Simon Vukčević: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
spam link removed, general clean up using AWB
 
(735 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Montenegrin footballer}}
{{Football player infobox
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
| playername = Simon Vukčević
{{Infobox football biography
| image = <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Vukcevic s01.jpg|100px]] -->
| name = Simon Vukčević
| image = Simon Vukcevic.jpg
| caption = Vukčević playing for [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] in 2013
| fullname = Simon Vukčević
| fullname = Simon Vukčević
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|1|29|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Podgorica|Titograd]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|SFR Yugoslavia]]
| height = 1.79 m
| height = 1.79 m
| position = [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|Midfielder]]
| nickname =
| currentclub =
| dateofbirth = {{Birth date and age|1986|1|29|mf=y}}
| clubnumber =
| cityofbirth = [[Titograd]]
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = [[FK Zabjelo|Zabjelo]]
| countryofbirth = [[SFR Yugoslavia]]
| youthyears2 = 1999–2003 | youthclubs2 = [[FK Partizan|Partizan]]
| currentclub = [[Sporting Clube de Portugal|Sporting CP]]
| years1 = 2003–2006 | clubs1 = [[FK Partizan|Partizan]] | caps1 = 52 | goals1 = 13
| clubnumber = 10
| years2 = 2006–2007 | clubs2 = [[FC Saturn Ramenskoye|Saturn]] | caps2 = 28 | goals2 = 1
| position = [[Attacking midfielder]]
| years3 = 2007–2011 | clubs3 = [[Sporting CP]] | caps3 = 77 | goals3 = 14
| youthyears =
| years4 = 2011–2013 | clubs4 = [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] | caps4 = 16 | goals4 = 1
| youthclubs = [[FK Budućnost Podgorica]]
| years5 = 2013 | clubs5 = [[FC Karpaty Lviv|Karpaty Lviv]] | caps5 = 2 | goals5 = 0
| years = 2003-2005<br>2006-2007<br>2007-
| years6 = 2013 | clubs6 = [[FK Vojvodina|Vojvodina]] | caps6 = 10 | goals6 = 0
| clubs = [[FK Partizan|Partizan Belgarde]]<br>[[FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast|FC Saturn]]<br>[[Sporting Clube de Portugal|Sporting CP]]
| years7 = 2014–2015 | clubs7 = [[Levadiakos F.C.|Levadiakos]] | caps7 = 25 | goals7 = 2
| caps(goals) = 61 (16)<br> 28 (1)<br> 19 (7)
| years8 = 2015–2016 | clubs8 = [[Enosis Neon Paralimni FC|Enosis Neon]] | caps8 = 15 | goals8 = 1
| nationalyears = 2003-2006<br>2005
| years9 = 2016–2017 | clubs9 = [[G.D. Chaves|Chaves]] | caps9 = 11 | goals9 = 0
| nationalteam = [[Serbia and Montenegro national under-21 football team|Serbia and Montenegro U21]]<br>[[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro]]<br>[[Montenegro under-21 football team|Montenegro U21]]<br>[[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]]
| years10 = 2018 | clubs10 = [[FK Budućnost Podgorica|Budućnost]] | caps10 = 0 | goals10 = 0
| nationalcaps(goals) = 7 (1)<br> 5 (0)<br> 1 (1)<br> 3 (0)
| totalcaps = 241 | totalgoals = 32
| nationalyears = 2003-2006<br> 2004-2005<br> 2007<br> 2007-
| nationalyears1 = 2004–2006 | nationalteam1 = [[Serbia and Montenegro national under-21 football team|Serbia and Montenegro U21]] | nationalcaps1 = 12 | nationalgoals1 = 2
| pcupdate = [[February 25]], [[2007]]
| nationalyears2 = 2004 | nationalteam2 = [[Serbia and Montenegro national under-23 football team|Serbia and Montenegro U23]] | nationalcaps2 = 3 | nationalgoals2 = 1
| ntupdate = [[February 25]], [[2007]]
| nationalyears3 = 2004–2005 | nationalteam3 = [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro]] | nationalcaps3 = 5 | nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2007 | nationalteam4 = [[Montenegro national under-21 football team|Montenegro U21]] | nationalcaps4 = 2 | nationalgoals4 = 1
| nationalyears5 = 2007–2014 | nationalteam5 = [[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]] | nationalcaps5 = 45 | nationalgoals5 = 2
| club-update =
| nationalteam-update =
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{medal|Country|{{fb|SCG}}}}
{{Medal|Comp|[[UEFA European Under-21 Championship]]|}}
{{Medal|Runner-up|[[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|2004 Germany]]|}}
}}
}}
'''Simon Vukčević''' ([[Serbian language|Serbian]] [[Cyrillic]]: ''Симон Вукчевић''), (born [[January 29]], [[1986]] in [[Titograd]], [[Montenegro]], [[SFR Yugoslavia]]) is a [[Montenegro|Montenegrin]] [[football (soccer)|football]] player, currently playing for [[Sporting C.P.]].


