Overview
Aleksandar Kolarov forged a reputation as one of European football's most distinctive full-backs during a career spanning nearly two decades. Born in Belgrade on November 10, 1985, Kolarov primarily operated from the left-back position, though his versatility occasionally saw him deployed as a left-sided centre-back or even a defensive midfielder. His career trajectory included significant spells at Lazio, Manchester City, and Roma, where he consistently demonstrated a blend of defensive reliability and potent offensive attributes. Kolarov's powerful left foot became his signature, enabling him to score spectacular long-range goals and deliver dangerous set pieces.
Position
As a left-back, Kolarov was known for his ability to cover the entire flank. He was adept at both neutralizing opposing wingers and providing width and attacking impetus in the final third. His physical stature, standing at 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in), also made him a formidable presence in aerial duels, which is somewhat uncommon for a full-back. This physical profile, combined with his tactical intelligence, allowed him to adapt to various defensive systems, from four-at-the-back formations to more dynamic setups.
Identity
Kolarov's headline identity can be summarized as the 'Attacking Left-Back with a Cannon Shot'. His ability to influence games from deep positions, often with a single swing of his left foot, set him apart. Whether it was a free-kick bending into the top corner, a thunderous strike from outside the box, or a pinpoint cross, Kolarov was a constant threat. Beyond his offensive prowess, he was also recognized for his leadership qualities and strong personality on the pitch, often serving as a captain for both club and country.
Career path
Aleksandar Kolarov's football journey began in his native Serbia, progressing through youth ranks before making a significant impact in Italy and England. His professional career began in 2004, and he went on to play for several prominent European clubs.
Early Career in Serbia
Kolarov started his senior career with FK Čukarički in 2004, making an immediate impression before moving to OFK Beograd in 2006. At OFK Beograd, he quickly established himself as a regular, showcasing the defensive solidity and attacking potential that would define his later career. His performances in the Serbian SuperLiga attracted attention from clubs across Europe.
Lazio (2007–2010)
In July 2007, Kolarov made his move to Serie A, joining Lazio for a reported fee of €800,000 (Transfermarkt). He quickly adapted to the demands of Italian football, becoming a key player for the Rome-based club. During his three seasons with Lazio, Kolarov made 104 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals (Transfermarkt). He played a crucial role in Lazio's Coppa Italia triumph in the 2008–09 season.
Manchester City (2010–2017)
Kolarov's impressive displays in Italy led to a €22.7 million transfer to Manchester City in July 2010 (Transfermarkt), marking a significant step in his career. At City, he became an integral part of the squad that transformed into a Premier League powerhouse. Over seven seasons, Kolarov made 247 appearances and scored 21 goals for the club (Transfermarkt), winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and two League Cups.
Roma (2017–2020)
In July 2017, Kolarov returned to Serie A, signing for Roma for a reported fee of €5 million (Transfermarkt). He continued to be a prolific attacking threat from left-back, demonstrating his enduring quality. During his three seasons in the Italian capital, he scored 19 goals in 132 appearances across all competitions (Transfermarkt), further solidifying his reputation as a goal-scoring defender.
Inter Milan (2020–2022) and Retirement
Kolarov joined Inter Milan in September 2020 for a fee of €1.5 million (Transfermarkt), adding experience to their squad. He contributed to Inter's Serie A title win in the 2020–21 season. After two seasons with Inter, he announced his retirement from professional football in June 2022 (Wikipedia).
Playing style
Aleksandar Kolarov's playing style was characterized by a potent blend of defensive robustness, attacking intent, and a distinctive powerful left foot. Primarily a left-back, his attributes allowed him to excel in both aspects of the game, making him a valuable asset for every club he represented.
Defensive Attributes
Kolarov was a physically imposing defender, often utilizing his strength and height (1.87 m) to win aerial duels and shield the ball effectively. While not always the quickest, his positional awareness and experience allowed him to anticipate plays and make crucial interceptions. He was known for his committed tackling and ability to hold his ground against tricky wingers. For example, during his time at Roma, Kolarov averaged over 1.5 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per 90 minutes in Serie A (FBref), highlighting his defensive contributions.
