Nikola Milenkovic’s story begins with his mother, Nadežda Milenković, a dedicated schoolteacher who made numerous sacrifices to support her son’s football dreams. As a child, Nikola faced significant challenges, growing up in a broken home after his father, Fali Milenkovic, left when he was young. Despite these hardships, Nikola and his sister, Jelena, were nurtured by their resilient mother. This narrative reflects the journey of a talented Serbian defender, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, who has risen to prominence alongside footballers like Thomas Delaney and Theo Hernandez.
This article shares the inspiring story of a footballer who changed the game for kids in his neighborhood, thanks to his mother, Nadežda Milenković. Nadežda, a well-respected schoolteacher, challenged common stereotypes about young footballers and was determined to prove her critics wrong. She dedicated herself to ensuring her son’s success in football. We’ll explore how Nadežda’s unwavering support and determination helped transform her son’s life, turning him into a celebrated footballer both at home and abroad.
As you dive into this article, you’ll find it goes beyond merely listing Nikola Milenković’s career highlights as found on YouTube. We delve into his childhood story, exploring his early years in football and providing insights into his parents’ marriage and subsequent separation. You’ll learn about his father, Fali Milenković, his mother, Nadežda Milenković, and his sister, Jelena. Additionally, we’ll cover details about the Serbian footballer’s girlfriend, Anja Popović, as well as aspects of his lifestyle and personality. Without further delay, let’s get into the heart of Nikola Milenković’s story.
Unseen Motherly Influence: How Nikola Milenkovic Became a Baller
Preamble:
Please note that our account of Nikola Milenković’s story starts by detailing his early life in Belgrade, Serbia. We then trace his journey through the pivotal moments that contributed to his success in football.
To spark your interest in Nikola Milenković’s biography, we’ve prepared an engaging gallery showcasing his boyhood and rise to prominence. Discover the visual story of this 6-foot-5 football giant.
Nikola Milenkovic Biography – Behold his Early Life and Success Story.
Yes, you and I know Nikola is underrated. This is a defender who is a real handful in the air, has great mentally, power and the act of dispossessing opponents.
As I write, the Serbian is definitely on his way to becoming one of the elite central defenders in world football.
Despite the huge accolades to his name, we notice that not many football fans have read a concise piece of Nikola Milenkovic’s Biography.
This is why we prepared this long memoir. Our aim is to satisfy your research and wiki inquiries about the big Serbian. Without further ado, let’s begin with his Early Life story.
Nikola Milenkovic Childhood Story:
To kick off his biography, it’s worth noting that Nikola Milenković is known by his Serbian nickname, Blek Stena.
Born on the month October 12th 1997, in Belgrade, Serbia, FR Yugoslavia, Nikola is the son of Nadežda Milenković and Fali Milenković.
The 6 feet 5 inches Defender came to the world as the first son and only male child of his Dad and Mum.
Meet one of Nikola Milenkovic’s parents. It is no other than his Mother, Nadežda. She is the person he first fell in love with. The one who knows him the best and who loves him the most.
Nikola Milenkovic’s life doesn’t come with a manual; it comes with his precious mother.
Early Life and Growing Up Days:
The Serbian Defender spent his childhood days alongside his best friend. This person is no other than Jelena. She is Nikola Milenkovic’s sister.
Both siblings did share wonderful childhood memories and grown-up dreams together. Back in the day and right to this moment, Jelena and Nikola still remain 5 and 6 (very close).
Nikola and Jelena had some unforgettable childhood memories.
Nikola Milenkovic Family Background:
Thanks to the hardworking nature of his parents (notably his Mother), the Serbian footballer wasn’t born poor. Nikola Milenkovic hails from a middle-class family background.
Like French Baller Theo Hernandez, Thomas Delaney, and Rodrigo De Paul, Nikola Milenkovic also comes from a broken home. His father, Fali, separated from Nadežda, his beloved mother and left the whole family abandoned when Nikola was just a child.
