The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has awarded national team players Luka Jović, Strahinja Pavlović, and Sergej Milinković-Savić “Golden Balls” which symbolize continuity, commitment, and the special honor of playing for the national team, the FSS announced today.
The statement notes that a ceremony for the presentation of the “Golden Ball” was held at the FSS Sports Center ahead of the upcoming friendly matches against Spain and Saudi Arabia.
“In the presence of President Dragan Džajić, General Secretary Branko Radujko, head coach of the ‘A’ national team Veljko Paunović, technical coordinator Nikola Lazetić, national team players, and members of the professional staff, the Association paid tribute to the players who, through their play, attitude, and long-standing contribution, have left a deep mark in the jersey with the national emblem,” the FSS states.
The first laureate is Luka Jović, who marked the milestone of 50 appearances for the Serbian national team as one of the most important strikers of his generation.
“Since his debut in 2018 against Chile, Jović has brought joy to fans with his goals, composure, and sense for the game, confirming his value on the grandest stage, including appearances at two World Cups and one European Championship,” was published on the official FSS website.
The “Golden Ball” was then received by Strahinja Pavlović.
“Pavlović is a pillar of the defense and a player whose combativeness, character, and leadership qualities represent the backbone of the national team. Since his debut in 2020 against Russia, Pavlović has grown into one of the key players of the national team, a participant in major competitions, and a symbol of uncompromising play in the Serbian jersey. The third recipient of the recognition was Sergej Milinković-Savić, a footballer who connects generations with his quality and continuity. From his first appearance in 2017 until today, Milinković-Savić has become one of the trademarks of the Serbian national team, with significant participation in major competitions, but also as part of the historical successes of the youth selections – European champion in 2013 and world champion in 2015,” the FSS states.
At the beginning of the ceremony, FSS President Džajić, General Secretary Radujko, and head coach Paunović addressed those present, emphasizing the importance of continuity, unity, and the responsibility that comes with playing for Serbia.
“We are glad to be here with you again on the occasion of this significant jubilee, now with new winners. The practice we have established, a tradition that I believe will continue in the future, regardless of who is here. I said it last time, and I will repeat it now: all players who play 50 or more matches for the national team should be proud of what they have achieved. A great recognition that is the result of great work, a recognition that speaks to how successful your careers are. And you who are here for the first time or have just started playing for the best national team, you have beautiful examples and a roadmap, and I wish for everyone to be healthy, for injuries to bypass you, and that one day you too will lift this Golden Ball,” said Džajić.
“I wish you good health and of course good results, continue with your dedicated work, and I wish everyone a long career. For those who have played 50 matches, I wish for you to play 75 or 100 because the playing lifespan has been extended, provided your health serves you,” Džajić added.
General Secretary of the FSS Branko Radujko then addressed the laureates and Serbian national team players.
“Guys, first of all, welcome back to your home, here in Stara Pazova. After the president, there isn’t much more to say, I will only say, when it comes to you, we are proud of every one of our players, we stand behind every one of our players and the entire team. We will do our best so that you have the same conditions as before; we move forward with our heads held high. Some things are behind us, successes and failures, we move on, always striving for the best, standing firmly with you. And I think every true, sincere football fan in Serbia thinks the same, that they are proud when they watch you in your clubs or when you gather here to play for the national team. I congratulate the guys who are receiving this recognition today, I hope they will also receive the award for 75 or 100 matches played in some future period. All accompanied by some beautiful successes,” Radujko emphasized.
Paunović did not hide his emotions while addressing the winners and all national team players.
“For me personally, this is truly an honor, especially since I have known both Luka and Sergej from the period when they were already in the youth selections, and I followed Strahinja through his path in the selection. It was always my wish to work with players like you. It is an honor and an obligation to play for the national team, and you have turned all of that into a great recognition; you have achieved 50 or more appearances for the national team, which is a great and long path that you have traversed. The players coming after you now have exceptional examples, which is also very important in our team, to have a good structure of players who are good examples for you,” Paunović stated.
“And as the president and general secretary said, I wish for you to reach the next goal of 75 or 100 matches, the Diamond Ball. And these recognitions symbolically speak to how the national team is also a guarantee for a successful career, when you reach the status of a national team player and maintain it through games in clubs or in the national team. How important the support is for everything you do and to fulfill your careers, win recognitions, but also gold medals again one day, I hope. Congratulations to everyone,” Paunović concluded.
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Source: B92; Photo: FSS