1. Early life and background
Nikolić was born on 31 December 1987, in Senta, Vojvodina, Yugoslavia. His father is Serbian, and his mother is Hungarian. He began his football career at a young age, playing alongside his brother at FK Senta, the local club in his hometown.
2. Club career
Nikolić enjoyed a distinguished club career spanning over a decade, during which he consistently proved to be a highly effective striker across several top European leagues and Major League Soccer.
2.1. Early career in Hungary
Nikolić started his professional career in Hungary. In the 2006-07 season, he debuted for Barcs in the Hungarian second division, playing 19 matches and scoring 3 goals. Following this, he moved to Kaposvölgye VSC for the 2007-08 season, where he significantly improved his scoring record, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances.
On 7 February 2008, Nikolić joined Kaposvár, a team in the Hungarian first division. He made his debut against Videoton FC. During his three seasons at Kaposvár, he became a key attacking player, scoring 30 goals in just 49 league matches. His impressive goal-scoring attracted attention from several top Hungarian clubs, including Újpest, Ferencváros, and Videoton.
In 2010, Nikolić was signed by Videoton FC. He quickly made an impact, becoming the top scorer in the 2009-10 Nemzeti Bajnokság I season with a total of 18 goals, including those from his time at Kaposvár. In the 2010-11 season, he won the Hungarian League title with Videoton. However, with the arrival of Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa in the 2011-12 season, Nikolić often found himself left out of the starting lineup. Despite this, he proved his value as a substitute, scoring against Paks, Siófok (twice), Újpest (twice), and Pápa in consecutive league matches.
He continued to play a crucial role in European competitions. On 2 August 2012, Nikolić scored the only goal in the first leg of the third round of the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League, securing a 1-0 victory for Videoton over Belgian club K.A.A. Gent at the Sóstói Stadion. He also scored in the second leg, contributing to a dominant 3-0 win for Videoton at the Jules Ottenstadion. On 4 September 2012, he scored again in the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League, helping Videoton defeat Portugal's Sporting CP 3-0 at Stadion Sóstói.
Nikolić achieved further individual success in his first spell at Videoton. In the 2013-14 season, he secured his second Nemzeti Bajnokság I top scorer title with 18 goals, sharing the award with Attila Simon. In the 2014-15 season, he set a new league record on 26 October 2014, by scoring in 12 consecutive league matches. He finished that season with 21 goals, earning him his third Nemzeti Bajnokság I top scorer award and contributing to Videoton's league championship win.
2.2. Legia Warsaw
On 8 June 2015, Nikolić moved to Poland, joining Ekstraklasa club Legia Warsaw. He quickly adapted to the Polish league, making a strong debut in the 2015-16 season on 19 July 2015, by scoring two goals against Śląsk Wrocław at the Stadion Miejski in Wrocław. On 16 March 2016, he scored a hat-trick against Zawisza Bydgoszcz at the Pepsi Arena in Warsaw, leading Legia Warsaw to a 4-0 victory.
Nikolić was instrumental in Legia's success during his time there. On 15 May 2016, Legia secured the 2015-16 Ekstraklasa title by defeating Pogoń Szczecin 3-0 at home. He was the top scorer of the 2015-16 Ekstraklasa season, scoring 28 goals in 37 matches. He also won the 2015-16 Polish Cup with Legia, finishing as the top scorer in the competition with 6 goals. His outstanding performance earned him numerous individual accolades, including the Ekstraklasa Player of the Year, Ekstraklasa Forward of the Season, and the Canal+ Spectator Prize for the 2015-16 season. He was also named Ekstraklasa Player of the Month for August, September, and October 2015. In the 2016-17 season, Nikolić continued his strong form, helping Legia win their second consecutive league title.
2.3. Chicago Fire
On 20 December 2016, Nikolić transferred to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a Designated Player. The transfer fee was reportedly 3.00 M USD, with a three-year deal worth an estimated 1.90 M USD per year, according to MLS Players Union documents.
Upon his transfer, Fire General Manager Nelson Rodriguez praised Nikolić, stating that the club had "secured a champion in his prime, and one of the most prolific goal scorers in Europe over the last few years." Fire coach Veljko Paunović, who had known Nikolić since his early days in Serbia, commended his versatile skillset, noting: "His quality is scoring goals and assisting, but then he's a man that can participate in both phases of team play... He's very good in all phases of the game. Defensively, he helps the team to recover the ball as soon as possible in order that we can control the game and create opportunities for our team to win. Sometimes he will benefit from team play and he will be just the executor, but sometimes he's capable of creating his own situations in the game, the opportunities 1v1, and scoring his own goals."