While a lack of documentation exists on his Dad, there exists information about his Mum (Nadežda Milenković). Regarding her occupation, the proud mother of Nikola and Jelena is a schoolteacher.
Nikola is the pride of his Family. Here, he celebrates one of his early trophies with his Mum (Nadežda) and little sister (Jelena).
Nikola Milenkovic Family Origin:
Belgrade, where the defender’s roots lie, is the capital of Serbia, a landlocked country in Central and Southeast Europe. If you’re not familiar with Serbia, it is located in the heart of the Balkans.
Now let’s talk about the ethnicity of the Serbian footballer. From an ethnic point of view, we classify Nikola Milenkovic’s parents under the South Slavic ethnic group. His Dad and Mum are from this Serbian language division.
Where did he grow up in Belgrade?
As a child, Nikola Milenkovic’s Family lived in Žarkovo, one of the most populous single neighbourhoods of Belgrade. The land use here is mostly residential, and Žarkovo is located in Belgrade’s municipality of Čukarica.
This map explains Nikola Milenkovic’s Family Origin. The Belgrade neighbourhood where he comes from is represented here.
Nikola Milenkovic Education:
Early on, all Nikola wanted was football, but his mother, Nadežda, convinced him about schooling. The family’s love for education stems from the fact that Nikola’s Mum is a teacher.
During those early days, there was this wrong notion that aspiring football kids who focus more on playing the game aren’t intelligent at school. In other words, aspiring footballers don’t do well in school.
Nadežda was against the stereotype – that football players are dull in school. As a teacher, her greatest wish was to see her son finish college.
To raise her hopes, Nikola promised his mother he would graduate. However, football commitment didn’t give him breathing space.
Nadežda Milenkovic firmly believed that her son could excel in both his studies and football. She described him as a ‘Wolf,’ reflecting her confidence in his ability to succeed in all his pursuits.
Thankfully, Nikola became the excellent student his Mum had always hoped for. He finished up to the high school level – with good honours. This proved that footballers are also intelligent – from an educational point of view.
During Nikola’s high school days, the fourth year was the most missed. His teachers approved the boy to miss classes, as they understood his football commitment with Partizan. In case you are not aware, this is a football academy he played for in his youth.
Early Life in the Academy:
The quest to begin his career journey began in Žarkovo, where his family lived.
Because Nikola grew up in that Belgrade neighbourhood, it was easy for his parents (notably his Mother) to identify a suitable academy he could train with.
After having a successful trial, the youngster got enrolled in the academy roaster of OFK Žarkovo.
This is a famous professional football academy based in Žarkovo, Belgrade, Serbia. Nikola laid his career foundation on solid footings – in this nice academy.
This is Nikola at Škola Fudbala Žarkovo football school. He stood alongside his teammates and his former coach, Nikola Jelic.
The words of Jelic:
Nikola Milenković had an outstanding start to his youth career, quickly surpassing his teammates in both training sessions and matches.
OFK Žarkovo’s youth coach (Nikola Jelic) observed Nikola’s attributes and was very eager to discuss the boy’s future.
All he wanted was for Nikola to excel fast, and Jelic noticed that his continuous stay with OFK Žarkovo wasn’t the right option.
Jelic took the courage to meet Nikola Milenkovic’s Mother to explain things to her. In Nadežda’s words,
When my son was in sixth grade, his then coach from Žarkovo told me that Nikola had nothing to look for in their academy.
That his abilities had surpassed the club.
Nikola Milenkovic’s mother acknowledged and began acting on Jelic’s advice.
From that moment, efforts were being made to make inquiries about her son’s next destination. Thanks to Nikola Jelic (his youth coach), the youngster ended his Žarkovo career on solid footing.
A mother’s relief as her son’s football journey continues with solid footing, thanks to the efforts of youth coach Nikola Jelic.
Road to Fame Story:
At 15, the youngster had a successful trial with Teleoptik. This bigger and better academy came with a limitation – which is distance.