'''Simon Vukčević''' ([[Serbian Cyrillic]]: Симон Вукчевић, {{IPA-sh|sǐmon ʋǔktʃeʋitɕ|pron}}; born 29 January 1986) is a Montenegrin former [[Association football|footballer]] who played as an [[Midfielder#Attacking midfielder|attacking midfielder]].
One of the most exciting players of recent times in [[Serbia and Montenegro]], attacking midfielder Vukčević started learning his craft at [[FK Budućnost Podgorica]] before moving to the Serbian capital to join [[FK Partizan]] youth system at the tender age of 16.


After starting his senior career at the age of 17 with [[FK Partizan|Partizan]], winning two [[First League of Serbia and Montenegro|national championships]] during his tenure, he went on to play professionally in Russia, Portugal – playing 135 competitive matches while scoring 28 goals for [[Sporting CP]] and conquering the [[2008 Taça de Portugal Final|2008 Taça de Portugal]] – England, Ukraine, Greece and Cyprus.
Simon's father Ilija Vukčević is former sporting director at [[FK Zeta]].

Internationally, Vukčević represented both [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blic.rs/vesti/drustvo/simon-vukcevic-je-moj-naslednik/qrjj0ee|title=Simon Vukčević je moj naslednik|trans-title=Simon Vukčević is my successor|newspaper=[[Blic]]|language=sr|date=23 December 2004|access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref> and [[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]].


==Club career==
==Club career==
===Partizan Belgrade===
Blessed with boundless confidence, he spent two years in the youth ranks in [[Belgrade]] before bursting into the first team, scoring and creating goals from midfield. He was awarded the No1 shirt, in recognition of his popularity among Partizan supporters. His best season with the club was the 2004/05 campaign during which he starred with eye-catching midfield displays in domestic league and [[UEFA Cup]]. However, the form didn't spill over into 2005/06 season as Vukčević faced criticism over his excessive solo play and poor shot selection, as well as overall deteriorating form.


===Partizan===
He was nominated for the ''Best Young Player Award'' in early 2006.
Born in [[Podgorica|Titograd]], [[Socialist Republic of Montenegro]], [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]], Vukčević started playing football at the [[FK Zabjelo]] youth academy, signing with [[FK Partizan]] at age 13. He was promoted to the first team of the latter ahead of the [[2003–04 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2003–04 season]].


The 18-year-old Vukčević scored a career-best ten goals in the [[2003–04 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2004–05 campaign]], helping his team win the eighth [[First League of Serbia and Montenegro]] in their history and 19th overall. He was eventually awarded the number 1 shirt in recognition of his popularity among supporters<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.b92.net/sport/fudbal/vesti.php?yyyy=2004&mm=08&dd=01&nav_id=147172|title=Partizan: Simon Vukčević nosi broj 1|trans-title=Partizan: Vukcevic wears number 1|publisher=[[B92]]|language=sr|date=1 August 2004|access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref> but, during [[2005–06 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2005–06]], faced criticism over his excessive individual play and poor shot selection, as well as overall declining form.
===Saturn Ramenskoe===
Despite criticism, his move to Russian side [[Saturn Ramenskoe|FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast]] in January [[2006]] came as somewhat of a shock. The transfer, said to have cost the Russian club about [[euro|€]]7 million failed to raise Vukčević's form to what it once was at Partizan. In late July 2006, he was even demoted to Saturn's reserve squad with coach [[Vladimír Weiss]] publicly blasting him in the Russian press for displaying bad attitude in training and having a lack of manners<small>[http://www.jadransport.org/articles/3131.html]</small>.


===Saturn===
Saturn finished the 2006 season at disappointing 11th place in Russian league, and as the 2007 season was about to start Vukčević expressed frustration with coach Weiss playing him out of position. Vukčević also said that coming to Saturn was a mistake and that he would have preferred a more ambitious club.<small>[http://www.kurir-info.co.yu/arhiva/2007/februar/14/SP-01-14022007.shtml]</small>
In January 2006, Vukčević joined [[FC Saturn Ramenskoye]] for a reported fee of €7&nbsp;million. In late July, however, he was demoted to the reserve squad with coach [[Vladimír Weiss (footballer born 1964)|Vladimír Weiss]] publicly blasting him in the press for displaying bad attitude in training and having a lack of manners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/amp/f-c-porto-vukcevic-esta-em-conflito-com-o-f-c-saturn-e-e-um-alvo-apetecivel|title=F.C. Porto: Vukcevic está em conflito com o F.C. Saturn e é um alvo apetecível|trans-title=F.C. Porto: Vukcevic is at war with F.C. Saturn and is a nice target|publisher=Mais Futebol|first=Pedro Jorge|last=Da Cunha|language=pt|date=3 June 2007|access-date=15 November 2020}}</ref>


Subsequently, Vukčević expressed frustration at his manager playing him out of position. He also said that coming to the [[Russian Premier League]] club was a mistake, and that he would have preferred a more ambitious project.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://arhiva.kurir-info.rs/Arhiva/2007/februar/14/SP-01-14022007.shtml|title=Pogrešio Sam|trans-title=I was wrong|newspaper=[[Kurir]]|language=sr|date=14 February 2007|access-date=14 February 2007}}</ref>
The 2007 Russian League season started somewhat more promisingly for Simon as he finally got some playing time, which he used to score his first league goal. However, things soon went awry again and he completely lost a spot on the team, which prompted Saturn brass to start looking at options to move him. The departure of coach Weiss and subsequent arrival of [[Gadzhi Gadzhiev]] to Saturn bench hardly changed matters for Vukčević as he was completely out of the first team picture.