2.3.1. 2017 season
Nikolić immediately found success with the Fire in the 2017 season. He quickly became a league leader in scoring and accumulated numerous accolades in the first half of the season, ultimately winning the 2017 MLS Golden Boot. His first goal for the club came in the Fire's home opener against Real Salt Lake on 11 March, an unassisted effort in the 11th minute of a 2-0 victory.
He was named to the MLS Team of the Week in Week 7 alongside fellow Fire forward Luis Solignac and was also selected as the MLS Player of the Week for Week 7. He earned another spot on the Team of the Week in Week 11 for his two goals in Chicago's 4-1 win against the reigning MLS Cup champions Seattle Sounders FC.
With 10 goals in his first 11 games, Nikolić led the league in scoring. His two goals against the Colorado Rapids on 16 May made him the first Fire player to score in four consecutive games since Mike Magee in 2013, earning him another MLS Team of the Week honor for Week 12. By Week 15, he continued to lead the league with 12 goals in 15 games and was named to the Team of the Week for his goal against Atlanta United FC, alongside teammates Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Accam, and João Meira.
Nikolić was named MLS Player of the Month for May, having scored six goals and provided one assist during the Fire's undefeated run. On 3 July, he received his second MLS Player of the Week award for his brace against Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Week 18, continuing to lead the MLS Golden Boot race with 16 goals in 18 matches. He was also named to the "2017 MLS All-Star Fan XI" alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger. He concluded the 2017 season as the MLS Golden Boot winner with 24 goals and 4 assists.
2.3.2. 2018 season
In the 2018 season, Nikolić remained the Fire's top scorer, finishing seventh in the league-wide scoring charts with 15 goals and 2 assists. He also received the Best MLS Player ESPY Award in 2018 and was named the Hungarian Player of the Year at the M4 Sport Gála.
2.4. Return to Hungary and later career
In February 2020, upon the expiry of his contract with Chicago Fire, Nikolić returned to Hungary and rejoined his former club, Videoton, which was by then known as Fehérvár FC. He was given the number 71 shirt. During his second stint with Fehérvár, he continued to be a significant goalscorer, contributing to the team's 2019-20 Nemzeti Bajnokság I runner-up finish and a semi-final appearance in the Hungarian Cup. In the 2020-21 season, he helped the team finish third in the league and reach the Hungarian Cup final, where they were runners-up.
After his time at Fehérvár, Nikolić had brief spells with other clubs. In the 2022-23 season, he played 8 matches for Pendikspor in the Turkish TFF First League. Later in the same season, he moved to AEK Larnaca in the Cypriot First Division, where he made 15 appearances and scored 1 goal.
3. International career
Although born in Serbia, Nemanja Nikolić chose to represent the Hungary national team, a decision influenced by his Hungarian mother and his extensive professional career in Hungary. He had not received a call-up from the Serbian national team.
3.1. Hungary national team
Nikolić made his debut for the Hungary national team on 11 October 2013, in an 8-1 defeat against the Netherlands at the Amsterdam Arena during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification. Just three days later, on 14 October 2013, he scored his first international goal in the 51st minute against the Andorra national team, contributing to a 2-0 victory in the final match of the 2014 World Cup qualification group stage. His second goal came on 18 November 2014, in a friendly match against the Russia national team, which Hungary lost 2-1 at the Groupama Arena in Budapest.
Nikolić was called up to Hungary's squad for UEFA Euro 2016. On 18 June 2016, he played in a 1-1 draw against the Iceland national team at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. His run and far-post drive in the final minutes led to an own goal by Iceland, securing a late equalizer for Hungary. This contribution helped Hungary advance to the knockout stages for the first time since the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
On 3 May 2018, Nikolić announced his retirement from the national team. However, this decision was reversed after he reached an agreement with coach Marco Rossi in April 2020, marking his return to international duty. On 1 June 2021, he was included in the final 26-man squad to represent Hungary at the rescheduled UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. During the tournament, he made two substitute appearances in the group stage matches against France and Germany, contributing to Hungary's strong performances against the two major footballing nations, although they did not advance to the Round of 16.
