1. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Aleksandar Kolarov was born on 10 November 1985 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). His football journey began in the youth systems of prominent Serbian clubs.
1.1. Youth Career
Kolarov started his football development in the youth system of Red Star Belgrade. He later continued his youth career at FK Obilić. In January 2004, at the age of 18, he moved to FK Čukarički, where he spent the remainder of the 2003-04 season in the club's youth setup before being promoted to the first-team squad in the summer of 2004.
1.2. Čukarički
Kolarov's first senior club experience was with FK Čukarički, which competed in the top-tier Serbia-Montenegro League. In his debut season, 2004-05, he made 27 league appearances, leaving a positive impression despite the team's relegation. For the 2005-06 campaign, Kolarov started with Čukarički in the second-tier league. During the winter break of that season, he made a controversial transfer to OFK Beograd, a club in the top-tier league. During his time at Čukarički, he scored 2 goals in 44 appearances.
1.3. OFK Beograd
Kolarov joined OFK Beograd in February 2006, completing the remainder of the 2005-06 season with them. It was at OFK Beograd that he scored his first league goal. He continued to play for the club through the 2006-07 season, further developing his skills before making his first move abroad. In total, he made 38 league appearances and scored 5 goals for OFK Beograd.
2. Club Career
Kolarov's professional club career saw him play for several major European teams, achieving significant success in both Italy and England.
2.1. Lazio
In the summer of 2007, OFK Beograd sold Kolarov to the Italian side Lazio, which had finished third in the previous 2006-07 Serie A season. The transfer fee was 925.00 K EUR. His first goal for Lazio came on 30 September 2007 at Stadio Oreste Granillo in Reggio Calabria, where he scored a powerful shot from 125 ft (38 m) to secure a draw against Reggina. During his first season in Rome, the 21-year-old Serb also made his UEFA Champions League debut on 24 October 2007 in a 2-1 away victory against Werder Bremen.
In his second season in Italy, Kolarov established himself as Lazio's primary choice at left-back. He scored a spectacular goal against Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare. A particularly memorable moment came in the second Derby della Capitale of the season against city rivals Roma. With Lazio leading 3-2, Kolarov received the ball from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in defense and proceeded to run 279 ft (85 m) virtually unopposed before slotting the ball past Roma goalkeeper Doni. On 13 May 2009, Kolarov played in the 2009 Coppa Italia Final against Sampdoria. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, and Kolarov successfully converted one of Lazio's penalties in the shootout, helping Lazio win the trophy and conclude a successful season.
In August 2009, Lazio faced 2008-09 Serie A champions Inter Milan in Beijing for the 2009 Supercoppa Italiana. Kolarov earned his second winner's medal as Lazio defeated Inter 2-1. As the 2009-10 season neared its end, Kolarov was linked with a move away from Lazio, with Manchester City and Real Madrid reportedly interested. He made 82 league appearances and scored 6 goals for Lazio.
2.2. Manchester City
On 24 July 2010, Manchester City announced the signing of Kolarov for a reported transfer fee of 16.00 M GBP. He made his Premier League debut on 14 August in a 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Kolarov scored his first goal for City on 18 January 2011 in a 4-2 FA Cup victory over Leicester City. On 2 February 2011, he netted his first Premier League goal from a free kick in a 2-2 draw against Birmingham City. He played the full 90 minutes as City won the 2011 FA Cup Final with a 1-0 victory over Stoke City.
The arrival of Gaël Clichy in the summer of 2011 somewhat reduced Kolarov's first-team opportunities. However, he continued to contribute, scoring an equalizer for City in a 1-1 draw against Napoli in their first 2011-12 UEFA Champions League group stage match on 14 September 2011. On 1 October 2011, he played the full match at left-back in a 4-0 away victory over Blackburn Rovers in the 2011-12 Premier League. On 31 March 2012, he scored another long-range goal that helped City secure a 3-3 home draw against Sunderland after being 3-1 down. He ended the season with 12 league appearances, enough to earn a medal as Manchester City dramatically won the 2011-12 Premier League title on the final day.
On 18 September 2012, Kolarov scored a free kick in a 3-2 2012-13 UEFA Champions League defeat away to Real Madrid. He also scored in a League Cup loss to Aston Villa and another free-kick just five minutes into a match against Sunderland. On 10 December 2013, Kolarov scored a penalty in City's 3-2 comeback victory over Bayern Munich in their final 2013-14 UEFA Champions League group stage match, which secured the club's first-ever spot in the Champions League knockout stages. His only league goal of the 2013-14 Premier League season came on 1 January 2014, when he scored past goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel as City defeated Swansea City 3-2. On 11 May, he won his second Premier League trophy with Manchester City, having made 30 appearances in the league and 44 in all competitions that season. In June 2014, Kolarov signed a new three-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2017. He also changed his jersey number from 13 to 11. He made 165 league appearances and scored 11 goals for Manchester City.