Vukčević's fate did not change for the better even though Weiss was dismissed early into the [[2007 Russian Premier League|2007 season]], being replaced by [[Gadzhi Gadzhiev]],
===Sporting Clube de Portugal===
On June 25 2007, Saturn reportedly agreed a [[euro|€]]4 million transfer fee with [[Sporting Clube de Portugal|Sporting Lisbon]], but the deal stalled when the Russian club also demanded 20% of any subsequent transfer fees involving Vukčević. Eventually, on June 28, both clubs agreed a €2 million fee in addition to an agreement about splitting his future transfer fee.


===Sporting===
Vukcevic scored on his debut in a pre-season friendly against [[Lille OSC]] and wasted little time in making himself a mainstay of Paulo Bento’s team. His [[Portuguese Liga]] debut came against [[Associação Académica de Coimbra - O.A.F.|Académica]] in the season opener where he was man of the match, but the midfielder was especially impressive during a rough period Sporting endured in Christmas, several times carrying the side with his never-say-die attitude and eye for goal.
On 25 June 2007, Saturn reportedly agreed a €4&nbsp;million transfer fee with [[Sporting CP]], but the deal stalled when the former also demanded 20% of any subsequent transfer fees involving Vukčević. Three days later, both clubs agreed a €2&nbsp;million fee in addition to an agreement about splitting his future transfer fee 50–50.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sporting.pt/incscp/pdf/investor_relations/ir_ofertaspublicas_prospecto_101210.pdf|title=Oferta pública de subscrição – Prospecto|trans-title=Public offer for subscription – Prospect|publisher=Sporting CP|language=pt|date=10 December 2010|access-date=13 January 2011}}</ref> He made his [[Primeira Liga]] debut on 17 August, playing 71 minutes in a 4–1 home win over [[Associação Académica de Coimbra – O.A.F.|Académica de Coimbra]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/cm-ao-minuto/detalhe/sporting-goleia-academica|title=Sporting goleia Académica|trans-title=Sporting rout Académica|newspaper=[[Correio da Manhã (Portugal)|Correio da Manhã]]|language=pt|date=17 August 2007|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>


Vukčević also found the net in home fixtures against [[FC Porto]] (2–0)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/sporting-fc-porto-2-0-vukcevic-13-izmailov-15.html|title=Sporting-FC Porto, 2–0 (Vukcevic 13', Izmailov 15')|newspaper=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|language=pt|date=27 January 2008|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> and [[S.L. Benfica]] (1–1) in [[2007–08 Primeira Liga|his first year]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vavel.com/pt/futebol-portugues/2015/02/05/446608-sporting-x-benfica-os-goleadores-do-alvalade-xxi.html|title=Sporting x Benfica: os goleadores do Alvalade XXI|trans-title=Sporting x Benfica: the scorers of Alvalade XXI|publisher=[[Vavel]]|last=Falcão Cardoso|first=Bruno|language=pt|date=5 February 2015|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> He ranked second in the team in goals scored at seven, only behind [[Liédson]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/sporting/interior/vukcevic-quer-voltar-a-ser-o-melhor-parceiro-para-liedson-1307430.html|title=Vukcevic quer voltar a ser o melhor parceiro para Liedson|trans-title=Vukcevic wants to be the best partner for Liedson again|newspaper=[[Diário de Notícias]]|last=Almeida|first=Isaura|language=pt|date=14 July 2009|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>
Vukcevic scored an important goal against rivals [[SL Benfica]] on [[March 2]], [[2008]], which ended in a 1-1 home draw. On [[January 27]], he had scored against leaders [[FC Porto]] in Sporting's 2-0 win. He ranked the team's second best league scorer, only behind [[Liédson]].


During the 2008 summer transfer window, [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] and [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] were at the top of the list of clubs reportedly interested in signing Vukčević; nonetheless, Sporting reiterated their desire to keep the player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11672/3796752/sporting-to-keep-vukcevic|title=Sporting to keep Vukcevic|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|last=Acedo|first=Francisco|date=9 July 2008|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> Shortly after, he got involved in a controversial dispute with manager [[Paulo Bento]] over losing his place in the starting XI; after playing 45 minutes as a [[Substitute (association football)|substitute]] in the 2–0 home defeat of [[C.F. Os Belenenses]], he declared his intention to leave the ''[[Estádio José Alvalade]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/91/portugal/2008/09/22/876588/sporting-midfielder-to-leave-in-winter|title=Sporting midfielder to leave in winter|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|last=Staunton|first=Peter|date=22 September 2008|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>
Vukcevic has recently been linked with a move to [[Manchester United]].


