Behind the Scenes with Stefan Bajcetic: From Boyhood Years to Fame

Many football fans have wondered why Stefan Bajcetic was chosen as Liverpool’s natural defensive midfielder, especially with the anticipated exit of the legendary Fabinho. The name Stefan Bajcetic carries a significant story. This article tells his journey—a boy whose football destiny intertwined with Thiago Alcântara in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield. So why mention Thiago Alcântara? There’s a unique connection between these two midfielders that you, the reader, might not be aware of.

Perhaps you’ve wondered, what personal connection do Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago Alcântara share? It’s quite simple. Their fathers, Srdan Bajcetic and Mazinho, are not only good friends but were also teammates at Celta Vigo, a Spanish football club. Both played as midfielders during the 1996-97 season. Decades later, the football gods brought their sons together, creating a natural chemistry and understanding in Liverpool’s midfield. What a life!

This comprehensive article delves into Stefan Bajcetic’s biography, uncovering the lesser-known aspects of his childhood, the pivotal role football played in his formative years, and the influence of his parents, particularly his father Srdan Bajcetic and mother, Maquieira. It also explores his diverse family background, including his brother Jovan Bajcetic, and sheds light on his personal life, including his girlfriend. Additionally, it delves into Bajcetic’s Serbian heritage, ethnicity, hometown, and educational journey. Moreover, the article provides insights into his lifestyle, and personal interests of the rising star in Spanish football.

Preamble:

We start Stefan Bajcetic’s biography by delving into the significant events of his upbringing in Vigo, Spain. Next, we’ll guide you through his journey at Celta Vigo. Finally, our narrative will chronicle the ascent of this Spanish talent to stardom. We aim to captivate your interest in Stefan Bajcetic’s life story.

To begin, here’s a visual journey through a collection of photographs that illustrate the young phenom’s rise in the world of Spanish soccer.

Yes, everyone knows he became the second youngest Spaniard (after Cesc Fàbregas) to score a premier league goal. And he, alongside Gabri Veiga, are among the biggest talents to have come out of Celta Vigo recently.

Stefan, primed to take over from Fabinho in Liverpool’s midfield, is one of the hottest prospects in the world’s football circles. While working on the life stories of Spanish footballers, we came across areas where information was limited. And that makes it difficult for visitors like you to get a complete picture of their lives.

The truth is, not many football fans have read a complete version of Stefan Bajcetic’s Biography. Our comprehensive article on the Spaniard is a must-read for anyone interested in his life story and career. Now, without further ado, let’s get started.

Stefan Bajcetic Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, the promising up-and-coming football talent bears the nickname – New Fabinho.

Stefan Bajcetic was born on the 22nd day of October 2004 to a Serbian Father, Srdan Bajcetic and a Galician mother, Maquieira, in Vigo, Spain.

The talented newcomer to the Liverpool football scene arrived in the world as the second child born to the union between his Dad and Mum.

Srdjan’s marriage to a Spanish woman from Vigo gave birth to Stefan and his older brother, Jovan.

Growing Up Years:

During his early childhood days, Stefan always had someone to play with. That person is his older brother, Jovan Bajcetic.

Thanks to their shared interest in sports, Srdan’s sons never experienced the loneliness and boredom that some children with zero playmates feel.

Their father, a dedicated footballer with Celta Vigo, would often take them to the local park to practice the game and play together.

Reflecting on his childhood, Stefan Bajcetic is grateful for moments like this with their Dad. Srdan is a man who has never lost sight of the importance of bonding with his sons.

Early Life:

From the beginning, Srdan has always shown that he is a clear example of how parents should act with their sons when they play football.

Despite being a professional in the sport, Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad never exerted any pressure on him and his brother in terms of following in his footsteps.

Rather, Srdan gives his sons the personal space to discover their own passions, which they found in the same sport he loved.

It is pertinent to state that both Stefan and his brother, Jovan Bajcetic, went on to become professional footballers.

In this Bio, we’ll tell you how Stefan and Jovan’s success arose through the good work of his father.

Stefan Bajcetic Family Background:

Let’s unveil facts about the household of the promising up-and-coming soccer talent from Spain.

From our story so far, it is clear that football talent runs in Stefan Bajcetic’s family. Now, let’s tell his background from his parents’ perspective, starting with his Dad, Srđan.

