As football evolves, where talent meets determination, Dejan Kulusevski stands out as a remarkable figure. With roots tracing back to the descendants of Alexander the Great, he swiftly rose to prominence, gaining the admiration of fans across his club and national team. Goal 90 is thrilled to delve into stories from Dejan’s early years and provide an inside look into his journey to becoming a footballing sensation, along with a glimpse of his life away from the pitch.
Family and Background
Born in Sweden, Dejan Kulusevski has Macedonian heritage, with both of his parents being Macedonian immigrants who settled in Sweden. His father is Stefan Kulusevski, and he also has a sister, Sandra Kulusevska. Dejan shares a strong bond with his parents, attributing much of his football success to their support. His Macedonian roots are a point of great pride, and he embraces his connection to the Alexandrian lineage.
Religion
A devout Christian, Dejan frequently shares expressions of gratitude to God on his Instagram, often including Bible verses as part of his posts. His faith plays an essential role in his life, providing him with strength, discipline, and a source of spiritual guidance. Dejan has been open about how his Christian beliefs shape his mindset both on and off the pitch, often attributing his success and resilience to his faith. Additionally, he actively participates in charitable endeavors and outreach within the Christian community, supporting causes that align with his beliefs and values.
Marital Status
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Dejan remains unmarried but is currently in a long-term relationship with Eldina Ahmic, his partner, and they are expecting a child. The couple often posts pictures together on social media. Dejan credits his partner with being a source of support and spiritual guidance, playing an essential role in his maturity and discipline in football. Plans for marriage are reportedly in the near future.
Childhood
Dejan Kulusevski was born on April 25, 2000. Unlike the typical ‘rags to riches’ football journey, Dejan’s story is unique. Raised in a well-off Macedonian immigrant family, he had everything he desired as a child. His parents provided him with a strong support system, ensuring that Dejan had access to opportunities that would nurture his love for the game from an early age.
From a young age, Dejan shared a close and protective relationship with his sister Sandra, who would care for him and defend him from anyone who tried to provoke him. Their bond was inseparable, and this deep connection remains strong into adulthood as they are often seen together on trips and at matches. Sandra has been an important figure in Dejan’s life, offering not only familial support but also encouraging him to pursue his dreams of becoming a footballer.
Sandra, also a passionate football fan, sparked Dejan’s own love for the sport. Growing up in a comfortable home, Dejan’s wishes were rarely denied, and unlike other children who wanted toys, his requests were for a football jersey or simply a ball to play with. Noticing his growing passion for the game, his parents enrolled him in the IF Brommapojkarna youth academy when he was just six years old in 2006. The academy provided a solid foundation for his skills, and Dejan quickly demonstrated his potential, showing early signs of the talent that would later make him a sought-after player. His parents supported him fully, ensuring that he had the right balance of education and athletic development as he navigated his early football years.
Building up Momentum
Like many of his peers, Dejan began his journey with strength, making his way through the youth system as he grew. However, around the age of 10 or 11, he faced a development plateau that caused him to be sidelined more frequently, leading to frustration as he struggled to break through.
To further enhance his football abilities, his family made the decision to move to Macedonia. Initial progress was promising as he caught the attention of his coaches, and the discipline necessary for peak performance gradually began to shape his game. Soon after, he earned a spot on Macedonia’s U15 team, a key milestone in his developing career. However, a year later, the family moved back to Sweden, where Dejan switched allegiance and joined Sweden’s U17 National Team.
Rise to Glory
It wasn’t long before Atalanta’s scouts took notice of Dejan, and it only took a few moments for him to accept their offer of a professional contract. He joined Atalanta’s youth academy, where he quickly became recognized as one of their brightest talents. This sparked interest from other prominent Italian clubs, but Dejan remained focused on his development and chose not to be swayed by their attention.
At 19, Dejan made his debut with the senior team, marking the occasion with an impressive 5-0 win over Frosinone. Despite the strong debut, he only made three appearances, all as a substitute. As a result, he was loaned out to gain more first-team experience, which led him to Parma.
During his loan spell at Parma in the 2019-20 season, Dejan truly made his mark, scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists in 39 appearances. His impressive performances earned him the title of ‘Serie A Young Player of the Season.’ It became clear to everyone that Dejan was a remarkable talent, and this led to Juventus offering €35 million, plus an additional €9 million in bonuses and add-ons, to secure his transfer.
His successful loan to Parma in the 2019-20 season was a defining moment. Scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists in 39 appearances, Dejan earned the accolade of ‘Serie A Young Player of the Season.’ Recognizing his exceptional talent, Juventus swooped in with an offer of €35 million, alongside another €9 million in add-ons and bonuses.
Influence of His Macedonian Heritage
Growing up with deep roots in a rich cultural background, the connection to heritage played a significant role in shaping his character and determination. The values and traditions passed down from previous generations helped mold his work ethic and approach to both football and life. His background is not just a point of pride but a continuous source of inspiration and motivation in every challenge he faces.
The ties to his ancestral homeland instilled a sense of loyalty and respect that extends beyond the sport itself. The teachings of strength, resilience, and unity were embedded early on, which significantly influenced his mental and emotional approach to adversity. Drawing on these cultural elements, he possesses an inner fortitude that enables him to perform under pressure, making his heritage an undeniable asset to his career.
In addition to his internal drive, his roots fostered a deep appreciation for community and family. The importance of relationships and mutual support runs through his life, reminding him that achievements are not only personal but also collective. The strength of these bonds provides the foundation upon which he continues to build his success, ensuring that his heritage remains a guiding force throughout his journey.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Road to Success
Current Life and Future Aspirations
At present, the focus is on both maintaining peak performance and continuing to grow as an individual. Striving to evolve both on and off the field, there is a strong desire to consistently improve and push boundaries, ensuring a lasting legacy. The ultimate goal is to reach new heights while contributing to the success of the teams represented, balancing personal development with team achievements.
Looking ahead, aspirations are not solely about individual accolades but about creating a lasting impact on the sport. There is a deep ambition to be remembered not only for skills and accomplishments but also for positive influence and leadership. Planning for the future includes long-term goals that combine professional and personal growth, with an unwavering focus on making a difference both in the sport and beyond.
Furthermore, personal growth continues to be shaped by new experiences and learning. These aspirations extend beyond the pitch, emphasizing a balanced life where achievements in football coexist with a fulfilling personal journey. With these objectives in mind, the future is seen as a space for both continued excellence and meaningful contributions to the world outside of football.