Around 17.2 kilometres separate Nikola Milenkovic’s family home and the academy.
Travelling from Žarkovo to Teleoptik is like going from one end of the city to the other.
On many occasions, Nikola Milenkovic’s mother got worried about how her son would travel and get to school (on time) and still balance his football obligations.
The Partizan Call:
Because of the issue with distance, there came this quest to change Nikola’s academy. Thankfully, words came out that Partizan was looking for kids.
This is an elite Serbian football club based in Belgrade. Because of their reputation, it is really hard to pass their academy trials.
Nikola Milenković were among 30 other footballers who were approved to come for trials with the great club. Did you know?… Only five passed, and Nikola was one of them. These were the words of Nadežda, upon realizing her son had made it to FK Partizan.
That was the first time I seriously thought he could make a career out of football.
In those early years with Partizan, Nikola was very busy. He always left his family’s house early in the morning and returned in the evening.
During this time, his school teachers gave him breaks as they understood the need for him to focus more on his football career.
Back then, Nikola wasn’t always accessible, even when he got back home in the evening.
This is because he was quick to fall asleep – as a result of tiredness from training and the bus journies. Nevertheless, the boy was persistent because he believed he would succeed.
Nikola Milenkovic Biography – Success Story:
The Serbian stopper went through an incredible youth career – with triumph at last. Nikola integrated himself into the first team of Partizan under the command of Ivan Tomić.
This came after he completed a successful loan spell with Teleoptik – his far-away old team.
Within two seasons with Partizan, Nikola’s stunning displays helped the club achieve two major honours. The stopper won the Serbian Cup in the 2015-2016 season.
The following season, he helped this cub achieve the same cup title and also the Serbian SuperLiga.
The Serbian stopper won these Partizan trophies.
A Kidnap by the Italian Talent Hunters:
Around May 2017, Partizan president Milorad Vučelić confirmed that Fiorentina had bought Nikola Milenkovic.
A year later, Nikola had a fellow brother (Dusan Vlahovic) joining him at The Purples. Both friends, as seen here with a trophy, had an impressive start to life in Italy.
Things had just gotten better since Nikola’s arrival in Italy. The Baller didn’t just show character but also intelligence on the ball.
Early on, he began proving that he is more than just a Central Defender. Watch one of Nikola Milenkovic’s long-range strikes.
A year after Milenkovic joined the Italian side (Fiorentina), Serbian national team coach Mladen Krstajić found him worthy of national inclusion. He included the Big Serbian in his 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.
Many Football pundits considered Nikola the best defensive performer in the 2018 World Cup. His 34 successful tackles make it the most in the group stage.
He became so good that former United Boss Jose Mourinho went to watch him play for Serbia with hopes that his Man United would then sign him.
The 2021 Rise:
That year, the greatest achievement of the Serbian was helping his team beat Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal.
It happened in Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. That win earned Serbia the right to lead the qualifiers group table and qualify for the big tournament.
Nikola’s performance in Serbia’s triumph over Portugal in the World Cup qualifiers is proof of one thing. That the hype around his abilities is real.
Since playing a key role in Serbia’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Nikola Milenković’s reputation has skyrocketed, alongside teammates like Filip Kostić. It’s only a matter of time before he secures a transfer to a top European club. The rest of his story, as they say, is now history.
Who is Anja Popovic?
Starting off, she bears the Instagram name Apopoviceva. Anja Popovic is not just a girlfriend but Nikola Milenkovic’s wife-to-be.
Pictured below, the beautiful WAG has been with her man right from when he was aspiring to be a successful footballer. At that time, Nikola had nothing, meaning he hadn’t made it.
Meet Anja Popovic. She is Nikola Milenkovic’s Girlfriend and Wife-to-be.
When did Nikola and Anja Popovic begin dating?
Results from our research show August 2015. This is the likely date both lovers agreed to have a relationship together.
