1. Overview
Lazar Marković (Лазар Марковићlâzaːr mǎːrkoʋitɕSerbian), born on March 2, 1994, is a Serbian professional footballer who primarily plays as a winger. He is currently with UAE Pro League club Baniyas. Marković began his professional career at Partizan in Serbia before moving to Benfica in 2013, where he achieved a domestic treble in his sole season. Following this successful period, he completed a significant transfer to Liverpool for 20.00 M GBP. His tenure at Liverpool was largely characterized by multiple loan spells at various clubs, including Fenerbahçe, Sporting CP, Hull City, and Anderlecht, before a brief stint at Fulham. He later returned to Partizan for a second spell, then joined Gaziantep in Turkey, which included a loan to Trabzonspor. Marković made his full international debut for the Serbia national team in 2012 and has since earned over 20 caps.
2. Early Life and Background
Lazar Marković was born on March 2, 1994, in Čačak, which was then part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and is now in Serbia. His football journey began in the youth selections of Borac Čačak. In 2006, at the age of 12, Marković joined the youth academy of Partizan as a trainee, where he continued his development. His older brother, Filip Marković, is also a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and also progressed through Partizan's youth system.
3. Club Career
Lazar Marković's professional club career has seen him play for several teams across different leagues, marked by early success in Serbia and Portugal, followed by a series of loan spells after his move to England.
3.1. Partizan (First Spell)
Marković's formative years and initial professional experience were spent at Partizan, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
3.1.1. Youth career and debut
After developing in the youth selections of FK Borac Čačak, Marković joined Partizan in 2006 as a 12-year-old trainee. He spent five years in the club's youth system before being promoted to the first team by coach Aleksandar Stanojević on May 29, 2011. His senior debut came in the final round of the 2010-11 Serbian SuperLiga season against FK Sloboda Užice. Wearing the number 50 shirt, Marković entered the match as a second-half substitute for Joseph Kizito, contributing to Partizan's 2-1 victory.
3.1.2. 2011-12 season
On July 11, 2011, Marković signed his first professional contract with Partizan, a five-year deal, alongside fellow talent Nikola Ninković. His first appearance of the 2011-12 season was on July 13, 2011, in Partizan's 2011-12 UEFA Champions League qualifying round opener against KF Shkëndija, where he played the final three minutes of the match. He scored his first senior goal in a league match against FK Novi Pazar on August 13, 2011. By the end of 2011, Marković's impressive performances led to him being voted Partizan's Player of the Year in a poll on the club's official website. In his first full senior season, Marković made 26 league appearances and scored six goals. Despite not scoring in the second half of the championship, he was selected for the 2011-12 Serbian SuperLiga Team of the Year.
3.1.3. 2012-13 season
The 2012-13 season saw Partizan participate in the group stage of a UEFA competition for the first time since 2010, the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League. Marković featured in all group stage fixtures, delivering notable performances against teams like Neftchi Baku, Rubin Kazan, and Internazionale. On December 6, 2012, he provided an assist to Saša Marković against Rubin Kazan. By the conclusion of the season, Marković had played in 19 league games, scoring 7 goals, and earned a place in the SuperLiga's Team of the Year for the second consecutive season. Additionally, the Serbian sports portal Mozzart Sport recognized Marković as one of the 25 best players in the Serbian SuperLiga for that season.
3.2. Benfica
Marković's move to Benfica marked his first venture into European football outside of Serbia.
3.2.1. Transfer and 2013-14 season
On June 10, 2013, there was considerable confusion surrounding Marković's transfer. Partizan club president Dragan Đurić initially told Sportski žurnal that Chelsea intended to loan Marković to Benfica for two years, expressing a hope that the deal wouldn't materialize so Marković could remain at Partizan for another six months. This statement was widely misinterpreted by several non-Serbian sports news outlets, which incorrectly reported that Chelsea had already signed Marković and would loan him. However, approximately eight hours after the initial report, Benfica's official website released a statement confirming that Marković had signed a direct five-year contract with them, with no mention of a loan deal involving Chelsea. This clarification aimed to resolve the confusion among journalists and fans following the transfer saga.