Offensive Contributions
Kolarov's attacking prowess was perhaps his most celebrated trait. His left foot was a significant weapon, capable of unleashing powerful shots from distance and delivering precise crosses from open play or set pieces. He was often on free-kick duty, demonstrating remarkable accuracy and power, leading to numerous spectacular goals. He had a notable goal-scoring record for a defender, with seasons where he reached double figures in goals, such as 8 goals in Serie A for Roma in 2018-19 (FBref).
Distribution and Set-Pieces
Beyond his thunderous shots, Kolarov possessed excellent passing range and vision. He was capable of spraying long diagonal balls to switch play or delivering incisive passes into the feet of attackers. His ability to hit accurate corners and free-kicks consistently created goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. This combination of defensive responsibility, long-range shooting, and precise delivery made him a unique and influential full-back, often comparable in impact to players like Roberto Carlos in terms of direct offensive threat from the left-back position.
Achievements & honours
Aleksandar Kolarov enjoyed a highly successful career, accumulating numerous team trophies and individual accolades across his spells in Italy and England. His contributions were instrumental in several domestic cup and league triumphs.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Coppa Italia | Lazio | 2008–09 |
| Supercoppa Italiana | Lazio | 2009 |
| Premier League | Manchester City | 2011–12, 2013–14 |
| FA Cup | Manchester City | 2010–11 |
| League Cup | Manchester City | 2013–14, 2015–16 |
| Serie A | Inter Milan | 2020–21 |
Individual Honours
- Serbian Player of the Year: 2011
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2018–19
Kolarov's individual recognition as Serbian Player of the Year in 2011 underscored his growing influence and consistent performances at the highest level. His inclusion in the Serie A Team of the Year for the 2018–19 season, during his time with Roma, further highlighted his continued elite performance even in the later stages of his career, demonstrating his enduring quality and offensive output from the full-back position.
International career
Aleksandar Kolarov was a mainstay for the Serbia national team for over a decade, earning 94 caps and scoring 11 goals, making him one of the most capped players in the nation's history (Wikipedia). His leadership and powerful left foot were vital assets for his country in numerous qualifying campaigns and major tournaments.
Youth and Senior Debut
Kolarov represented Serbia at various youth levels before making his senior international debut on 27 May 2008, in a friendly match against Republic of Ireland (FIFA). He quickly established himself as the first-choice left-back, bringing his club form to the international stage.
Major Tournaments
He played a significant role in Serbia's qualification campaigns for both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. Kolarov represented Serbia at two FIFA World Cup tournaments: South Africa in 2010 and Russia in 2018 (FIFA World Cup 2010), (FIFA World Cup 2018). At the 2018 World Cup, he notably scored a memorable free-kick goal against Costa Rica in Serbia's opening group stage match (FIFA), which proved to be the winning goal.
Captaincy and Leadership
Later in his international career, Kolarov assumed the captaincy of the national team, a testament to his experience, influence, and leadership qualities. He was a vocal presence on the pitch, often rallying his teammates and leading by example. His commitment to the national cause remained strong throughout his career, making him a respected figure within Serbian football.
What makes Aleksandar Kolarov stand out
Aleksandar Kolarov distinguished himself through a combination of unique attributes that made him one of the most recognizable full-backs of his generation. His standout traits revolved around his extraordinary striking ability, defensive reliability, and leadership.
Firstly, his left foot was arguably the most powerful and accurate among full-backs in modern football. Kolarov's capacity to score from direct free-kicks, long-range shots, and deliver dangerous crosses from wide positions was a constant threat to opponents. This rendered him a specialist in dead-ball situations, often turning games with a single strike. Secondly, despite his attacking flair, he maintained a strong defensive presence. His physical strength, aerial ability, and tactical understanding ensured he was rarely a liability at the back, offering a balanced contribution that many attacking full-backs struggle to achieve. Finally, Kolarov's strong personality and leadership skills made him a vital figure in the dressing room and on the pitch, particularly evident during his captaincy spells.
"He has a cannon of a left foot. When he hits it, you just hope it's not going towards your goal."