‘Sons of Serbia’ — Luka Jovanović (Adelaide United)
The last month and a half has been the stuff of dreams for Luka Jovanović. From getting his first start for Adelaide United, to scoring two weeks in a row, to being named A-league player of the month at the age of 17. The only thing that could possibly make this fairytale even more glorious is a call-up to the Serbian U18 national side.
Luka is proof that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his father Srđan played football professionally before immigrating to Australia on a sports visa. His mother’s family meanwhile arrived in Australia during the 90s. And just 12 months after his father moved Down Under, Luka was born.
The Jovanović’s still regularly go back to Serbia to see their relatives: ‘I’ve visited 7 times total. We try to go every 2 or 3 years, as my dad’s family is all still in Kragujevac. But due to Covid restrictions and my busy football schedule, I haven’t been able to visit these last 3 years.’
Just like for most Serbs growing up abroad, the national team holds a special place in Luka’s heart: ‘I’ve been a fan of the team since birth, practically. We always watch the games and all of us love it. If I had to pick my proudest moment, it would definitely be the 2015 U20 World Cup win against Brazil.’
When it comes to Serbian club football, Luka also has a clear preference: ‘Even though my dad had a stint with Partizan when he was younger, growing up I’ve always supported Zvezda. I’ve even been to multiple matches when I was on holiday in Serbia.’
Luka made his official senior debut back in November 2022, but had to wait patiently for his definite breakthrough until March this year. Due to some injuries within the team, he got his first start for Adelaide United in the match against Melbourne City and just a week later scored his first goal in professional football in a 2–4 win against the Newcastle Jets.
In total, he’s played 295 minutes for Adelaide’s first team, scoring 2 goals already. His impressive start to senior football earned him the A-league player of the month award. A fantastic honour for any player, let alone a 17-year-old.
Like any true striker, Jovanović is obsessed with scoring goals. ‘Ever since I started playing football, all I’ve wanted is to score goals. I know I can improve as a footballer and I work on my weaknesses.’ In that sense, he tries to be like one of his role models growing up — Cristiano Ronaldo. ‘I always idolized him, the way he played and how hard he worked to get there.’
But now that CR7’s era is coming to its end, Luka tries to emulate other players: ‘I’ve been watching a lot of Vlahović, Mitrović and Benzema. I try to learn from the way they play, for obvious reasons.’
And it’s not just play style that has captured Luka’s imagination, as his goalscoring celebration should be familiar to all Serbian and Premier League football fans.
Looking towards the future, Jovanović has a couple of big dreams in particular: ‘To represent my nation at A-level and feature in the Champions League. Something I’ve always dreamed of, watching those legendary Champions League nights.’
Luka rightfully believes he holds the keys to his future: ‘I’m not sure where football will take me, but I believe that if I remain level-headed and work hard, I’ll be successful. It all depends on me.’
As a newcomer on the scene, he’s already got a fantastic mentor in Miloš Ninković, who’s been playing his football in Australia since 2015. ‘He’s been very friendly. We regularly speak on the phone about football-related matters and he gives me advice.’
Finally, the question that most will be asking themselves is Australia or Serbia? ‘I consider both countries my home, time will tell where I end up.’
Jovanović is born in 2005. Just like a very successful Serbian generation, led by Radovan Krivokapić, that got to the semi’s of the last U17 Euro and was defeated by the Netherlands on penalties.
That same team is now preparing for next season’s U19 qualifiers, and the A-league player of the month would no doubt be a quality addition to an already great side. Hopefully, his success doesn’t go unnoticed in Serbia, and he gets called up for next month’s friendlies.