2.3. Roma
On 22 July 2017, Roma confirmed the signing of Kolarov on a three-year deal for a fee of 5.00 M EUR. He scored on his debut for the club on 20 August, netting the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Atalanta. On 18 October, in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League, he scored in a 3-3 draw with Chelsea. Four days later, he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 win over Torino.
On 26 September, Kolarov scored his first goal of the 2018-19 season in a 4-0 win over Frosinone. On 29 September, he scored against his former club and city rivals Lazio in a 3-1 win, becoming only the second player in history to have scored for both clubs in a Rome derby; the first was Arne Selmosson. Kolarov made 100 league appearances and scored 17 goals for Roma.
2.4. Inter Milan
On 8 September 2020, Kolarov joined Inter Milan on a reported one-year deal, with an option to extend for a further year, for a fee of 1.50 M EUR. In his initial matches, he was deployed as a centre-back for the first three league games, a position not his primary role. However, a combination of injuries, a bout with COVID-19, and a perceived lack of trust from coach Antonio Conte limited his playing time. He only made 11 appearances across all competitions in his first season, despite the team winning the league title. Following the season, his contract was extended for one year. On 19 June 2022, Kolarov announced his retirement from professional football. He played 10 league matches for Inter Milan.
3. International Career
Aleksandar Kolarov made significant contributions to the Serbian national football teams at various levels, showcasing his talent and leadership.
3.1. Serbia U-21
Kolarov was a vital part of the successful Serbia under-21 side that reached the final of the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship held in the Netherlands. As a key member of that team, Kolarov was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. In the semi-final clash against Belgium, he scored a crucial free-kick from long range, helping his team to victory. However, in the final against Netherlands, he received two yellow cards and was sent off, with Serbia eventually losing 4-1. This performance secured Serbia a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
3.2. Serbia National Team
Kolarov made his senior international debut for Serbia on 28 May 2008 in a friendly match against Russia. His powerful free-kick ability led to comparisons with legendary Serbian set-piece specialist Siniša Mihajlović.
He was selected for Serbia's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where he appeared in group stage matches against Ghana and Germany. Kolarov played a major role in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers and various friendlies. His impressive performances in 2011 were recognized when he was awarded the Serbian Footballer of the Year title.
On 11 September 2012, Kolarov scored his first goal for Serbia during a dominant 6-1 victory against Wales in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. He followed this with another free-kick goal against Belgium in a 2014 World Cup qualifier on 7 June 2013. On 7 September 2014, he scored the equalizer in a 1-1 draw with France.
Having helped Serbia qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, their first major international tournament in eight years, Kolarov was included in the final 23-man squad. He scored the only goal of their opening match against Costa Rica from a free kick, earning him the Man of the Match award. He captained Serbia in all three group stage matches at the tournament, demonstrating his leadership on the field. Kolarov earned a total of 94 caps for Serbia, scoring 11 international goals.
4. Style of Play
Aleksandar Kolarov was primarily a left-back, but his versatility allowed him to also operate as a centre-back and anywhere along the left flank. Despite not possessing exceptional pace, he was highly regarded for his overlapping attacking runs on the wing. His technical attributes included precise passing, accurate crossing, and a powerful ball-striking ability with his left foot.
Kolarov was particularly renowned for his accuracy from free kicks, earning him the nickname "the Roberto Carlos of Serbia." His powerful and precise left-footed shots made him a significant threat from set-pieces and long range. While a talented player, he was also known for his passionate and sometimes temperamental nature. For instance, in September 2009, he was suspended for two matches and fined 5.00 K EUR for verbally abusing a referee during a match against Parma.
5. Career Statistics
This section provides a comprehensive statistical breakdown of Aleksandar Kolarov's professional football career across clubs and the national team.
