my youth career in Serbia. It wasn’t close to my hometown, so I couldn’t return every weekend. At just nine years old, that distance was tough to handle.
However, over time, things settled down. Football became my job, and I truly enjoyed it. The unwavering support from my family played a crucial role in helping me achieve my dream of playing football professionally.
I continued my youth career at three different clubs, including Red Star Belgrade, Obrenovac 1905, and Partizan, as well as Jedinstvo Ub, from 1997 to 2005.
The earlier support of his dad was key to his success at these clubs. Matic was known for training very hard and also being the best player for all the above-mentioned clubs. The years 1997 to 2005 were known as the years he grew very tall.
Nemanja Matic Biography – Professional Career:
His brilliant performance was noticed by Kolubara, where he got the beginning of his professional career in the year 2005.
He played in the club for three years but didn’t manage to get a place in the first eleven, making only 16 appearances. It was so unfortunate for the young lad who felt his career would finally come to a standstill.
Instead of being stuck in his misery, he initiated his transfer to the Slovak club Košice in 2007, which favoured him. Also, while living in the country, he also received the Slovak citizenship.
Indeed, time spent with the club turned out to be very fortunate for the player, as the coach considered him to be a very potential player and let him on the field very often.
In total, the Serbian made 70 appearances and amassed four goals for the squad in two seasons. His die-hard attitude led Chelsea FC scouts to knock on his doorstep. Chelsea was seriously in search of a Makelele replacement at that time.
Precisely in 2009, scouts from Chelsea got interested in Matić. In the summer of 2009, a two-year contract was signed. His start to life at the London club wasn’t very successful, as he appeared only sporadically as a sub.
In his words, “I was very young,” he recalls. “In my position at that time were big players, Ballack, Lampard and Essien. I came here injured – I was four months out – so it was difficult for me. The Premier League is not easy for young players because it is very hard, very tough.”
“Coming from a Slovakian team to the Premier League is not easy. For me, it was like a dream, but I was young, and it was a good experience.”
Journey To Fame:
Matic was very happy to find out that he would be loaned to Vitesse. There was an accommodation between Chelsea and Vitesse by which some footballers from the London club can get a workout at the academy of the Dutch club during a season.
During the 2010/2011 season, Nemanja Matic played for a temporary club, scoring two goals in 27 matches. Reflecting on his time there, he noted,
“In Portugal, I played against smaller players, and I won every ball. It was easier for me than in the Premier League, which had taller players.”
It was also in Portugal that his career underwent a significant defensive midfield transformation, thanks to the influence of coach Jorge Jesus.
In the summer of 2011, the Serbian footballer decided to make a strong decision in his life. The quest to never be a loanee.
Matic made a transfer to Benfica. Although unhappy with being used as bait by Chelsea to get David Luiz, he felt satisfied with leaving the club.
He joined the first team, immediately featured in 95 matches, and scored nine goals for the Portuguese club in just three seasons. While playing for the club, Matic saw the unbelievable. His team faced Chelsea in the Europa League final.
Even though his team lost narrowly, he made sure he dealt with David Luiz. This made Chelsea rekindle their interest in him, this time promising to make him a first-choice player.
Young Nemanja Matic had just proven Chelsea wrong at this time, and he (at this time) was known to be at the peak of his powers.
It all happened in January 2014 when Chelsea made a shocking move to get the Serbian back into the squad and paid a whooping sum of €25 million for him. The rest (even his move to Manchester United), as they say, is history.
Family Life:
Nemanja Matic hails from an athletic family with a deep-rooted sports legacy. His parents, Dragan (not related to Dragan Stojković) and Biljana, both had a proud history in sports, especially his father, Dragan, who was a professional footballer. Dragan played for FK Macva Sabac in the 1980s in Serbia, setting a strong athletic example for his sons.
Nemanja’s younger brother, Uroš, followed in their father’s great footsteps and pursued a professional football career as well. At the time of writing, Uroš plays for Danish champions F.C. Copenhagen, continuing the family’s strong football tradition. This is the club that raised footballers like Jannick Vestergaard, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (DM), Jonas Wind, etc.
Uros’ career path has been similar to that of his brother, as both pairs got trained by their father and went their separate ways.
