Dušan Vlahović Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 19, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few names resonate with the promise of elite goal-scoring brilliance quite like Dušan Vlahović.
Now 25 years old, the Serbian striker has evolved from a teenage sensation in Belgrade to one of the most feared and technically refined forwards in European football.
Playing at the highest level for Juventus and captaining the Serbian national team, Dušan Vlahović stands at the peak of his powers—combining lethal finishing, aerial dominance, and a relentless drive to be among the world’s best.
Then: The Early Years – A Goal-Scoring Phenom from Belgrade (2000–2020)
1. Humble Beginnings in Serbia
Born on January 28, 2000, in Belgrade, Serbia, Dušan Vlahović showed an obsession with scoring goals from an early age. Inspired by legends like Aleksandar Mitrović and Filippo Inzaghi, he joined FK Partizan’s youth academy at just 8 years old, where his natural finishing ability and physical presence stood out.
By 2016, at just 16, he made his professional debut for Partizan—becoming the second-youngest player in the club’s history to feature in a competitive match.
2. Breakthrough and Record-Setting Season
In the 2017–18 season, Vlahović exploded onto the scene:
- Scored 8 goals in 24 appearances for Partizan
- Became the youngest Serbian SuperLiga goalscorer at the time
- Attracted interest from top European clubs, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Juventus
His blend of power, precision, and maturity made him one of the most coveted teenage talents in Europe.
3. Move to Fiorentina – The Italian Crucible
In January 2018, at just 18, Vlahović signed with ACF Fiorentina for €2 million—a low-risk, high-reward investment. But his early years in Florence were challenging:
- Limited playing time
- Struggled with injuries and adaptation
- Loaned to FK Partizan briefly in 2019 to regain form
However, everything changed in the 2020–21 season.
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The Rise: The Firenze Explosion (2020–2022)
1. A Goal-Scoring Revolution in Serie A
Under manager Cristiano Italiano, Vlahović was given a central role in Fiorentina’s attack. The result? A goal-scoring explosion:
- 21 goals in 39 appearances (2020–21)
- 20 goals in 37 appearances (2021–22)
He became the youngest player in Serie A history to score 20+ goals in consecutive seasons, drawing comparisons to Roberto Baggio and Gonzalo Higuaín.
His strengths became clear:
- Powerful left foot – capable of long-range screamers
- Aerial dominance – one of the best headers in the league
- Clinical finishing – composed in one-on-one situations
- Hold-up play – excellent at linking midfield and attack
2. International Recognition
Vlahović made his senior debut for Serbia in 2018 and quickly became a key figure. He played in UEFA Euro 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022, where he scored against Switzerland and emerged as Serbia’s most dangerous offensive weapon.
By 2022, he was not just a Serie A star—he was a global striker prospect.
Related: Gavi Then and Now
Now: The Juventus Era and National Leadership (2022–2025)
1. A Statement Move to Juventus
In January 2022, Juventus signed Vlahović for a staggering €70 million + €10 million in bonuses—one of the biggest transfers in Serie A history. Wearing the #7 jersey (previously held by legends like Del Piero and Ronaldo), the pressure was immense.
At first, he struggled to adapt—scoring just 4 goals in his first 15 games. Critics questioned the price tag. But Vlahović responded with relentless work and patience.
2. Breakthrough and Dominance in 2023–2025
By 2023–24, Vlahović had transformed into a complete striker:
- 26 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions
- Became Juventus’ primary penalty taker and set-piece threat
- Developed a lethal partnership with Dusan Vlahović and Federico Chiesa
- Took on leadership responsibilities amid squad transitions
In 2024–25, now fully established, he reached new heights:
- 28 goals in 45 appearances – his best season to date
- Key player in Juventus’ Serie A title challenge
- Instrumental in their run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals
- Named Serie A Player of the Season (2024–25)
He’s no longer just a finisher—he’s a tactical centerpiece.
3. Tactical Evolution: More Than Just a Striker
Under managers Massimiliano Allegri and Tiago Motta, Vlahović has evolved:
- Improved defensive pressing and tracking back
- Greater involvement in build-up play
- Enhanced movement off the ball
- Leadership on and off the pitch
In 2024, he was named vice-captain of Juventus and, by early 2025, assumed the captain’s armband—a testament to his influence.
Related: Eduardo Camavinga Then and Now
International Career: Captain of Serbia
1. Leading the National Team
In 2023, following the retirement of several veterans, Vlahović was named captain of the Serbian national team. Under his leadership, Serbia qualified for UEFA Euro 2024—their first major tournament since the 2018 World Cup.
At Euro 2024, he scored 3 goals, including a stunning winner against England, and led Serbia to the quarterfinals—their best performance in decades.
2. A Symbol of Serbian Pride
Vlahović is more than a footballer in Serbia—he’s a national icon. Murals of him adorn Belgrade, and he’s frequently praised for:
- Representing Serbian resilience
- Staying connected to his roots
- Inspiring youth across the Balkans
He often speaks about playing for his family, country, and every kid from the suburbs who dreams big.
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Personal Life and Character
Known for his intense focus and disciplined lifestyle, Vlahović lives a relatively private life. He is in a long-term relationship with Elena Petković, a Serbian model, and they welcomed their first child in 2024—a moment he called “the greatest victory of my life.”
He’s also recognized for:
- His work ethic – often the first to arrive and last to leave training
- His mental toughness – overcoming early criticism and injury setbacks
- His charity work – supporting youth football programs in Serbia
Despite his fame, he remains grounded, frequently returning to Belgrade to visit family and support local initiatives.
Related: Declan Rice Then and Now
Cultural Impact and Legacy (In 2025)
By 2025, Dušan Vlahović has become:
- One of the top 5 strikers in Europe
- A global ambassador for Serbian football
- A role model for young athletes in the Balkans
His jersey is among the best-selling in Italy, and he’s featured in major campaigns for Adidas, EA Sports, and Puma.
He’s also a symbol of modern striker evolution—not just a poacher, but a complete forward who contributes in every phase of the game.
Conclusion: Dušan Vlahović – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A 16-year-old from Belgrade, breaking records in Serbia, dreaming of Serie A stardom.
- Now: Captain of Juventus, leader of Serbia, and one of the most feared strikers on the planet.
Dušan Vlahović’s journey is a story of patience, perseverance, and explosive talent. He didn’t just arrive at the top—he fought for every inch, silenced doubters, and earned his place among Europe’s elite.
As he enters his prime in 2025, one thing is clear:
Dušan Vlahović isn’t just scoring goals.
He’s writing history.
🔥 “I don’t chase records. I chase greatness. And I’m just getting started.” – Dušan Vlahović
Related: Federico Valverde Then and Now