5.1. Club Statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||||
| Čukarički | 2004-05 | First League of Serbia and Montenegro | 27 | 0 | - | - | - | 27 | 0 | |||||||
| 2005-06 | Serbian First League | 17 | 2 | - | - | - | 17 | 2 | ||||||||
| Total | 44 | 2 | - | - | - | 44 | 2 | |||||||||
| OFK Beograd | 2005-06 | First League of Serbia and Montenegro | 11 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | - | 13 | 1 | ||||
| 2006-07 | Serbian SuperLiga | 27 | 4 | 2 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | - | 31 | 4 | |||||
| Total | 38 | 5 | 4 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | - | 44 | 5 | ||||||
| Lazio | 2007-08 | Serie A | 24 | 1 | 5 | 2 | - | 3 | 0 | - | 32 | 3 | ||||
| 2008-09 | Serie A | 25 | 2 | 6 | 1 | - | - | - | 31 | 3 | ||||||
| 2009-10 | Serie A | 33 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 5 | ||||
| Total | 82 | 6 | 13 | 4 | - | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 104 | 11 | |||||
| Manchester City | 2010-11 | Premier League | 24 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | - | 37 | 3 | |||
| 2011-12 | Premier League | 12 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 4 | |||
| 2012-13 | Premier League | 20 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 4 | |||
| 2013-14 | Premier League | 30 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 1 | - | 44 | 4 | ||||
| 2014-15 | Premier League | 21 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 2 | |||
| 2015-16 | Premier League | 29 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 3 | |||
| 2016-17 | Premier League | 29 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 1 | |||
| Total | 165 | 11 | 20 | 4 | 16 | 2 | 43 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 247 | 21 | ||||
| Roma | 2017-18 | Serie A | 35 | 2 | 0 | 0 | - | 12 | 1 | - | 47 | 3 | ||||
| 2018-19 | Serie A | 33 | 8 | 2 | 1 | - | 8 | 0 | - | 43 | 9 | |||||
| 2019-20 | Serie A | 32 | 7 | 2 | 0 | - | 8 | 0 | - | 42 | 7 | |||||
| Total | 100 | 17 | 4 | 1 | - | 28 | 1 | - | 132 | 19 | ||||||
| Inter Milan | 2020-21 | Serie A | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | - | 11 | 0 | ||||
| 2021-22 | Serie A | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | |||||
| Career total | 439 | 41 | 44 | 9 | 16 | 2 | 77 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 580 | 58 | ||||
5.2. International Statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serbia | 2008 | 2 | 0 |
| 2009 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 11 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2014 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 10 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | |
| Total | 94 | 11 | |
Score and results list Serbia's goal tally first
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 September 2012 | Karađorđe Stadium, Novi Sad, Serbia | 35 | Wales | 1-0 | 6-1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 2 | 7 June 2013 | King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium | 41 | Belgium | 1-2 | 1-2 | |
| 3 | 10 September 2013 | Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales | 43 | Wales | 2-0 | 3-0 | |
| 4 | 15 October 2013 | Jagodina City Stadium, Jagodina, Serbia | 44 | Macedonia | 3-0 | 5-1 | |
| 5 | 26 May 2014 | Red Bull Arena, Harrison, United States | 47 | Jamaica | 2-0 | 2-1 | Friendly |
| 6 | 7 September 2014 | Partizan Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia | 50 | France | 1-1 | 1-1 | |
| 7 | 8 October 2015 | Elbasan Arena, Elbasan, Albania | 57 | Albania | 1-0 | 2-0 | UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying |
| 8 | 29 March 2016 | A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia | 61 | Estonia | 1-0 | 1-0 | Friendly |
| 9 | 2 September 2017 | Partizan Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia | 69 | Moldova | 2-0 | 3-0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 10 | 5 September 2017 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland | 70 | Republic of Ireland | 1-0 | 1-0 | |
| 11 | 17 June 2018 | Samara Arena, Samara, Russia | 77 | Costa Rica | 1-0 | 1-0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup |
6. Post-playing Career
After retiring from professional football on 19 June 2022, Aleksandar Kolarov briefly ventured into football management. On 3 June 2023, he was appointed as the new sporting director of Italian Serie B club Pisa. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he left the club just over a month later on 10 July 2023. Beyond football, Kolarov is also involved in business, being an owner and investor of the Bor Retail Park in Bor, Serbia.
7. Honours
Aleksandar Kolarov accumulated numerous team and individual honours throughout his distinguished career.
7.1. Club Honours
Lazio
- Coppa Italia: 2008-09
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2009
Manchester City
- Premier League: 2011-12, 2013-14
- FA Cup: 2010-11
- Football League Cup: 2013-14, 2015-16
- FA Community Shield: 2012
Inter Milan
- Serie A: 2020-21
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2021
7.2. Individual Honours
- Serbian Footballer of the Year: 2011
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2018-19
- A.S. Roma Team of the Decade: 2010-2020