Andrija Maksimovic, born in Belgrade on January 9, 1999, is a 17-year-old Serbian attacking midfielder considered one of the brightest talents emerging from the Balkans. Now a key player for Red Star Belgrade, he’s preparing for a high-stakes showdown with FC Barcelona in the Champions League and has already made waves by directly challenging Barcelona’s own rising star, Lamine Yamal. With confidence, Maksimovic declared in the pre-match press conference, “I want to prove that I am better than him.”

Maksimovic's journey to the top started in his hometown clubs, Pazar Juniors and OFK Vlada Dimitrijevic, where his technical skill and game intelligence set him apart early on. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and Red Star Belgrade quickly took him on in 2017, providing a platform for him to mature and develop into a top-tier player. He made his debut for Red Star’s senior team at just 16, impressing fans and analysts alike.

Known for his dynamic playing style, Maksimovic is an elegant left-footed midfielder with excellent ball control and a sharp eye for creating scoring opportunities. His vision and composure make him pivotal in both constructing offensive plays and regaining possession. 

Just last weekend, he showed his skill with a stunning direct free-kick goal against Vojvodina, further highlighting his potential. Although he typically plays as an attacking midfielder, he is versatile enough to take up roles in central midfield or on the right flank, bringing depth and adaptability to his team’s tactical plans. While still developing his goal-scoring instincts, his playmaking ability has always shone through, even in his youth career.

Since joining Red Star, Maksimovic has steadily become a rising star within the club. Despite playing part of this season with Red Star's second team, he has gained the trust of head coach Milojevic, who increasingly relies on his talent to impact games.

In addition to his club success, Maksimovic has already earned caps for Serbia’s national team, marking his place among the country’s top talents. His second international appearance came in a match against Spain, where he played almost 30 minutes in a challenging 3-0 loss in Córdoba. His performances at the international level have drawn attention from top European clubs, all keeping a close watch on the young midfielder’s progress. With a contract running until 2027, Maksimovic’s talent may require potential suitors to dig deep into their pockets if they hope to pry him away from Belgrade.