The Story of Uroš Matic.
There was a time when Nemanja Matic eagerly anticipated the opportunity to face his brother, Uroš, in the Champions League. The sibling rivalry brought an extra layer of excitement for the midfielder, as Uroš was part of Chelsea at the time. However, in the end, it was the younger Matic who suffered defeat, marking a memorable moment in their footballing careers and family history.
When Nemanja Matic clashed with Brother, Uroš.
Uroš Matic once aspired to reach the same level of success as his older brother, Nemanja. However, despite his efforts, he struggled to step out of his brother’s shadow.
More on Matic’s Brother:
Uroš views Nemanja as someone who is living the dream, a footballer whose achievements have set a high bar, making it challenging for him to fully catch up. Their bond remains strong, but Uroš still finds himself comparing his journey to the illustrious path of his elder brother.
In his words, ‘Nemanja may be my brother, but I’m my own player realising my own kind of dream at FC Copenhagen.
I think I can find a really good position here in this club and make a big name for myself,” he told Goal.
Both pairs spend holidays together with their best friends ‘a football’ by their sides.
The Happy Brothers- Nemanja and Uroš Matić.
Who is Aleksandra Pavić? Nemanja Matic’s Wife:
During his first spell at Chelsea, a time when he saw many difficulties, Matic decided to give his personal life a chance. He met and fell in love with Aleksandra Pavić, who also comes from his country of origin.
In his words, ‘My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade Aleksandra to marry me’. Both pairs had a secret wedding in 2010.
Matic weds Aleksandra.
Nemanja Matic’s marriage to Aleksandra indeed brought success to his career. She gave him the necessary encouragement he lacked. She is no doubt his pillar and his motivator. Both have shared several successful moments together.
Aleksandra Pavić celebrates with her husband.
Nemanja and Aleksandra’s marriage have received its blessing. They both have a son.
The Matic Family.
Below is a picture of them looking in an estate agent as they prepare to relocate from London to Manchester.
Nemanja Matic and the Love of his Life.
Paying off his Village Depts:
He is known for his generosity back in his Sabac home town in Macedonia, Serbia. He has helped his village pay back its old debt.
Nemanja Matic Pays off Village Dept.
Matic has also given out to his old club, Obrenovac 1905. He donated a museum to the club.
Nemanja Matic Bio – Reuniting with The Special One:
Nemanja Matic was thrilled to reunite with his former boss, José Mourinho. Reflecting on their strong bond, Mourinho expressed his gratitude, saying,
“I would like to thank him for his desire to join us because, without that, it would have been impossible. I am sure our players and supporters will love him. A big welcome to our new number 31.”
Matic shared the same excitement, stating the following words,
“I am so excited to have joined Manchester United. Working with José Mourinho again was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. This is an exciting time for the club, and I look forward to contributing to its rich history.”
The mutual respect and admiration between Mourinho and Matic is undeniable, with their professional relationship standing as a testament to their deep connection.
The Bond between Nemanja Matic and Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho saw a green light in his chase for Matic after noticing Antonio Conte’s defensive midfield interest lying more on Tiemoure Bakayoko and N’Golo Kante.
After departing Chelsea to reunite with José Mourinho at Manchester United, Nemanja Matic followed the “Special One” once again to Roma. He later transferred to Rennes and then Lyon. As of now, the former United star is eyeing a Premier League return, potentially marking his fourth club move in just two years.
Getting Help from an old friend:
Matic received a warm welcome to his first training session at Manchester United from none other than his former Chelsea teammate, Juan Mata.
Mata took the time to show him around and helped him settle into the new environment, ensuring Matic felt right at home. This reunion of old teammates highlighted the camaraderie and support within the squad, making Matic’s transition to the club much smoother.
Nemanja Matic reunion with an old friend.
Both Matic and Mata shared close friendship during their spell at Chelsea FC.
Nemanja Matic Car:
Finally, on things about Matic is his car choice. For every club he goes to, he chooses to have at least a car that has the same colour as the club’s jersey. This is the case for both Chelsea and Manchester United, as seen below.
Matic’s car choice to match club colours.
He is a lover of Mercedes when it comes to driving bigger vehicles.
Nemanja Matic was spotted inside his Mercedes Benz.