On 21 November 2008, without any warning, Vukčević missed training to join his national team one day before expected, being fined €5,000 and placed on individual training until further notice. On 29 November, after holding a press conference stating his wish to remain in Sporting and apologising for his behaviour, he was allowed to train with the rest of the team.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/vukcevic-fica-de-castigo.html|title=Vukcevic fica de castigo|trans-title=Vukcevic is grounded|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=21 November 2008|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/desporto/detalhe/vuk-nas-maos-de-paulo-bento|title=Vuk nas mãos de Paulo Bento|trans-title=Vuk in the hands of Paulo Bento|newspaper=Correio da Manhã|language=pt|date=29 November 2008|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> On 5 December, after coming on for [[Hélder Postiga]] in the 75th minute of the league game at [[C.F. Estrela da Amadora]], he scored shortly after in a 3–1 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pt.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=782935.html|title=Sporting dá a volta na Reboleira|trans-title=Sporting come from behind at the Reboleira|publisher=UEFA|language=pt|date=6 December 2008|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>
==National team==
===Under-21 level===
At the age of eighteen, Vukčević was selected by head coach [[Vladimir Petrović "Pižon"]] to be part of [[Serbia and Montenegro national under-21 football team|Serbia and Montenegro u-21 national team]] at the [[UEFA U-21 Championship 2004|2004 European Under-21 Football Championship]] in [[Germany]]. Vukčević had a notable tournament, scoring in a group stage loss to [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]] (1-2), as well as in a semi-final penalty shootout against [[Sweden national under-21 football team|Sweden]]. Somewhat surprisingly, Serbia-Montenegro progressed all the way to the final where it lost again to the [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italian team]] led by rising 21-year-old star [[Alberto Gilardino]] and 20-year-old [[Daniele De Rossi]].


Sporting bought the remaining 50% rights on a future transfer from Saturn in January 2010, for another £2 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/sporting/interior/prioridade-de-costinha-e-vender-passe-de-vukcevic-1555933.html|title=Prioridade de Costinha é vender passe de Vukcevic|trans-title=Costinha's priority is the sale of Vukcevic's rights|newspaper=Diário de Notícias|last=Almeida|first=Isaura|language=pt|date=29 April 2010|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>
Barely two months later Vukčević was then part of the [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbian and Montenegrin]] [[Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Olympic]] football team that exited in the first round, finishing fourth in Group C behind gold-medal winners [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]], [[Australia national football team|Australia]] and [[Tunisia national football team|Tunisia]].


===Blackburn Rovers===
He also played for the national under-21 squad that qualified for another European championships, this time in Portugal 2006. Capped five times already for the senior national side, Vukčević, now 20, was hoping to further hone his talents with the u-21s in [[Portugal]], but had a poor tournament. Following an indifferent display in the first group game (0-1 loss to [[Germany national under-21 football team|Germany]]), head coach [[Dragan Okuka]] dropped him from the first team and Vukčević rarely featured in the side for the rest of the tournament. Serbia-Montenegro ended up progressing to semifinal where it lost on penalites to [[Ukraine national under-21 football team|Ukraine]].
Vukčević agreed to a three-year contract with Blackburn Rovers on 26 August 2011, after a successful medical.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303~2430265,00.html|title=Simon signs on|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C|date=26 August 2011|access-date=26 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129091710/http://www.rovers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303~2430265,00.html|archive-date=29 November 2011}}</ref> His maiden [[Premier League]] appearance took place on 17 September when he played 25 minutes in a 4–3 home win against [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] at [[Ewood Park]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9593514.stm|title=Saturday football as it happened|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=17 September 2011|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> and he scored his first goal three days later in a 3–2 victory over [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]] in [[2011–12 Football League Cup|the third round]] of the [[EFL Cup|League Cup]], also at home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/14893653.stm|title=Blackburn 3–2 Leyton Orient|work=BBC Sport|date=21 October 2011|access-date=30 May 2012}}</ref> His first league goal came on 11 December, in a 2–1 loss away to [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16021619|title=Sunderland 2–1 Blackburn|work=BBC Sport|last=McNulty|first=Phil|date=11 December 2011|access-date=30 May 2012}}</ref> he made little impact during [[2011–12 Premier League|his first season]], and his team was relegated.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/mar/21/steve-kean-blackburn-manager-of-year|title=Should Blackburn's Steve Kean be manager of the year?|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|last=Wilson|first=Paul|date=21 March 2012|access-date=1 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/05/08/3088566/from-ronaldinho-to-relegation-how-venkys-blackburn-dream|title=From Ronaldinho to relegation: How Venky's Blackburn dream turned sour|publisher=Goal|last=Platt|first=Oliver|date=8 May 2012|access-date=1 January 2019}}</ref>