Srdan was a retired professional footballer and a Serbian midfielder. Before retiring in 2004, Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad had a 12-year career with clubs like Red Star Belgrade, Braga, Celta de Vigo, etc.

During his three seasons with Celta, Srdan played alongside Mazinho, the father of Thiago Alcantara.

Stefan was not born when his Dad and the Dad of Thiago Alcantara played together. And little Thiago was around five to six years old (in the 1996/1997 season).

More on his Parents:

After hanging up his boots. Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad went into business. Srdan became one of the owners of a stationery store situated at the opposite end of the Balaídos stadium.

This is the home of the La Liga football club Celta Vigo. In addition, Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad became the co-owner of a land rental business.

Before venturing into business, Srđan Bajčetić has always been a man who fancies the idea of coaching in the game.

As he instilled a passion for the sport into his sons, he discovered that he didn’t just want to retire and quit football totally.

Srđan became the assistant coach of Rápido de Bouzas. This is a Spanish football team based in the autonomous community of Galicia. Rápido de Bouzas is situated in the fishing town of Bouzas, parish of Vigo.

From a coaching point of view, Srđan Bajčetić’s Dad first worked with Jorge Otero.

After gaining valuable experience, he proceeded to become the coach of Celta C-Gran Peña, Celta Vigo’s second subsidiary club, founded in 2021. This club plays in the Tercera RFEF, the fifth tier of the Spanish football league system.

Also, on Stefan Bajcetic’s Mother’s side, the history of playing football flows. Our research shows that the Athlete’s Mum played the game for the women’s side of Celta de Vigo in the 1990s.

Both Stefan Bajcetic’s Mum and Dad work together at Celta C – Gran Peña. Now, let’s proceed to discuss the Athlete’s roots.

Stefan Bajcetic Family Origin:

After making history with Liverpool, many fans were interested in knowing his roots and the country he comes from.

To their greatest surprise, a Baller like him with the surname “Bajcetic” (which doesn’t sound Spanish) was from Vigo and held Spanish nationality.

In an actual sense, Stefan Bajcetic’s family (from his mother’s side) has Spanish roots in Vigo. This is a city situated on Spain’s northwest coast, Srdan. And the defensive midfielder has Serbian origin through his father, Srdjan.

Put simply, Stefan Bajcetic was born in Spain to a Galician mother but has Serbian heritage through his Dad.

When his Dad played his professional football in Spain, he met and fell in love with a woman whose Spanish surname is as Galician as Maquieira.

The result of their marriage gave birth to Stefan and his older brother, Jovan Bajcetic.

At the time of writing Bajcetic’s Bio, he is eligible to play for either Serbia (the country of his father) or Spain (the country of his mother). Here is a map that best explains Stefan’s origins.

Ethnicity:

Stefan Bajcetic belongs to the ethnic group in Spain known as the Spanish Serbs. The are two Spanish Serbs we have covered their Biographies.

These persons include the former Barca wonderkid Bojan Krkić and the Lazio legend Sergej Milinković-Savić.

Together with Stefan, they are the most notable footballers who identify with the ethnic group.

Put simply, Spanish Serbs comprise of persons who are Spanish citizens of Serb ethnic descent. According to the website Politika, Spain holds around 7,000 Spanish Serbs.

Education:

Stefan Bajceticand his brother, Jovan, completed their infant and primary schooling at Vigo, northwest Spain.

When it comes to furthering their education, Stefan Bajcetic’s Brother took the lead. Jovan completed secondary school and went on to study mechanical engineering at the university.

Although not as successful as Stefan (career-wise), Jovan decided to combine being a mechanical engineer and playing football professionally.

According to Srdan, their Dad, Jovan, unlike Stefan, is not interested in advancing in football. Rather, he sees himself taking up engineering jobs away from the football field.

Stefan Bajcetic Biography – Football Story:

Born to parents who are enthusiasts of the beautiful game, there was no denying the fact that the football genes weren’t there.

Pictured below, Stefan Bajcetic followed in his Dad’s footsteps by joining the lower categories of Celta de Vigo’s academy.

While at Celta Vigo’s academy, Stefan Bajcetic’s youth coach, Simon Gonzalez-Banga, raised him to become a fine footballer.

Pictured on the far right in the above photo, the coach impacted mentoring, confidence-building, skill and character development to the boys.

Bajcetic was known as a well-behaved kid whose exuberance would sometimes get him into mischief.

