209 Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matić, born on August 1, 1988, in Šabac, Serbia, is a professional footballer renowned for his composure and defensive midfield prowess. He developed his early skills at Vrelo and Jedinstvo Ub before joining Kolubara and then moving to Slovakia’s FC Košice, where his talent began to shine. In 2009, English giants Chelsea signed Matić, though his initial spell at Stamford Bridge included a loan to Vitesse and limited playing time.

A move to Benfica in 2011 elevated Matić to European prominence, as he developed into a commanding midfielder capable of reading the game, breaking up opposition attacks, and initiating forward play. In 2014, Chelsea brought him back, where he helped secure Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017. His consistent performances caught Manchester United’s eye, leading to a 2017 transfer and a key role in their midfield for several seasons.

In 2022, Matić joined AS Roma, continuing his illustrious career under José Mourinho’s guidance.