Andrija Kojic
Serbia- Early Life and Career
- Wartime and International Relocation
- Return Home and Continued Football
- Nomadic Career and Retirement
- International Representation and Statistics
- Later Years and Legacy
Early Life and Career
Andrija Kojić, a Yugoslav Serbian footballer and forward, commenced his football journey at the tender age of 11 with Belgrade's "Srpski Mač" club. In 1911, he became a founding member and player of Belgrade club BSK.
Wartime and International Relocation
Amidst the turmoil of World War I, Kojić's life took an unexpected turn. In 1915-1916, following Serbia's military setbacks, he retreated alongside the army across the Albanian border. His journey continued through Italy, Tunisia, and Algeria, eventually leading him to France. There, he immersed himself in football, playing for teams in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Bordeaux.
Return Home and Continued Football
In 1918, Kojić returned to Rome, joining the "Soko pro Roma" club, founded by Serbian immigrants and refugees. Subsequently, he returned to his homeland and played for his beloved BSK until 1923.
Nomadic Career and Retirement
As an employee of the National Bank, Kojić faced frequent relocations, but his passion for football remained unwavering. He played for local teams in Novi Sad ("Vojvodina"), Niš ("Sinđelić"), and Šabac ("Mačva"). Towards the end of his career, he graced the fields with "Lešnica" and "Radojlović" in Krupanj. On July 12, 1937, his football journey came to an end.
International Representation and Statistics
Kojić represented the Belgrade national team in seven matches. Notably, he made a single appearance for the Royal Kingdom of SHS, replacing Emil Perška in a consolation match at the 1920 Olympics against Egypt, which his team lost 2-4.
Later Years and Legacy
Andrija Kojić's twilight years were marked by financial hardship and obscurity. He passed away on July 7, 1952, at the age of 56, in Belgrade. His remains rest at the local "Novo Groblje" cemetery. Despite the challenges he faced, Kojić's football legacy remains etched in the annals of Serbian football, with an estimated 700 matches played at various levels.
