Aleksandar Mitrović has never been a player to shy away from a challenge. Whether fighting for minutes at Newcastle, leading the line at Fulham, or now spearheading Al-Hilal’s attack in 2025, the Serbian striker brings an unmistakable edge to every pitch he steps on. His journey has spanned leagues, styles, and continents—but through it all, his hunger to score has remained constant.

This blog post explores Mitrović’s full career: his early promise, his rise in England, and his recent evolution in Saudi Arabia.

Beginnings in Belgrade

Born in 1994 in Smederevo, Serbia, Mitrović began his youth career at Partizan Belgrade—one of the country’s biggest clubs. Even as a teenager, he played with fire and passion. He had a physical presence that set him apart from other young forwards.

After shining in Partizan’s youth setup, he earned promotion to the senior team in 2012. In just one season, he helped them win the Serbian SuperLiga and showed a knack for scoring goals under pressure. That year, he also won the league’s best young player award. Unsurprisingly, bigger clubs took notice.

Breakout at Anderlecht

In 2013, Aleksandar Mitrović made a big move to Belgian side Anderlecht. It proved to be a perfect stepping stone. The club regularly plays in European competitions and gives young talent space to grow.

Mitrović thrived. He bagged 16 goals in his debut season and won the Belgian Pro League title. In his second season, he netted 23 goals in all competitions, finishing as the league’s top scorer. By then, it was clear—this striker was ready for a tougher challenge.

England Calling: A Mixed Spell at Newcastle

In 2015, Newcastle United paid £13 million to bring Mitrović to the Premier League. It was a major step up, and expectations were high. Right away, fans saw his fiery personality. He fought for every ball and battled defenders, but consistency proved elusive.

Over three seasons, Mitrović showed glimpses of brilliance. He scored key goals—including a derby winner against Sunderland—but also faced criticism for his temper. His physical style earned him as many cards as it did cheers. Eventually, he fell out of favour at Newcastle.

Still, his time there wasn’t a failure. It prepared him mentally for what came next.

Fulham and the Championship Record

Aleksandar Mitrović joined Fulham on loan in 2018—and everything clicked. He scored 12 goals in half a season, helping the club earn promotion via the playoffs. Fulham then made the deal permanent, and Mitrović repaid their faith immediately.

Over the next few seasons, he became a cult hero. In 2021–22, he broke the Championship goal-scoring record with 43 goals in one season. It was an unbelievable tally that helped Fulham return to the Premier League in style.

More than just goals, Mitrović became a leader. He matured. He pressed with intent, linked up play, and bullied defenders. His confidence soared, and his finishing became clinical. By 2022, he was considered one of the best pure strikers outside the traditional “Big Six.”

The Saudi Switch: A New Era with Al-Hilal

In 2023, Aleksandar Mitrović shocked many by moving to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Some fans saw it as a step down. But Mitrović saw opportunity. He joined one of Asia’s biggest clubs—and quickly showed he meant business.

In his first full season, he scored over 30 goals across all competitions. He adapted quickly, blending his physical dominance with improved movement. Al-Hilal played attacking football, and Mitrović thrived as their focal point. He bullied defenders, converted crosses, and showed that his killer instinct hadn’t faded.

Moreover, his move helped raise the league’s profile. Alongside players like Neymar and Ruben Neves, Mitrović became a face of Saudi football’s new era. His professionalism, intensity, and goals made him a fan favorite almost instantly.

International Stage: Serbia’s All-Time Great

While club success is impressive, Mitrović’s legacy with Serbia might be even greater. He is the country’s all-time leading scorer, having surpassed legends like Stjepan Bobek and Savo Milošević.

His most iconic moment came in 2021, when he scored the winning goal against Portugal in a World Cup qualifier. That strike sent Serbia directly to the 2022 World Cup and sparked wild celebrations across the country.

Mitrović has led Serbia in multiple tournaments and qualifiers. He’s scored in crucial moments, often carrying the team on his back. His passion while wearing the national jersey is unmatched.

The Complete No. 9

Mitrović’s style is a throwback. He isn’t the fastest or most technically flashy. But he dominates with strength, intelligence, and elite finishing.

He excels at:

• Holding the ball up under pressure

• Scoring headers from impossible angles

• Making sharp runs into the box

• Finishing with both feet

• Winning duels against centre-backs

Additionally, his work rate sets him apart. He presses defenders and tracks back. He fights for 90 minutes. That mindset earned him respect in every league he played in.

Even in 2025, he continues to evolve. At Al-Hilal, he’s refined his movement and become more efficient. His game isn’t just about brute force—it’s about timing, awareness, and subtle runs.

What the Future Holds

At 30 years old in 2025, Aleksandar Mitrović still has plenty left in the tank. He remains in top physical shape. His form at Al-Hilal shows no signs of decline. Plus, with Saudi clubs investing heavily in infrastructure and competition, his level of play remains high.

There are rumours he may return to Europe before retiring. However, Mitrović seems content leading the line in Riyadh. If he stays, he could become a Saudi Pro League legend—just as he did in Serbia, Belgium, and England.

For Serbia, he continues to be the first name on the team sheet. He brings leadership, experience, and goals.

Final Thoughts: Passion and Persistence

Aleksandar Mitrović’s career wasn’t always smooth. He had doubters. He changed clubs. But every step made him better.

He evolved from a raw talent at Partizan to a seasoned leader at Fulham, and now to a star in Asia with Al-Hilal. His journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unrelenting hunger to score.

In an era of flashy forwards, Mitrović stands as a reminder that old-school strikers still matter. And perhaps more importantly, that grit, passion, and work ethic never go out of style.

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