Marković made his debut for Benfica on August 25, 2013, in a 2-1 victory against Gil Vicente F.C., scoring a decisive goal in the 92nd minute that secured the win. On the third matchday of the 2013-14 Primeira Liga season, in the Lisbon derby against Sporting CP at the Estádio José Alvalade, Marković scored the equalizing goal after skillfully dribbling past three defenders, leading to a 1-1 draw. On May 1, 2014, during injury time of Benfica's 2013-14 UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Juventus FC, Marković was sent off following an altercation with his opponent Mirko Vučinić. Both players were off the field at the time, with Marković having been substituted and Vučinić on the substitutes' bench. Due to this suspension, Marković was unable to participate in the 2014 UEFA Europa League Final, which Benfica ultimately lost to Sevilla FC 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Despite this, in his single season with Benfica, Marković was instrumental in the club winning a domestic treble, securing the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, and Taça da Liga titles.
3.3. Liverpool
Marković's move to Liverpool was a high-profile transfer, but his time at the club was largely defined by a series of loan spells.
3.3.1. Transfer and 2014-15 season
On July 15, 2014, Liverpool officially announced the signing of Lazar Marković from Benfica for 20.00 M GBP. Benfica, which held 50% of his economic rights, received 12.50 M EUR from the transfer. He made his competitive debut for Liverpool on August 25, 2014, in the second match of the 2014-15 Premier League season, coming on as a substitute for Philippe Coutinho in the 60th minute of a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City F.C..
A notable disciplinary incident occurred on December 9, 2014, during Liverpool's final group stage match in the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League against FC Basel. Marković was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after he appeared to flick his fingers into the face of opponent Behrang Safari. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, which resulted in Liverpool dropping into the 2014-15 UEFA Europa League. In February 2015, Marković was handed a four-match European ban for this incident.
Marković scored his first goal for Liverpool on December 17, 2014, against A.F.C. Bournemouth in the 2014-15 Football League Cup quarter-finals, netting in the 27th minute of a 3-1 victory. His first Premier League goal came on January 10, 2015, scoring the only goal in the eighth minute of a 1-0 win at Sunderland A.F.C.'s Stadium of Light. On February 10, he opened the scoring for Liverpool in a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur F.C., marking his first Premier League goal at Anfield. During this season, under manager Brendan Rodgers, Marković was often deployed as a wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation, a position that required significant defensive contributions, which some observers felt limited his offensive capabilities.
3.3.2. Loan to Fenerbahçe (2015-16)
On August 30, 2015, Marković joined Turkish club Fenerbahçe on a season-long loan. He made his Süper Lig debut on September 13, coming on as a substitute for Robin van Persie in the 62nd minute of a 1-0 away win against Kasımpaşa S.K.. His first goal for Fenerbahçe was scored on December 10, when he opened the scoring in a 1-1 draw against Celtic F.C. at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, a result that secured Fenerbahçe's progression to the last 32 of the 2015-16 UEFA Europa League. On January 21, 2016, Marković scored his first goal in Turkish domestic football against Tuzlaspor in the group stage of the 2015-16 Turkish Cup, converting in extra time after being introduced as a substitute. Unfortunately, his season was cut short prematurely in February due to a hamstring injury.
3.3.3. Loans to Sporting CP and Hull City (2016-17)
On August 31, 2016, Marković returned to Lisbon, this time joining Benfica's local rivals, Sporting CP, on a season-long loan. He made his debut for Sporting on September 10, replacing Gelson Martins for the final 30 minutes of a 3-0 home victory over Moreirense F.C.. Three weeks later, on his first start, he scored his first goal for the club, opening the scoring in a 3-3 draw away at Vitória S.C..
