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Mladen KrstajicSerbian footballer, defender
Date of Birth: 04.03.1974
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
- Mladen Krstajić: A Serbian Football Legend
- Club Career
- Germany: Success with Werder Bremen and Schalke 04
- Controversies and Captaincy
- International Career
- Return to Partizan
- Coaching Career
- Personal Life
Mladen Krstajić: A Serbian Football Legend
Early Life and CareerMladen Krstajić was born on March 4, 1974, in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. His parents, ethnic Serbs, fled to Serbia in 1992 due to ethnic cleansing. Krstajić began his football career in Zenica with the Čelik club.
Club Career
Serbia: From Kikiinda to PartizanIn Serbia, Krstajić joined FK Kikiinda and later transferred to FK Partizan in 1996. He spent four seasons with Partizan, winning three Yugoslav Championships and the Yugoslav Cup.
Germany: Success with Werder Bremen and Schalke 04
In 2000, Krstajić moved to Werder Bremen for €1.25 million. He achieved further success, winning the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in 2004. After his stint with Bremen, Krstajić joined Schalke 04 for a lucrative financial contract. With Schalke, he claimed two Bundesliga runners-up medals, the DFB-Ligapokal in 2005, and reached the DFB-Pokal final in 2007.
Controversies and Captaincy
In the 2008-2009 season, Krstajić was briefly suspended after being spotted at a nightclub before a Champions League match. Nonetheless, he returned to the field and was named captain on March 17, 2009, following an injury to Marcelo Bordon.
International Career
Krstajić represented both Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro at the international level. He played for Serbia in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Return to Partizan
On June 5, 2009, Krstajić returned to his former club, FK Partizan. He retired from playing in 2011.
Coaching Career
After retiring, Krstajić became an assistant coach for Partizan and Serbia. He was appointed head coach of Serbia in 2018 and led the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