From his early football years, the youngster had been a match-winner in his own right. Bajcetic wasn’t the kid who stood still, as he had a lot of energy to dispel.

Those who knew him as a young footballer would say he was a very active boy. A boy that was known for his great running ability, plenty of strength, and rare jump power.

He, who has this first-class attitude, began his youth career as a defender. Here are the words of Otero, who coached Bajcetic at the U12 level.

“Stefan was always a high-level player. The boy had something very important both on and off the pitch. Stefan was always liked by his teammates and the Celta Vigo employees.“

It is pertinent to state that Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad didn’t have a hand in his son joining Celta Vigo Academy.

It was Alex Otero, the club’s academy coordinator, who spotted him when he played football locally. He recalled that he was struck by the boy’s strength and pure athleticism.

Road to Fame:

The input and coaching experience that Srdan transferred in terms of helping his son’s development was critical. The same could be found for that experienced by Thiago and Rafinha.

Their Dad, Mazinho, took a similarly laidback approach that helped his sons’ careers at La Masia (Barcelona’s famed academy).

Stefan Bajcetic performed excellently at Celta. As he progressed, the coaches realized his true position was at the midfield, so they made him switch. Switching from a defender to a defensive midfielder wasn’t complicated for the youngster.

Despite being a businessman, Srdan, his Dad, found time to give his son coaching tips. The busy Dad, who is also a full-time coach, would oftentimes take Stefan to his club’s training facility.

While he goes to attend to his business, he would leave his son there on his own to train.

With a first-class attitude, Bajcetic improved as a defensive midfielder with his passing range, tackles and reading of the game.

Soon, the defensively-minded player became one of the brightest youth prospects of his age group in the entire country (Spain).

Being a subject of transfer:

Following the meteoric rise of the teenager, a transfer battle for Bajcetic ignited across Europe.

At first, there was interest from Spain, but Srdan (his Dad) didn’t want to talk to any Spanish club. For Stefan Bajcetic’s Parents, it wasn’t about money, as they were not poor.

Srdan waited for one of Europe’s big guns to come calling for his son. And that finally happened in the winter of 2020.

A time when many Premier League clubs were desperate to buy young footballers in Europe because of the upcoming Brexit rules.

With the Brexit rule, it would be more complicated for clubs in England to recruit promising young players or oversea talents. Hence, the need to act fast to get the best of top talents, especially in Europe.

Man United and Chelsea FC were the first clubs in England that establish contact with Stefan Bajcetic’s family. From the Spanish side of things, there was interest from top La Liga clubs like Sevilla, Valencia and Atletico Madrid.

Surprisingly, Liverpool, who arrived at the transfer battle scene, won the race. The club paid the sum of €250,000 to land him in Merseyside in the month of February 2021.

Now, let’s give you reasons why Stefan Bajcetic’s Parents approved their son’s transfer to the Reds.

Why Liverpool?

In addition to sporting opportunities, Bajcetic’s Dad (Srdan) took into account his son’s development as a person.

This personal development involves him learning the English language and living a life of unique experience. The Bajcetic family value that more than anything else.

Srdan has always known the importance of learning the English language.

To tell the truth, this, in addition to making his last son become independent, were the most important reason for the approval of Stefan’s Liverpool transfer.

He wanted his son to experience life in another country without having his parents or family by his side.

For many Dads and Mums of young footballers, there is always a feeling of pride and worry when their 16-year-old kid leaves for another country to live without them.

Stefan Bajcetic’s Parents were never worried, as they felt their son was in the right hands.

Young Stefan lived with three other Liverpool football players in the same house. There was also a family they lived with – all in the same house.

In his new environment, the youngster learnt about football and the ability to live without depending on his parents.

Stefan Bajcetic Biography – Rise to Fame:

In England, football for the Spaniard began with the Liverpool U18 team.

A young Bajcetic impressed his coaches and got an immediate promotion to the under-21 side managed by head coach Barry Lewtas.

Because Stefan showed lots of promise with the u-21 side, he was allowed to train with the seniors.

From the first day Bajcetic trained with Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane, Klopp was convinced he was the chosen one for his midfield’s future.

Stefan was supposed to have his debut as early as the 2021/2022 season. However, a back injury prevented Klopp from showcasing him to the world.

With injuries still biting the youngster, he sat on the bench for Liverpool’s first three games of the next season.

To the joy of Stefan Bajcetic’s family, their breadwinner had his long-awaited debut in the fourth game. This was the game Liverpool trashed Bournemouth 9 goals to 0.

