Biography
Who is Nikola Žigić?
Early life and beginnings
Nikola Žigić was born in Bačka Topola, which was part of SFR Yugoslavia at the time. His father, Jovan, worked as a footballer, while his mother, Milica, previously played basketball. Nikola finished his secondary education at a mechanical engineering school located in his hometown. He began playing football as a youth for his local club, AIK Bačka Topola.
He started as a centre back but transitioned into a centre forward position because he enjoyed scoring goals. While he played for AIK Bačka Topola until 2001, his parents prioritized his education. During the Yugoslav Wars in 1999, his family home dealt with a lack of electricity and running water as NATO planes flew overhead. Military service later took him to Bar in 2001. There, he played for a local team called Mornar. He also spent time playing for a club named Kolubara before moving toward a professional career.
Professional career in Serbia
In January 2003, Nikola signed his first professional contract with Red Star Belgrade. The club sent him on loan to Spartak Subotica to gain experience. He returned to the senior squad for the 2003-04 season. During that time, he established himself as a key player. He scored goals in the UEFA Cup and the First League.
By the mid-season break, he had 12 league goals and 6 UEFA Cup goals. He received the Player of the Year award for 2003 from league captains and the Football Association. He finished that season as the league top scorer with 18 goals. Red Star Belgrade won the league title and the cup final that year. He later helped the club win another league and cup double. Over his three-year tenure at Red Star, he scored 70 goals across 109 appearances.
European football experience
Nikola signed a four-year contract with the Spanish club Racing Santander in August 2006. His performance there included 11 league goals and several assists. He later moved to Valencia but struggled to secure a spot in the starting eleven. He returned to Racing Santander on loan for the second half of the 2008-09 season. During that brief spell, he scored 13 goals in 19 matches.
In 2010, he joined Birmingham City in the Premier League. He scored during the team's League Cup victory in his first season. He stayed with Birmingham City for four years, even after the club faced relegation to the Championship. He later rejoined the club for another stint during his career.
International play and personal life
Nikola made his senior international debut for Serbia and Montenegro in March 2004. He continued to play for the Serbian national team until 2011 after the country's breakup. Over his international career, he earned 57 caps and scored 20 goals. He was part of the World Cup squads for his country in 2006 and 2010. He also briefly served as the national team captain in 2011.
Regarding his personal life, Nikola is married to Sanja. The couple has three children, consisting of two daughters and one son. As of 2018, the family resided near Valencia, Spain. Nikola also provided assistance with his agent's business operations after his playing days concluded. His brother, Branko, also pursued a career in professional football as a central defender for various clubs.
Birthday and age
Nikola Žigić was born on September 25, 1980, which makes Nikola 46 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Nikola shares the date with 36 other famous people.
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