Nikola Milenkovic (at that time) had just achieved academy graduation from Partizan. Also, his mother (Nadežda) had declared him ready to mingle.
At the time of writing our version of Nikola Milenkovic’s Biography, the Baller and his girlfriend had just celebrated six years of being together.
Find below the very first photo Nikola and Anja had together – at the time they began dating. Both appear heavily in love with one another.
Personality:
This section of his Biography tells facts about the Serbian footballer – away from everything football. In other words, we provide the ideal answer to the question;
Who is Nikola Milenković?
First thing first, the Serbian defender has a contagious smile. A smile that can lift the mode of anyone around him.
On a personal note, those who know Nikola outside of football often describe him as a laid-back, calm, and collected 6-foot-5 giant.
The truth is, he feels comfortable in his own style, and you’ll hardly see the Serbian upset or bored about anything.
Lifestyle:
In this modern day and age, footballers earn thousands of euros for simply kicking a ball around a field.
While some people use their wealth to buy lavish homes and cars, Nikola prefers to spend his football earnings on holiday trips.
Nikola Milenkovic Car – his favourite:
The Serbian Centre-back is big on the desert recreational motor vehicles. Here, Nikola drives his wife-to-be (Anja Popovic) in what looks like a buggy car.
Nikola Milenkovic Family Life:
Each time he looks at his mother, Nikola feels the purest love he will ever know. Nadezda is the heartbeat of his immediate family, and without her, he wouldn’t be this successful. This section of our Bio tells you more about her and the rest of the family.
Nikola Milenkovic’s Mother:
Nadezda is a Biology teacher. Most people found out about this at the time news broke out of Serbia qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
People who have known Nadezda Milenkovic often call her Professor. This is her nickname, and little is known if Nikola Milenkovic’s mother has a PhD. Or if she has reached the academic ranks of a Prof.
As observed from the photos Nikola posted on social media, he appears to be much closer to his mother, unlike his father. Nadezda is soft-spoken and also a better listener.
Again, she has stayed with Nikola and Jelena the most. Both Mother and Son are excellent communicators.
Nikola celebrates the signing of a new contract with his mother.
From Students to Teacher – The Words of 2022 FIFA World Cup joy directed at Nadezda;
According to Nikola Milenkovic’s Mother, her students said certain words (that melted her heart) on a blessed day at her workplace (a Belgrade school).
These words came after her precious son (Nikola), alongside Alexander Mitrovic, helped Serbia qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
As Nadezda resumed work the next day, she never knew her students had planned a surprise chant for her. Nikola Milenkovic’s Mum entered the classroom and found every one of her students chanting;
“Professor…., We are going to Qatar… Let’s go to Qatar,”
Nikola Milenkovic’s Mother responded to her Biology students by saying,
“Well, boys and girls, let’s go.”
In the Belgrade neighbourhood where Nikola Milenkovic’s family live, everyone knows Nadezda, his mother. People know her as the parent of Nikola Milenkovic. She has lots of company who love her simply because she is an amiable person.
About Fali, Nikola Milenkovic’s Dad:
Nikola Milenkovic’s father, Fali, has played a minor role in his son’s career. Unlike Nadezda, Fali isn’t very close to his son. Research has it that Nikola Milenkovic’s parents were divorced.
After Nikola Milenkovic’s Dad’s separation from his Mother, it became hard for him to deal with the situation. This explains why Fali is absent for most of Nikola’s life. Looking through family photos, you’ll hardly see a photo of the Serbian footballer with his Dad.
Nikola Milenkovic’s Sister:
Jelena is her name, and she, alongside his Mother and Girlfriend, are his biggest supporters.
As a child, Nikola Milenkovic’s sister (Jelena), with his granddad, accompanied and stayed with him more at training. All efforts have paid off as Jelena, alongside other members of her family, all celebrates Nikola’s success.