On that day, Stefan Bajcetic replaced Jordan Henderson for the remaining 20 minutes of the match. The Spaniard’s senior Champions League debut followed next in the match against Ajax in September of 2022.

Bajcetic Rise:

After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool senior players found themselves struggling for confidence and form.

Liverpool fans got to know the capabilities of their highly-rated teenager when he replaced the makeshift defender, Fabinho.

Indeed, the boxing day of 2022 will forever go down in history for Bajcetic. He scored his first goal with Liverpool’s senior team this day.

Thanks to that goal, he achieved the rare milestone of being the second youngest Spanish goal scorer in Premier League history. What followed next was Liverpool tying him on a long-term contract.

In case you are wondering, the youngest Spanish player to score a goal in the Premier League is Cesc Fábregas (at the age of 17 years and 113 days).

Certainly, in terms of Bajcetic’s frame and style of play, there are similarities with West Ham Legend, Declan Rice.

Without a doubt, Liverpool FC is lucky to have a rare Defensive midfield talent in the Spaniard.

And football fans are on the verge of witnessing the Spanish Serb pushing his way into becoming world-class, just like Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Gavi. The rest, as we say, is now history.

Who is Stefan Bajcetic’s Girlfriend?

The fact that he (a young Soccer prodigy) began breaking boundaries at a young age proves he is en route to becoming successful in the sport.

There is a saying that behind every successful Galician athlete comes a glamorous girl. To this end, we ask the question;

Who is Stefan Bajcetic dating?

An inquiry into knowing the love life of the Budding Spanish Baller.

Time commitment, focus on his early career, the pressure of dating, and the need for privacy could be the reasons why he is single.

At the time of writing Stefan Bajcetic’s biography, he was yet to publicly reveal the fact that he was pursuing a romantic relationship.

A detailed check into the Spaniard’s social media account reveals zero traces of the existence of a girlfriend, wife in the making, or a baby mama.

Stefan Bajcetic’s Parents had probably advised him to prioritize his career over the idea of being in a relationship.

Stefan Bajcetic Lifestyle:

During the holidays, the Liverpool Midfielder has been spotted at Cova d’en Xoroi. This is a popular tourist attraction situated on the Spanish island of Menorca.

It has a natural cave converted into a bar, nightclub, and live music venue, offering visitors an unforgettable and unique experience.

Personality:

Who is Stefan Bajcetic outside football?

If you are talking about a footballer with a gentle demeanour, look no further than him. Stefan isn’t the type who displays his wealth – cars, houses, etc. He lives normally and do not seek attention or praise for his football achievements.

When Stefan arrived in England, he lived with an English family. Liverpool made the arrangement, including making the said family pay his expenses and help him integrate with the Merseyside environment.

Since adapting to England, Stefan has demonstrated his competitive character as well as an iron mentality and humbleness (outside the pitch).

Like N’golo Kante, he is not self-promoting, and by his looks, you can tell his modest and unassuming nature.

Stefan Bajcetic Family Life:

The members of his household actively follow everything that happens to him with Liverpool.

They are always excited and never miss watching any of his games. And if something is going on on social media, they follow to know the latest trend on their breadwinner.

Stefan Bajcetic Father:

One of the keys to his success is Srdan’s good work. Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad gives little but good advice to him.

And he is not the type who has bad words toward the coaches if his son doesn’t get the opportunity to play.

Again, Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad raised him and his brother to understand and speak the Serbian language.

When they were little, he and Jovan would visit Serbia every year. That has helped as Stefan understands the Serbian language better than he speaks it today.

Stefan Bajcetic Mother:

Before getting married to Srdan, she (of Galician origins) bears the maternal family name Maquieira.

There is a saying that great football women have produced successful footballing sons, and Stefan’s Galician mother isn’t an exception.

Stefan Bajcetic Brother:

Jovan Bajcetic was born on the 17th day of November 2000. Stefan Bajcetic’s Brother is a Defensive Midfielder who plays for SD Juvenil Ponteareas at the time of writing this Bio.

Founded in 1950, this Spanish football club is based in the Northwest Spanish town of Ponteareas.

Our findings reveal that Jovan Bajcetic doesn’t give his professional football career 100% of his time. He also focuses on his education and second career.

As earlier recalled, Stefan Bajcetic’s Brother is a mechanical engineer by profession. In fact, Jovan earns money from both trades – football and mechanical engineering.