With the Rovers back in the [[EFL Championship|Championship]], Vukčević made his first start of [[2012–13 Football League Championship|the campaign]] on 28 August 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–2 defeat against [[Milton Keynes Dons F.C.|Milton Keynes Dons]] in the [[2012–13 Football League Cup|second round of the League Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19352894|title=MK Dons 2–1 Blackburn|work=BBC Sport|date=28 August 2012|access-date=29 August 2012}}</ref> It seemed likely that he would be allowed to leave on loan with a view to a permanent deal,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8080332/rovers-to-allow-vukcevic-exit|title=Rovers to allow Vukcevic exit|publisher=Sky Sports|date=15 September 2012|access-date=16 November 2020}}</ref> but in the first match under new coach [[Henning Berg]], on 3 November against [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]], he took the field after replacing [[Marcus Olsson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20107673|title=Crystal Palace 2–0 Blackburn|work=BBC Sport|date=3 November 2012|access-date=3 November 2012}}</ref>
Simon was once again called up, this time at Under-21 level, to represent [[Montenegro national under-21 football team|Montenegro]] in its premier match against [[Bulgarian national under-21 football team|Bulgaria]] in the qualifications for Under-21 European Championship 2009, scoring a goal and missing a penalty on his debut in a 2-1 victory against the Bulgarians.


Over the next few months, Vukčević made more first-team appearances and was even chosen by new manager [[Michael Appleton]]. On 31 January 2013, however, his contract was terminated with immediate effect by mutual consent, with the player having played 21 games across all competitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rovers.co.uk/news/article/vukcevic-departs-631601.aspx|title=Vukcevic departs|publisher=Blackburn Rovers F.C.|date=31 January 2013|access-date=1 February 2013}}</ref> Shortly before this happened, there were reports he would move to [[APOEL FC]] of the [[Cypriot First Division]], but no deal was reached.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/10196995.Robinson_set_to_leave_Ewood/|title=Robinson set to leave Ewood|newspaper=[[Lancashire Telegraph]]|last=Cryer|first=Andy|date=31 January 2013|access-date=1 February 2013}}</ref>
===Senior level===
Following his noted under-21 displays Vukčević started getting call-ups to the Serbia-Montenegro senior side from head coach [[Ilija Petković]]. His debut as a substitute came during February 2005 friendly against [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]]. All of his caps, five in total, came under Petković - most of them in friendly warm-up matches.


===Karpaty Lviv===
In light of [[Montenegro]] seceding from the [[Serbia and Montenegro|State Union of Serbia-Montenegro]] in May 2006, and the fact that Vukčević is from [[Podgorica]], he chose to play for [[Montenegro national football team|Montenegro]] in the future. He played in their first ever game, when Montenegro won over [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] (2:1) in a friendly match on [[March 24]], [[2007]].
On 28 February 2013, Vukčević signed a contract with [[Ukrainian Premier League]] club [[FC Karpaty Lviv]] until 30 June with the option to extend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://91.206.30.161/en/news/9992/comments/3/page0.html|title=Simon Vukcevic is a player of FC Karpaty|publisher=Karpaty Lviv|date=28 February 2013|access-date=12 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627101930/http://91.206.30.161/en/news/9992/comments/3/page0.html|archive-date=27 June 2013}}</ref> His first appearance occurred three days later, when he played eight minutes in a 2–0 away win over [[SC Tavriya Simferopol]].


Vukčević left in April 2013 by mutual consent, citing personal reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://football.ua/ukraine/news/199651.html|title=Вукчевич покидает Карпаты|trans-title=Vukcevic leaves the Carpathians|publisher=Football UA|language=ru|date=8 April 2013|access-date=22 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/fulham-chelsea-transfer-news-west-1828961|title=Kram it in: Fulham and Chelsea hunting young Croatian striker|newspaper=[[Daily Mirror]]|last=Malyon|first=Ed|date=13 April 2013|access-date=12 May 2013}}</ref>
== Statistics ==
Performance as sporting's player
{|border=1 align=center cellpadding=4 cellspacing=2 style="background: ivory; font-size: 95%; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; clear:center"
|+ '''<big>Career statistics</big>'''


===Later years===
|-
On 10 August 2013, Vukčević joined [[Serbian SuperLiga]]'s [[FK Vojvodina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fkvojvodina.rs/2013/08/simon-vukcevic-u-vojvodini/|title=Simon Vukčević u Vojvodini|trans-title=Simon Vukčević to Vojvodina|publisher=FK Vojvodina|language=sr|date=10 August 2013|access-date=11 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813235845/http://www.fkvojvodina.rs/2013/08/simon-vukcevic-u-vojvodini/|archive-date=13 August 2013}}</ref> In the following years he failed to settle at any club or country, representing [[Levadiakos F.C.|Levadiakos FC]] ([[Super League Greece]]), [[Enosis Neon Paralimni FC]] (Cypriot top level) and [[G.D. Chaves]] (Portuguese top tier).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sabado.pt/ultima-hora/detalhe/simon-vukcevic-assina-pelos-flavienses|title=Simon Vukcevic assina pelos flavienses|trans-title=Simon Vukcevic signs for the ''flavienses''|publisher=[[Sábado (magazine)|Sábado]]|language=pt|date=22 June 2016|access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>