In January 2017, Marković's loan spell at Sporting CP was terminated, and he was recalled by Liverpool. He then immediately joined Premier League club Hull City for the remainder of the season. His first appearance for Hull came on January 26, as a 59th-minute substitute for Jarrod Bowen in a 2-1 win over Manchester United F.C. in the 2016-17 EFL Cup semi-final second leg, although Hull lost 3-2 on aggregate. He scored his first goal for Hull on April 5, equalizing in a 4-2 home victory against Middlesbrough F.C. at the KCOM Stadium.
3.3.4. Loan to Anderlecht (2017-18)
In January 2018, Marković embarked on another loan, joining Belgian First Division A side R.S.C. Anderlecht for the second half of the 2017-18 season. Upon his arrival, it was noted that his fitness and condition were significantly below standard, requiring him to undergo a special fitness regime that would keep him out of game action for up to six weeks. He made eight appearances for the Brussels-based club, scoring once in a 2-1 loss at K.R.C. Genk on April 21. Following this period, Marković publicly criticized Liverpool for their treatment of him during his time at the club.
3.4. Fulham
After his loan spells, Marković's contract with Liverpool expired, leading to a brief period at Fulham. On January 31, 2019, Marković moved to Fulham on a free transfer, signing a contract for the remainder of the season. His transfer was reportedly recommended by his international teammate, Aleksandar Mitrović, who was also at Fulham. He made his sole appearance for the team on February 22, coming on as a half-time substitute for Jean Michaël Seri in a 3-1 loss against West Ham United. He did not feature in any further matches following the sacking of manager Claudio Ranieri. After his contract expired on June 30, 2019, he was released from the club.
3.5. Return to Partizan
Marković made a significant return to his boyhood club, Partizan, beginning his second tenure in 2019.
3.5.1. 2019-20 season
On September 3, 2019, Marković signed a three-year contract, marking his return to Partizan. He scored his first goal of this second spell with the club on September 15, 2019, in a 3-0 league victory against FK Proleter Novi Sad.
3.5.2. 2020-21 season
During the 2020-21 season, Marković continued to be a key player for Partizan. He made 27 appearances in the Serbian SuperLiga, scoring 12 goals. In total, across all competitions, he played 33 matches and maintained his 12-goal tally.
3.5.3. 2021-22 season
The 2021-22 season was Marković's final one in his second spell with Partizan. He played 21 matches in the Serbian SuperLiga, though he did not score any league goals. However, he contributed significantly in European competitions, making 14 appearances and scoring 3 goals. Overall, he featured in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring 4 goals.
3.6. Gaziantep
In July 2022, Marković made a permanent move back to Turkey, joining Gaziantep on a two-year deal, which included an option for an additional year.
3.6.1. Loan to Trabzonspor (2022-23)
In February 2023, due to the devastating 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake, Gaziantep F.K. withdrew from the 2022-23 season. Consequently, Marković joined Trabzonspor on loan for the remainder of the season, while still under contract with Gaziantep. He made 8 appearances and scored 1 goal for Trabzonspor during his loan spell.
3.7. Baniyas
Following his time in Turkey, Lazar Marković moved to the UAE Pro League and currently plays as a winger for Baniyas Club.
4. International Career
Lazar Marković has represented Serbia at various levels of international football, from youth teams to the senior national squad.
4.1. Youth career
Marković began his international career with the Serbian youth teams. In October 2009, he made his debut for the Serbia national under-17 football team during the qualification round for the 2010 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He was also part of the U-17 squad that participated in the 2011 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, which Serbia hosted in May 2011. Marković bypassed the national under-19 selection, being directly called up to the Serbia national under-21 football team for their qualification matches for the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He made his U-21 debut against Denmark on October 11, 2011.
