Biography
Who is Nemanja Matić?
Early life and career
Nemanja Matić was born in the Serbian city of Šabac. He began his football education at five years old with the FK Vrelo team. His father coached him during these foundational years. He eventually joined FK Kolubara to start his senior career before moving abroad. In 2007, he signed with the Slovakian club FC VSS Košice. While living and playing in Slovakia, he also acquired citizenship for that country. He later moved to the Netherlands for a loan period with Vitesse.
Rise at Benfica
Nemanja joined the Portuguese club Benfica in 2011 as part of a deal involving David Luiz moving to Chelsea. Under the guidance of manager Jorge Jesus, the coaching staff converted him from a playmaker into a defensive midfielder. This positional change proved highly successful. During the 2012 to 2013 season, his performance was outstanding, and he received the Primeira Liga Player of the Year award. He helped the team reach the Europa League final in 2013. He also contributed to the club's league championship efforts during this period.
Premier League career
Nemanja returned to Chelsea in January 2014 for a fee of 21 million pounds. He quickly established himself as a key player in the squad. He helped the team secure two Premier League titles during his time there. In the 2014 to 2015 season, he earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year. He later moved to Manchester United in 2017 for 40 million pounds. He played for Manchester United for five seasons. One of his well-known goals for the club was a half-volley against Crystal Palace, which supporters voted as the team goal of the season.
Italy and France
In 2022, he joined the Italian club Roma on a free transfer. This move reunited him with his former manager, José Mourinho, for the third time in his career. He participated in the Europa League final with Roma during his time at the club. After one season in Italy, he moved to France to join Rennes in 2023. He played 13 matches for the French side. By early 2024, he transferred to the Italian team Sassuolo. He has experienced football across many different European leagues throughout his professional path.
International and personal
Nemanja represented Serbia at the under-21 international level. He made his senior debut for the Serbian national team in 2008. Over his career, he earned 48 caps for his country and scored two goals. He was a member of the national squad that played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His brother, Uroš Matić, is also a professional football player. Nemanja stands 194 centimeters tall. He maintains strong ties to his home country while continuing his career as a professional athlete.
Birthday and age
Nemanja Matić was born on August 1, 1988, which makes Nemanja 38 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Nemanja shares the date with 56 other famous people.
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