On 30 March 2018, 32-year-old Vukčević announced his retirement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.novosti.rs/vesti/sport.294.html:719581-Simon-Vukcevic-zavrsio-karijeru|title=Simon Vukčević završio karijeru|trans-title=Simon Vukčević ended career|newspaper=[[Večernje novosti]]|language=sr|date=30 March 2018|access-date=11 October 2018}}</ref>

==International career==
===Youth===
Vukčević was part of the [[Serbia national under-17 football team|FR Yugoslavia under-17]] squad at the [[2002 UEFA European Under-17 Championship|2002 UEFA European Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under17/history/2002/|title=Swiss spot on in Denmark|publisher=UEFA|access-date=16 November 2020}}</ref> At age 18, he was selected by head coach [[Vladimir Petrović]] to be part of the [[Serbia and Montenegro national under-21 football team|Serbia and Montenegro under-21 team]] at the [[2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|2004 European Championships]], scoring for the eventual runners-up in a 1–2 group stage loss to [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]] and also converting his [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|penalty shootout]] attempt in the semi-finals against [[Sweden national under-21 football team|Sweden]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2004/matches/round=1608/match=74209/postmatch/report/index.html|title=Sculli keeps Azzurrini alive|publisher=UEFA|last=Bennett|first=Mark|date=29 May 2004|access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2004/matches/round=1611/match=75519/postmatch/report/index.html|title=Penalties decide epic semi-final|publisher=UEFA|last=Dykes|first=Tim|date=5 June 2004|access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref> He participated in the [[Summer Olympic Games]] also [[Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics|that year]], and was subsequently honoured with the Golden Badge Award for the Best Young Athlete of the Year in Serbia and Montenegro by [[DSL Sport]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraf.rs/sport/1933838-ko-sam-ja-bio-sam-partizanov-biser-i-najbolji-sportista-drzave-a-osvojio-sa-jednu-titulu|title=KO SAM JA? Bio sam Partizanov biser i najbolji sportista države, a osvojio sam jednu titulu|trans-title=WHO AM I? I was Partizan's gem and the best sportsperson in my country, but I only won one title|newspaper=Telegraf|language=sr|date=2 January 2016|access-date=9 October 2018}}</ref>

Vukčević also played for the under-21 side in the [[2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|2006 European Championship]]. After a 0–1 defeat against [[Germany national under-21 football team|Germany]] in the group phase opener,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/under21/season=2006/matches/round=1912/match=83590/postmatch/report/index.html|title=Polanski gets Germany going|publisher=UEFA|last=Ashby|first=Kevin|date=23 May 2006|access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref> manager [[Dragan Okuka]] dropped him from the first team.

[[File:Simon Vukčević free kick at Serbia and Montenegro vs. Italy in Toronto (photo by Djuradj Vujcic).jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|Vukčević lining up a [[free kick (association football)|free kick]] for [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro]] in a [[exhibition game|friendly]] in [[Toronto]] versus [[Italy national football team|Italy]] in 2005]]

===Senior===
Vukčević began earning call-ups to the [[Serbia and Montenegro national football team|Serbia and Montenegro senior team]] from [[Ilija Petković]]. His debut came on 11 July 2004 against [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] at the age of 18, when he replaced [[Saša Ilić (footballer, born 1977)|Saša Ilić]] late into the 2–0 win for the [[Kirin Cup]].

On 4 June 2005, Vukčević was given his competitive debut, when he came in for [[Ognjen Koroman]] for the last eight minutes of the 0–0 home draw to [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]] for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|qualifiers]]. His last appearance for Serbia and Montenegro occurred four days later, when he featured the entire 1–1 [[Exhibition game|friendly]] draw with [[Italy national football team|Italy]] at [[Toronto]]'s [[Rogers Centre]].

After Montenegro seceded from [[Serbia and Montenegro]] in June 2006, Vukčević chose to represent the [[Montenegro national football team|newly created nation]]. He won his first [[Cap (sport)|cap]] on 24 March 2007, in a 2–1 friendly defeat of [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.total-montenegro-news.com/sport/1263-round-100-these-are-all-football-players-who-wore-the-jersey-of-montenegro|title=100 footballers have worn Montenegro football jersey to date|publisher=Total Montenegro News|date=31 May 2018|access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> He scored the first of two international goals on 20 August of the following year, helping to a 3–3 draw against the same opposition in another exhibition game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.publico.pt/2008/08/20/desporto/noticia/futebol-malta-perde-na-estonia-vukcevic-marca-pelo-montenegro-1339767|title=Futebol: Malta perde na Estónia, Vukcevic marca pelo Montenegro|trans-title=Football: Malta lose in Estonia, Vukcevic scores for Montenegro|newspaper=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]]|last=Doce|first=Nacho|language=pt|date=20 August 2008|access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref>

