A Nerazzurri journey: the story of Aleksandar Stanković

The green field, the sun in the sky, Nerazzurri colours on the pitch and in the stands, celebration in the air. Moments that captivate, that leave a lasting impression, especially when seen through the eyes of a child. These were the moments that Aleksandar Stanković experienced during his childhood when his father, Dejan, was winning trophies with Inter. Born in Milano, on 3 August 2005, Aleksandar took his first steps in Nerazzurri during Scudetto celebrations on the San Siro pitch. The Inter colours were etched into his identity while football coursed through his veins. His first memory connected to the world of football is a kickabout with his brothers at the Appiano Gentile training centre, while José Mourinho was watching from the sidelines.

A natural bond, inevitable for someone immersed in the passion of the Inter faithful. A story built on the strongest emotions, like those Aleksandar felt when he first put on the Inter shirt after joining the Nerazzurri youth academy at the age of twelve, following a trial match against Ausonia. It was love at first sight, a connection that grew over time through hard work and dedication in the Nerazzurri youth system, where Aleksandar developed as both a footballer and a person. It was there that he met coach Cristian Chivu, who helped him improve and handed him the captain's armband on several occasions, while he also built a strong bond with Pio Esposito, with whom he has shared unforgettable moments.

As a child, Aleksandar dreamed of following in his father's footsteps. He studied his playing style and inherited his role as a midfielder, but he built his own identity, developing technical intelligence, physical awareness, and versatility that allow him to also thrive in central defence. He made 58 appearances in total for Inter's Primavera side, scoring twelve goals and providing six assists, highlighting that he is a talent that is both reliable and exciting.

He had no Plan B; football was his destiny. The doors to the first team and his first training sessions with the senior squad allowed him to live out his dream. However, Aleksandar remained firmly grounded, focusing on his development and the opportunity to gain valuable experiences. He followed a path similar to that of his friend Federico Dimarco, who moved to Switzerland to play for Sion in 2017. Aleksandar joined Lucerne in 2024, and in the Swiss league he enjoyed a spectacular season, making 38 appearances and scoring three goals. A feat that took him to Belgium, where he wore another black and blue shirt, that of Club Brugge, and enjoyed another impressive campaign, making 55 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing five assists, as well as creating unforgettable memories, including his Champions League debut.

His journey now brings him back home, ready to live out his dream by once again wearing the colours that made him fall in love with the game as a child. Aleksandar Stanković has come full circle and is ready to write his own story in Nerazzurri colours.