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At just 17 years old, Vasilije Kostov is rewriting the history books at the summit of Serbian football. The latest gem from Red Star Belgrade’s renowned academy, the attacking midfielder is captivating Europe’s biggest clubs with a stunning individual season for Serbia’s most illustrious side.

For Kostov, this has been the textbook definition of a breakout year. Only twelve months ago, he was still featuring for Red Star's Under-19 team. Fast forward a year, and he is closing in on the end of a remarkable debut season at senior level, having already racked up more than 20 combined goals and assists.

Still a few weeks shy of his 18th birthday, Kostov’s extraordinary statistics and consistently dynamic performances for the reigning Serbian champions have placed him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite. Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich are among the major clubs reportedly monitoring his rapid rise.

Here’s a closer look at the young star taking Serbian football by storm...

Where it all began

Born in Belgrade in May 2008, Kostov’s footballing journey began with local club SF Royal FC. It didn’t take long before his talent was spotted by one of Serbia’s footballing powerhouses. At just seven years old, he joined Red Star Belgrade (Crvena zvezda), the country’s most successful and popular club, ahead of fierce city rivals Partizan.

Marked for greatness from an early age, Kostov quickly progressed through Red Star’s youth system. In the 2023-24 season, he delivered 20 goal contributions for the Under-17s while still only 15, earning a promotion to the Under-19s the following year. His impressive displays against older players saw him fast-tracked toward the first team.

The big break

Kostov’s standout performances in the youth-level Eternal derbies against Partizan during the 2024-25 season truly made people take notice. After scoring a superb goal in the home fixture in September, he followed it up with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the away leg in March, dribbling past three defenders before firing home and sparking wild celebrations that ended in a mass scuffle between the young teams.

Promoted to the senior squad at the start of 2025, Kostov still captained the Under-19s regularly as he was gradually integrated into the first team by then-coach Vladan Milojevic. His senior debut came in early April last year, featuring for ten minutes against Beograd in the Serbian Super Liga. But consistent opportunities took time to arrive.

How it’s going

This season has marked a turning point. After spending pre-season with the seniors, Kostov has established himself as a full-time first-team player at just 17. He has been sensational ever since, astonishing fans and analysts alike with his maturity and creativity.

Kostov’s early-season highlight came in Europe, scoring a brilliant goal against Porto on his Europa League debut. He also made his senior international debut and signed a contract extension in October. Since the return of Inter Milan and Serbia legend Dejan Stankovic as head coach, Kostov’s performances have reached new heights.

Now deployed regularly as a central attacking midfielder instead of being pushed wide, Kostov netted six goals and provided two assists in six league games between early February and mid-March. That run included another strike against Partizan, making him the youngest scorer ever in the Eternal derby. His total tally of goals and assists across all competitions now stands at 21—staggering numbers for a player his age.

Biggest strengths

Kostov is a rare blend of the classic No.10 and the modern attacking midfielder. His style is defined by creativity and intelligence, complemented by pace and strength—traits essential in today’s physically demanding game.

With a low centre of gravity, Kostov can change direction explosively and uses his sturdy 5'8" frame to shield the ball effectively. Despite his youth, he is tough to dispossess and shows remarkable composure in tight spaces. His sharp eye for both goals and assists at 17 is impressive, but what stands out most is his professionalism. “I strongly believe in that kid,” said former Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic. “Above all, he has a very positive work ethic, listens to his coaches, and works individually with them.”

Room for improvement

It almost feels unfair to critique a 17-year-old performing so consistently at elite level. Naturally, there are still areas to refine—his defensive contributions, for instance, could improve, and he might take on defenders more often given his confidence and control.

Kostov must also stay grounded amid the growing attention. In a recent interview with Serbian outlet Sportal, he disagreed with Stankovic’s comment that he had improved by ‘30 percent’ since the coach’s return. “I honestly think I’ve made even more progress,” he said. “But that’s fine... I’ll keep improving toward the end of the season. I feel I’ve progressed both physically and mentally.”

The next Isco?

At such a young age, Kostov already looks destined for greatness. Comparisons have been drawn with Isco, the former Real Madrid playmaker. Both share a low centre of gravity, exceptional balance, and the ability to operate effectively between the lines as creative No.10s.

Like Isco, Kostov also has the versatility to play wide when required. If he continues this trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him one day performing at the Santiago Bernabeu itself.

What comes next?

Unsurprisingly, several of Europe’s biggest clubs are closely monitoring Kostov’s progress in Belgrade after his breakout campaign. In the immediate term, his focus remains on helping Red Star secure their ninth consecutive league title as the Super Liga enters its championship round. However, speculation about his future will only intensify this summer.

The teenager has already been linked with Arsenal, AC Milan, Barcelona (against whom he scored a cheeky Panenka in the 2024 UEFA Youth League), Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain. Thanks to Stankovic’s ties with Inter Milan, the Italian side could also be contenders. Still, with Kostov having signed a new deal until 2028 last October, Red Star holds a strong negotiating position.

Whether the club decides to sell him this summer for what could be a record fee for a Serbian player remains uncertain. For his part, Kostov insists he remains unfazed by transfer rumours. “I don’t think I get carried away by all the talk about me leaving,” he told Sportal. “All those big numbers, 25 million euros... none of that affects my game or my time here.”

However, he did hint that he may already be ready for a higher level. “I can’t say it’s too easy because there are many experienced and quality players in the Super Liga,” he said. “Of course, I think I can play at a higher level, certainly. For now, this is fine for me.”

He added: “I think I would fit best in Germany or Italy. As I’ve said many times, I don’t really focus on my personal wishes. My main goal isn’t to leave this summer.”