You can hardly tell the difference between Nikola Milenkovic’s sister (Jelena) and his Girlfriend (Jelena Anja Popovic). Both look-alikes, alongside his Mum, celebrate Nikola Milenkovic.
About Nikola Milenkovic’s Grandfather:
In the absence of his Biological Dad, Nikola’s granddad played a huge role in his career foundation. While Nadezda Milenkovic (his mother) goes to work, Grandpa provides career support. One of which includes him and Nikola’s sister (Jelena) seeing him off to training.
Untold Facts:
Rounding up the Biography of the Serbian, we’ll use this section to tell more truths about the Belgrade native, who is bound to make Fiorentina return to Europe. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Nikola Milenkovic’s Net Worth:
To get this figure right, we first look at a breakdown of his Fiorentina salary – as of 2022. Nikola Milenkovic’s salary, as shown below, reveals what he earns right to the second.
Now, with over seven years of professional experience, the Defender has made quite a lot of money. Nikola Milenkovic’s Net Worth as of 2022 is approximately 8.5 million Euros.
Nikola Milenkovic’s Hobby:
Nikola Milenkovic read books a lot, and that hobby tells about his on-pitch intelligence. Again, when he travels for holidays, he always carries books. Nadežda, Nikola Milenkovic’s mother, reveals he is most interested in books about Psychology.
Nikola Milenkovic’s Profile:
As observed from the stats below, the Belgrade native excels most when it comes to defending, mentality, and power.
However, FIFA is yet to give Nikola Milenkovic an improved rating despite the performances he puts in the field. With what he delivers on the pitch, the Serbian defender should be on par or above Niklas Süle.
This is Nikola Milenkovic’s FIFA ratings as of December 2021. It is poor, and he deserves some improvements.
Nikola Milenkovic’s Religion:
Nadezda raised her son in adherence to the Christian religious faith. According to the Census in Serbia, there are 84.6% of Orthodox Christians and 5% of Catholics. Owing to these stats, our odds are in favour of Nikola Milenkovic being an orthodox Christian.
EndNote:
Our Biography of Nikola Milenkovic is a story about motherly love and a boy’s quest to strive for football excellence.
The Serbian footballer was born to his parents – Fali and Nadežda Milenković. He grew up in Belgrade alongside his sister, Jelena Milenkovic.
Nikola began his career journey began with Žarkovo, a club situated where his family lived. The boy was the brightest student there.
Back then, his namesake coach (Nikola Jelic) found the courage to speak with one of Nikola Milenkovic’s parents (his Mum). He advised her about finding a bigger football academy for her son.
At 15, young Nikola found Teleoptik. This academy’s only problem was distance. Around 17.2 kilometres separate Nikola Milenkovic’s family home and Teleoptik.
Travelling from Žarkovo to Teleoptik was very stressful. It was like moving from one end of Serbia’s Belgrade city to the other.
Seeking another academy, Nikola got lucky after he got a call to attend trials from Partizan. This is the biggest academy in the whole of Serbia. It is also the most difficult to enter.
Did you know?… Out of 30 footballers, Partizan accepted five, and lucky Nikola was among them.
Nikola gave up many things in those academy years. From the end to the end of Belgrade, he went by bus. Nikola had to enter two buses to get to training. And the third bus to school. In fact, he took half of Belgrade by public transport to get to training and school.
Under the command of Ivan Tomić, the youngster rose to Partizan’s first team. The Serbian became so good that he outgrew the club.
Becoming so good got Milenkovic kidnapped by Fiorentina, the Italian talent hunters. While there, his reputation grew, and he became a world-class defender.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking this precious time to read our version of Nikola Milenkovic’s Biography. We care about fairness and the accuracy of our football stories.
Please contact us if you notice anything that doesn’t look right in this memoir about the Serbian Defender.
On a final note, let us know what you think about Nikola – in our comment section. Stay tuned to more of our Biography stories about Serbian and European footballers. The Life History of Filip Kostić and Luka Jovic, the Euro 2024 Serbia Saviour?