Vukčević played a total of 45 internationals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/monteg-recintlp.html|title=Montenegro – Record International Players|last=Mamrud|first=Roberto|website=[[RSSSF]]|access-date=25 October 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Vukčević's father, Ilija, worked as [[director of football]] at [[FK Zeta]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=529048.html|title=Scouts come up trumps for Zeta|publisher=UEFA|last=Radović|first=Aleksandar|date=18 April 2007|access-date=29 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/ilija-vukcevic-ele-vai-sair-em-janeiro.html|title=Ilija Vukcevic: "Ele vai sair em Janeiro"|trans-title=Ilija Vukcevic: "He will leave in January"|newspaper=Record|language=pt|date=22 November 2008|access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
<ref>{{Soccerway|simon-vukcevic/5943}}</ref>
{|border=1 cellpadding=4 cellspacing=2 style="background: ivory; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; clear:center"
|+
|- style="background:beige"
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="2"|[[Portuguese Liga]]
!colspan="2"|League
!colspan="2"|[[Portuguese Cup]]
!colspan="2"|Cup
!colspan="2"|[[Carlsberg Cup]]
!colspan="2"|Europe
!colspan="2"|[[UEFA]]
!colspan="3"|Total
|- style="background:beige"
!colspan="2"|Total
!App
|-
!Games
!Goals
!Goals
!App
!Games
!Goals
!Goals
!App
!Games
!Goals
!Goals
!App
!Games
!Goals
!Goals
!Games
!Goals

|-
|-
|rowspan="1" valign=top|[[Sporting Clube de Portugal|Sporting CP]]
|rowspan="4" align=center valign=center|[[FK Partizan|Partizan]]
|align="center"|[[2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2002–03]]
|2007/08
|align="center"|1
|19||7||2||1||4||2||7||2||32||12
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!1
!0
|-
|-
|align="center"|[[2003–04 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2003–04]]
! align=left style="background:beige"|Total
|align="center"|12
! align=left style="background:beige" colspan="1" |
! align=left style="background:beige"| 19
|align="center"|0
! align=left style="background:beige"| 7
|align="center"|2
! align=left style="background:beige"| 2
|align="center"|0
! align=left style="background:beige"| 1
|align="center"|0
! align=left style="background:beige"| 4
|align="center"|0
!14
! align=left style="background:beige"| 2
!0
! align=left style="background:beige"| 7
! align=left style="background:beige"| 2
! align=left style="background:beige"| 32
! align=left style="background:beige"| 12
|-
|-
|align="center"|[[2004–05 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2004–05]]
|align="center"|26
|align="center"|10
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|1
!40
!11
|-
|align="center"|[[2005–06 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2005–06]]
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|1
!21
!4
|-
|rowspan="2" align=center valign=center|[[FC Saturn Ramenskoye|Saturn]]
|align="center"|[[2006 Russian Premier League|2006]]
|align="center"|24
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|8
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!32
!1
|-
|align="center"|[[2007 Russian Premier League|2007]]
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!6
!1
|-
|rowspan="4" align=center valign=center|[[Sporting CP|Sporting]]
|align="center"|[[2007–08 Primeira Liga|2007–08]]
|align="center"|26
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|10
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|3
!47
!14
|-
|align="center"|[[2008–09 Primeira Liga|2008–09]]
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|0
!22
!6
|-
|align="center"|[[2009–10 Primeira Liga|2009–10]]
|align="center"|14
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|1
!27
!3
|-
|align="center"|[[2010–11 Primeira Liga|2010–11]]
|align="center"|24
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|3
!34
!5
|-
|rowspan="2" align=center valign=center|[[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]]
|align="center"|[[2011–12 Premier League|2011–12]]
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!10
!2
|-
|align="center"|[[2012–13 Football League Championship|2012–13]]
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!11
!0
|-
|rowspan="1" align=center valign=center|[[FC Karpaty Lviv|Karpaty Lviv]]
|align="center"|[[2012–13 Ukrainian Premier League|2012–13]]
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!2
!0
|-
|rowspan="1" align=center valign=center|[[FK Vojvodina|Vojvodina]]
|align="center"|[[2013–14 Serbian SuperLiga|2013–14]]
|align="center"|10
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|0
!13
!0
|-
|rowspan="1" align=center valign=center|[[Levadiakos F.C.|Levadiakos]]
|align="center"|[[2014–15 Super League Greece|2014–15]]
|align="center"|25
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!29
!2
|-
|rowspan="1" align=center valign=center|[[Enosis Neon Paralimni FC|Enosis Neon]]
|align="center"|[[2015–16 Cypriot First Division|2015–16]]
|align="center"|15
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!15
!1
|-
|rowspan="1" align=center valign=center|[[G.D. Chaves|Chaves]]
|align="center"|[[2016–17 Primeira Liga|2016–17]]
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|0
!12
!0
|-
! style="background:beige" colspan="2" align="center" |Career total
! style="background:beige"|236
! style="background:beige"|32
! style="background:beige"|52
! style="background:beige"|9
! style="background:beige"|50
! style="background:beige"|9
! style="background:beige"|336
! style="background:beige"|50
|-
|}


