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WILL ALEKSANDAR MITROVIĆ PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Aleksandar Mitrović, the "Tank of Smederevo," is synonymous with goals, strength, and character. His name commands respect in both Europe and Asia, and his story is that of a striker who never stops fighting. From his days at Fulham in England to his current stint at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Mitrović has proven to be a natural-born killer in the box, possessing a fighting spirit that reflects the Serbian national team. In this article, we tell you all about his current form, his statistics, interesting facts, and whether we will actually see him at the 2026 World Cup, leading a Serbian generation that dreams of making history.
Mitrović's Goalscoring Instinct
Aleksandar Mitrović was born on September 16, 1994, in Smederevo, Serbia. From a young age, he stood out for his power and determination. By 18, he was already playing professionally for Partizan Belgrade, where he began to showcase his goal-scoring prowess. In the 2012/2013 season, he was key to Partizan winning the league title, scoring 15 goals and delivering several performances that caught the attention of European clubs.
In 2013, he moved to Belgium with Anderlecht, where his reputation as a "poison predator" grew rapidly. There he scored 44 goals in 90 matches, won the league title, and established himself as one of the most promising young strikers on the continent. His performances propelled him to the Premier League, where he signed for Newcastle United in 2015. Although his time in England was marked by ups and downs, Mitrović never lost his essence: fighting for every ball as if it were his last. His rise to prominence at Fulham: If there is one club where Mitrović became a legend, it is Fulham. In the Championship (the English second division), he broke historical records: 43 goals in the 2021/2022 season, the highest number ever recorded in a single campaign. Thanks to his voracious appetite for goals, Fulham earned promotion back to the Premier League. In the top flight, his numbers were also remarkable: 14 goals on his return, including memorable performances against Liverpool and Tottenham.
Over 110 goals for Fulham between 2018 and 2023.
Average of 0.6 goals per game in England.
All-time Championship record for goals in a single season (43).
Fulham's all-time top scorer in official competitions.
His style is clear: a classic penalty-box striker, imposing physique (1.89 m), excellent header of the ball, and with an ability to dominate in one-on-one situations reminiscent of the great number nines of In the past. But Mitrović is not just strength; he has technique, game awareness, and an instinct that few possess. At his peak, he was sought after by clubs in Spain and Italy, but he decided to take a different path.
The move to Saudi Arabia and his current situation
In 2023, Mitrović surprised the world by signing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Many saw it as an early retirement, but the Serbian proved otherwise: he arrived hungry for goals and quickly became an idol for Saudi fans. In his first season, he scored 28 goals in 33 games, contributing to the league title and qualification to the AFC Champions League.
Statistics at Al Hilal
Season 2023/2024: 28 goals and 5 assists.
Average of 1 goal every 105 minutes.
Team scorer in the league and in the Asian Champions.
Member of the Saudi Pro “Team of the Year” League.
At 31 Over the years, Mitrović's power and hunger remain undiminished. Furthermore, his leadership within the locker room is unquestionable: he helps the younger players, motivates the group, and transmits that competitive energy typical of Balkan players. In interviews, he has made it clear that his goal is not to "retire in Saudi Arabia," but to maintain his peak performance until the 2026 World Cup. The worldwide respect for his game: Players and coaches who have faced him agree on one thing: Mitrović is an awkward striker. Premier League defenders like Van Dijk and Thiago Silva have publicly praised him, highlighting his ability to shield the ball and win aerial duels. In an increasingly technical game, he represents the strength and instinct of the classic striker who never goes out of style.
The Soul of the Serbian National Team
If there is one player who embodies the spirit of the Serbian national team, it is Aleksandar Mitrović. Since his debut in 2013, he has been the undisputed attacking leader. With over 110 appearances and 60 goals, he is his country's all-time leading scorer. Every time he wears the national jersey, he plays with heart: he fights, he shouts, he tackles, but he also finishes with cool composure.
His most memorable moments
Decisive goal against Portugal in 2021 to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Participation in two World Cups (2018 and 2022).
Average of 0.55 goals per game with the national team.
More than 20 goals in World Cup qualifiers.
The goal he scored against Portugal in Lisbon, in In the 90th minute, he secured Serbia's direct qualification for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. That goal became one of the most iconic moments in modern Serbian football. Mitrović not only celebrated with fury but also uttered a legendary phrase: "Never underestimate the heart of Serbia." In Qatar, although the team didn't advance from the group stage, he delivered: he scored and gave his all on the pitch. His presence commands respect, and his connection with Dusan Tadić and Sergej Milinković-Savić gives Serbia a formidable attacking trident. Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, his leadership and experience will be essential in guiding the new generation of players, including emerging talents like Luka Jović and Lazar Samardžić.
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