1. Early Life and Background
Damir Kahriman was born on November 19, 1984, in Belgrade, which was then part of Yugoslavia. His early life in Belgrade laid the foundation for his future career in professional football, where he would eventually become a recognized goalkeeper.
2. Club Career
Damir Kahriman's club career spanned several countries and clubs, demonstrating his consistent presence in professional football from his youth development through to his retirement.
2.1. Youth Career
Kahriman began his football journey in the youth ranks of GFK Sloboda Užice. It was within this youth system that he developed the fundamental skills and understanding of the game that would propel him into a professional career.
2.2. Senior Career
Kahriman's professional senior career commenced with GFK Sloboda Užice in 2001, where he made 12 appearances until 2003. He then moved to FK Javor Ivanjica for the 2003-2004 season, playing in 23 matches. From 2004 to 2006, he spent time with FK Zemun, appearing in 16 matches. His career saw a significant spell at FK Vojvodina, where he played 49 matches between 2006 and 2008, showcasing his abilities as a reliable goalkeeper.
In 2008, Kahriman ventured abroad for the first time, joining Turkish club Konyaspor, where he made 5 appearances. He returned to Serbia, playing for FK Rad Belgrade from 2008 to 2009 with 26 appearances, and then had another stint with FK Javor Ivanjica from 2009 to 2010, appearing in 40 matches. His career then took him to Ukraine, where he joined SC Tavriya Simferopol from 2011 to 2014, playing an impressive 77 matches.
A notable period in his career was with Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade from 2014 to 2018, where he made 47 appearances and contributed to the club's success. Following his time in Serbia, he moved to Greece, playing for Iraklis Thessaloniki F.C. in 2019, with 13 appearances, and then PAS Lamia 1964 from 2019 to 2020, where he played 4 matches. Kahriman returned to Serbia for another spell with FK Rad Belgrade from 2020 to 2021, making 28 appearances, and then joined FK Radnički Niš in 2021, playing 21 matches. His career concluded with another return to FK Javor Ivanjica in 2022, where he played 15 matches before his retirement.
3. International Career
Damir Kahriman proudly represented Serbia at both youth and senior levels, contributing significantly to the national football program.
3.1. Youth National Team
Kahriman was a prominent member of the Serbia national under-21 football team. He participated in the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship held in the Netherlands, where he played a crucial role in helping Serbia reach the final. His outstanding performance in the tournament led to his selection for the competition's official starting eleven, recognizing him as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe. Furthermore, his contributions extended to helping the U-21 team qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He earned 8 caps for the U-21 team between 2006 and 2007.
3.2. Senior National Team
For the senior Serbia national football team, Damir Kahriman earned a total of 8 caps. All of his appearances for the senior squad occurred in friendly matches between 2008 and 2016. He made his debut on February 6, 2008, entering the match in the second half during a friendly against Macedonia.
4. Career Statistics
This section details Damir Kahriman's international playing statistics for the Serbian national team.
4.1. International Statistics
| Serbia national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2008 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 | 3 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 8 | 0 |
5. Honours and Achievements
Damir Kahriman's career was marked by significant team and individual accolades, reflecting his success as a goalkeeper.
5.1. Club Honours
With Red Star Belgrade, Kahriman achieved notable success in the Serbian SuperLiga:
- Serbian SuperLiga (2): 2015-16, 2017-18
5.2. International Honours
Representing Serbia, Kahriman was part of the squad that achieved:
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Runner-up in 2007
5.3. Individual Honours
Kahriman's individual contributions were recognized with:
- Serbian SuperLiga Team of the Season: 2015-16 (as goalkeeper)
6. Retirement
Damir Kahriman retired from professional football following his final stint with FK Javor Ivanjica in 2022. Having played for over two decades across multiple leagues and representing his national team, his retirement marked the end of a long and active career as a professional goalkeeper.
7. Legacy and Reception
Damir Kahriman's career stands as a testament to his resilience and dedication in professional football. As a goalkeeper, he consistently performed at a high level across various clubs in Serbia and internationally in Turkey, Ukraine, and Greece. His significant contributions to Red Star Belgrade's Serbian SuperLiga titles cemented his place in the club's history. Furthermore, his pivotal role in the Serbia national under-21 football team reaching the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final, and his selection for the tournament's best eleven, underscore his impact on the national youth football scene. While his senior national team appearances were limited to friendlies, they still represent an important aspect of his career at the highest level of international football. His career, marked by longevity and notable achievements, solidifies his legacy as a respected figure in Serbian football.