Untold Facts:

In the final section of Stefan Bajcetic’s Biography, we’ll unveil more truths you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Stefan Bajcetic’s FIFA:

Count him in when you think about youngsters severely underrated by FIFA at the time they were 17. Despite consistently performing at a high level during that time at Liverpool’s academy, Stefan still suffers a miserable 81 potential rating.

Some fans have argued that he deserves a potential rating of at least 85. A few young Defensive midfielders, like Boubacar Kamara, enjoy this high potential rating. Let’s not forget the likes of Sandro Tonali and Amadou Onana.

Stefan Bajcetic’s Liverpool Salary:

The 2022 contract he signed with the Reds sees him earning the sum of £15,000 weekly.

How rich is the footballer from Pontevedra?

Where Stefan Bajcetic’s Parents live, the average Spanish citizen makes around 32,520 euros per year. Do you know?… it will take 27 years for such a person to earn €879,771. This is the money Bajcetic receives annually with Liverpool.

Our odds are in favour of the defensive midfielder, who identifies with the Orthodox Christian faith. This is likely to be the religion of Stefan Bajcetic’s Dad.

Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion in Srdan’s country, Serbia. Considering that Stefan Bajcetic’s mum is Spanish, he is also likely to identify with the major religion in Spain, the Roman Catholic religion.

Behind Owen and Sterling:

Stefan Bajcetic overtook Robbie Fowler to become Liverpool’s third youngest goalscorer in the Premier League.

This goal came on the 26th of December 2022, when he (in the 81st minute) slid the ball into the net through the legs of Tyrone Mings.

For football fans, being behind Legends like Michael Owen and Raheem Sterling is not a bad claim to fame. Not bad at all for the second son of Srdan Bajcetic, who achieved this feat when he was only 18.

Summary EndNote:

Stefan Bajcetic is the son of Srdan, a retired Serbian Footballer and now a businessman. He was born on the 22nd of October 2004 to his Mother, who is from the Maquieira family in Vigo, Spain.

The Spaniard grew up alongside a brother who goes by the name Jovan Bajcetic. Speaking of Stefan Bajcetic’s origin, two countries are tied to him – Spain and Serbia.

From an ethnic standpoint, Stefan, like Bojan Krkić and Sergej Milinković-Savić, are Spanish Serbs. Bajcetic’s nationality is Serbia (from his father’s side) and Spain (from his mother’s side).

The new golden pearl of Serbian football followed in his Dad’s and older brother’s footsteps to become what he is today. Srdan Bajcetic was a Serbian footballer who is best known for his days with Celta Vigo.

In the mid-1990s, Stefan’s Dad played alongside Mazinho, the father of Thiago Alcântara. Thiago’s Dad is a 1994 FIFA World Cup winner, a tournament he won alongside the great Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima.

Srdan guided his two sons into becoming professional footballers. Jovan, who is Stefan Bajcetic’s Brother, combines professional football with being a mechanical engineer.

For Little Brother Jovan, the journey to live his dreams began with Celta Vigo’s academy.

At the age of 16, the youngster left his family behind in Spain to follow his dream in England. Stefan Bajcetic’s family were convinced that Liverpool would be the club that would look after him really well.

Thankfully, the god of football brought the sons of Mazinho and Srdan together at Liverpool.

Stefan found himself playing in a Liverpool midfield that boasts of Thiago Alcântara. It is pleasing to know that their Dads once forged a strong bond in the midfield many years ago.

Aside from our article on Stefan Bajcetic’s Bio, we’ve got other interesting Liverpool, Spanish and Serbian Football stories for you. From the Reds’ point of view, you’ll love the Life History of Fabio Calvalho and Harvey Elliott.

The Life story of the Spanish midfield maestros – Pablo Gavi and Pedri, will excite you from a Spanish standpoint. And you would not want to miss the emotional story of Serbian footballer Filip Kostic.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Stefan Bajcetic’s Biography. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver the stories of Defensive midfielders as we have done for the likes of Marc Casado and Carlos Baleba.

Stefan Bajcetic’s Bio is part of our wider collection of Serbian Football Stories. Also, please tell us (via comment) what you think about the history of the Spanish-born footballer who helped Liverpool find glimpses of old selves.

If there’s anything that strikes you as not quite right in this profile of the emerging defensive midfielder, feel free to let us know in the comments.