4. Career statistics
4.1. Club statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Barcs | 2006-07 | NB II | 19 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 19 | 3 | |
| Kaposvölgye | 2007-08 | NB II | 14 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 14 | 11 | |
| Kaposvár | 2007-08 | NB I | 12 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2 | - | 21 | 8 | |
| 2008-09 | NB I | 22 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 7 | - | 30 | 24 | ||
| 2009-10 | NB I | 15 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 18 | 11 | ||
| Total | 49 | 30 | 11 | 4 | 9 | 9 | - | 69 | 43 | |||
| Videoton | 2009-10 | NB I | 15 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 10 |
| 2010-11 | NB I | 24 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 13 | |
| 2011-12 | NB I | 30 | 19 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 30 | |
| 2012-13 | NB I | 27 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 4 | 51 | 27 | |
| 2013-14 | NB I | 28 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 34 | 19 | |
| 2014-15 | NB I | 25 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 24 | |
| Total | 149 | 87 | 24 | 18 | 25 | 14 | 17 | 4 | 215 | 123 | ||
| Legia Warsaw | 2015-16 | Ekstraklasa | 37 | 28 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 55 | 36 |
| 2016-17 | Ekstraklasa | 19 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 31 | 19 | |
| Total | 56 | 40 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 8 | 86 | 55 | ||
| Chicago Fire | 2017 | MLS | 34 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 37 | 24 | |
| 2018 | MLS | 31 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | - | 35 | 19 | ||
| 2019 | MLS | 31 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 32 | 13 | ||
| Total | 96 | 51 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | - | 104 | 56 | |||
| Fehérvár | 2019-20 | NB I | 14 | 5 | 5 | 1 | - | - | 19 | 6 | ||
| 2020-21 | NB I | 31 | 15 | 6 | 5 | - | 3 | 2 | 40 | 22 | ||
| 2021-22 | NB I | 30 | 10 | 4 | 4 | - | 2 | 0 | 36 | 14 | ||
| Total | 75 | 30 | 15 | 10 | - | 5 | 2 | 95 | 42 | |||
| Pendikspor | 2022-23 | 1. Lig | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 9 | 0 | ||
| AEK Larnaca | 2022-23 | Cypriot First Division | 15 | 1 | - | - | 4 | 0 | 19 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 478 | 253 | 66 | 44 | 36 | 23 | 47 | 14 | 627 | 334 | ||
4.2. International statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungary | 2013 | 2 | 1 |
| 2014 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 8 | 1 | |
| Total | 43 | 8 | |
Scores and results list Hungary's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nikolić goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 October 2013 | Ferenc Puskás Stadium, Budapest, Hungary | Andorra | 1-0 | 2-0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 2 | 18 November 2014 | Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary | Russia | 1-2 | 1-2 | Friendly |
| 3 | 5 June 2015 | Nagyerdei Stadion, Debrecen, Hungary | Lithuania | 3-0 | 4-0 | |
| 4 | 9 November 2017 | Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 1-1 | 1-2 | |
| 5 | 14 November 2017 | Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary | Costa Rica | 1-0 | 1-0 | |
| 6 | 6 September 2020 | Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary | Russia | 2-3 | 2-3 | 2020-21 UEFA Nations League B |
| 7 | 8 October 2020 | Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria | Bulgaria | 3-0 | 3-1 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs |
| 8 | 28 March 2021 | San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino | San Marino | 3-0 | 3-0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
5. Honours and achievements
Nemanja Nikolić accumulated a significant number of team trophies and individual accolades throughout his professional football career, reflecting his consistent performance as a top striker.
5.1. Club honours
- Videoton / Fehérvár
- Nemzeti Bajnokság I: 2010-11, 2014-15
- Nemzeti Bajnokság I: Runner-up: 2019-20; Third place: 2020-21
- Hungarian League Cup: 2011-12
- Hungarian League Cup: Runner-up: 2012-13, 2013-14
- Hungarian Super Cup: 2011, 2012
- Hungarian Cup: Runner-up: 2010-11, 2014-15, 2020-21; Semi-final: 2019-20
- Legia Warsaw
- Ekstraklasa: 2015-16, 2016-17
- Polish Cup: 2015-16
- Chicago Fire
- MLS: Third place: 2017
- US Open Cup: Semi-final: 2018
5.2. Individual achievements
- Nemzeti Bajnokság I top scorer: 2009-10 (18 goals), 2013-14 (18 goals; shared with Attila Simon), 2014-15 (21 goals)
- Ekstraklasa top scorer: 2015-16 (28 goals)
- Polish Cup top scorer: 2015-16 (6 goals)
- Ekstraklasa Player of the Year: 2015
- Ekstraklasa Player of the Season: 2015-16
- Ekstraklasa Forward of the Season: 2015-16
- Ekstraklasa Player of the Month: August 2015, September 2015, October 2015
- Ekstraklasa Canal+ Spectator Prize: 2015-16
- MLS Golden Boot: 2017 (24 goals)
- MLS Best XI: 2017
- Hungarian Player of the Year (M4 Sport Gála): 2017
- Best MLS Player ESPY Award: 2018
6. Personal life
On 28 January 2011, Nemanja Nikolić obtained Hungarian citizenship. This decision was facilitated by his mother being Hungarian and his strong ties to the country through his club career with Videoton FC. András Cser-Palkovics, the mayor of Székesfehérvár, where Videoton is based, commented on Nikolić's integration, stating that he knew the country and spoke the language, and had significant plans with Videoton. Nikolić himself mentioned that while he hoped his mother's Hungarian heritage would make the citizenship process easier, it still proved to be somewhat challenging.