4.2. Senior career
On February 24, 2012, Marković received his first call-up to the Serbian senior team for friendly fixtures against Armenia and Cyprus. He made his senior international debut as a starter against Armenia on February 28, 2012, just three days before his 18th birthday. Marković scored his first international goal for Serbia in a friendly match against Chile on November 14, 2012. Throughout his senior career, he earned over 20 caps for his country, scoring 3 goals. Despite his contributions, Marković was notably omitted from Serbia's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.
5. Personal Life
Lazar Marković has a close connection to football through his family. Standing at 70 in (178 cm) and weighing 143 lb (65 kg), his older brother, Filip Marković, is also a professional footballer. Filip, an attacking midfielder, also progressed through the youth setup of Partizan, the same club where Lazar began his career.
6. Career Statistics
6.1. Club
| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Continental | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Partizan | 2010-11 | Serbian SuperLiga | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2011-12 | Serbian SuperLiga | 26 | 6 | 3 | 1 | - | 4 | 0 | 33 | 7 | ||
| 2012-13 | Serbian SuperLiga | 19 | 7 | 0 | 0 | - | 12 | 0 | 31 | 7 | ||
| Total | 46 | 13 | 3 | 1 | - | 16 | 0 | 65 | 14 | |||
| Benfica | 2013-14 | Primeira Liga | 26 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 49 | 7 |
| Liverpool | 2014-15 | Premier League | 19 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 34 | 3 |
| 2018-19 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 19 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 34 | 3 | ||
| Fenerbahçe (loan) | 2015-16 | Süper Lig | 14 | 0 | 4 | 1 | - | 2 | 1 | 20 | 2 | |
| Sporting CP (loan) | 2016-17 | Primeira Liga | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 2 |
| Hull City (loan) | 2016-17 | Premier League | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 14 | 2 | |
| Anderlecht (loan) | 2017-18 | Belgian First Division A | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | |
| Fulham | 2018-19 | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Partizan | 2019-20 | Serbian SuperLiga | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 17 | 5 | |
| 2020-21 | Serbian SuperLiga | 27 | 12 | 4 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 33 | 12 | ||
| 2021-22 | Serbian SuperLiga | 21 | 0 | 4 | 1 | - | 14 | 3 | 39 | 4 | ||
| Total | 58 | 17 | 13 | 1 | - | 18 | 3 | 89 | 21 | |||
| Gaziantep | 2022-23 | Süper Lig | 19 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | - | 22 | 5 | ||
| 2023-24 | Süper Lig | 28 | 3 | 4 | 1 | - | - | 32 | 4 | |||
| Total | 47 | 7 | 7 | 2 | - | 0 | 0 | 54 | 9 | |||
| Trabzonspor (loan) | 2022-23 | Süper Lig | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 9 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 245 | 48 | 43 | 7 | 11 | 1 | 58 | 5 | 358 | 61 | ||
6.2. International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serbia | 2012 | 6 | 1 |
| 2013 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 22 | 3 | |
:Scores and results list Serbia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Marković goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 November 2012 | AFG Arena, St. Gallen, Switzerland | 6 | Chile | 1-0 | 3-1 | Friendly |
| 2 | 10 September 2013 | Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales | 9 | Wales | 3-0 | 3-0 | 2014 World Cup qualification |
| 3 | 7 June 2015 | NV Arena, Sankt Pölten, Austria | 19 | Azerbaijan | 4-1 | 4-1 | Friendly |
7. Honours
Lazar Marković has accumulated several team and individual honors throughout his professional career.
7.1. Club Honours
- Partizan
- Serbian SuperLiga: 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13
- Benfica
- Primeira Liga: 2013-14
- Taça de Portugal: 2013-14
- Taça da Liga: 2013-14
7.2. Individual Honours
- Serbian SuperLiga Team of the Year: 2011-12, 2012-13
- SJPF Player of the Month: January 2014, February 2014
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2013-14
- FK Partizan Player of the Year: 2011