===International goals===
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=22432|title=Simon Vukčević|publisher=European Football|access-date=20 October 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
| 1. || 20 August 2008 || [[Ferenc Puskás Stadium (1953)|Ferenc Puskás]], [[Budapest]], [[Hungary]] || {{fb|Hungary}} || style="text-align:center;"| 3–'''3''' || style="text-align:center;"| 3–3 || [[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
|-
| 2. || 25 March 2011 || [[Podgorica City Stadium|City Stadium]], [[Podgorica]], [[Montenegro]] || {{fb|Uzbekistan}} || style="text-align:center;"| '''1'''–0 || style="text-align:center;"| 1–0 || Friendly
|}
|}


==Honours==
== External links ==
'''Partizan'''
*[http://www.footballdatabase.com/site/players/index.php?dumpPlayer=6214 FootballDatabase Vukčević's profile and stats]
*[[First League of Serbia and Montenegro]]: [[2002–03 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2002–03]], [[2004–05 First League of Serbia and Montenegro|2004–05]]
*[http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060226/1/65r7.html Players to Watch: Simon Vukčević on FIFA World Cup]

*[http://www.uefa.com/competitions/Under21/Players/Player=63728/index.html U21 Profile at UEFA.com]
'''Sporting'''
*[http://www.lpfp.pt/bwin_Liga/Pages/Pessoa.aspx?epoca=20072008&clube=sporting_cp&jogador=2284 Vukcevic in Portuguese Liga 2007/08]
*[[Taça de Portugal]]: [[2007–08 Taça de Portugal|2007–08]]

'''Vojvodina'''
*[[Serbian Cup]]: [[2013–14 Serbian Cup|2013–14]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Simon Vukčević}}
* {{ForaDeJogo|198601290002}}
* {{Soccerbase}}
* {{NFT player|9987}}
* {{FIFA player|214391}}


{{s-start}}
{{Sporting CP Squad}}
{{s-ach|aw}}
{{succession box
| before = [[Nemanja Aleksandrov]]
| after = [[Žarko Šešum]]
| title = {{flagicon|SCG}} [[Golden Badge|The Best Young Athlete of Serbia and Montenegro]]
| years = 2004
|}}
{{s-end}}
{{Serbia and Montenegro men's football squad 2004 Summer Olympics}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Vukcevic, Simon}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vukcevic, Simon}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Montenegrin footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from Podgorica]]
[[Category:Serbia and Montenegro men's footballers]]
[[Category:Montenegrin men's footballers]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:First League of Serbia and Montenegro players]]
[[Category:Serbian SuperLiga players]]
[[Category:FK Partizan players]]
[[Category:FK Partizan players]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers of Serbia and Montenegro]]
[[Category:FK Vojvodina players]]
[[Category:Russian Premier League players]]
[[Category:FC Leon Saturn Ramenskoye players]]
[[Category:Primeira Liga players]]
[[Category:Sporting CP footballers]]
[[Category:G.D. Chaves players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Blackburn Rovers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Ukrainian Premier League players]]
[[Category:FC Karpaty Lviv players]]
[[Category:Super League Greece players]]
[[Category:Levadiakos F.C. players]]
[[Category:Cypriot First Division players]]
[[Category:Enosis Neon Paralimni FC players]]
[[Category:FK Budućnost Podgorica players]]
[[Category:Serbia and Montenegro men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Serbia and Montenegro men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Montenegro men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Dual internationalists (men's football)]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 2004 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Footballers at the 2004 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:People from Podgorica]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers for Serbia and Montenegro]]
[[Category:Montenegro international footballers]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Serbia and Montenegro international footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Russia]]
[[Category:FC Saturn Moscow Oblast players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal]]
[[Category:Sporting Lisbon players]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Portuguese Liga footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Ukraine]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Serbia]]

[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Greece]]
[[de:Simon Vukčević]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Cyprus]]
[[fr:Simon Vukčević]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate sportspeople in Russia]]
[[ja:シモン・ヴクチェヴィッチ]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate sportspeople in Portugal]]
[[pl:Simon Vukčević]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[pt:Simon Vukcevic]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate sportspeople in Ukraine]]
[[sr:Симон Вукчевић]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate sportspeople in Serbia]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate sportspeople in Greece]]
[[Category:Montenegrin expatriate sportspeople in Cyprus]]

Latest revision as of 19:43, 18 May 2024

Simon Vukčević
Vukčević playing for Blackburn Rovers in 2013
Personal information
Full name Simon Vukčević
Date of birth (1986-01-29) 29 January 1986 (age 38)
Place of birth Titograd, SFR Yugoslavia
Height 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
Zabjelo
1999–2003 Partizan
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Partizan 52 (13)
2006–2007 Saturn 28 (1)
2007–2011 Sporting CP 77 (14)
2011–2013 Blackburn Rovers 16 (1)
2013 Karpaty Lviv 2 (0)
2013 Vojvodina 10 (0)
2014–2015 Levadiakos 25 (2)
2015–2016 Enosis Neon 15 (1)
2016–2017 Chaves 11 (0)
2018 Budućnost 0 (0)
Total 241 (32)
International career
2004–2006 Serbia and Montenegro U21 12 (2)
2004 Serbia and Montenegro U23 3 (1)
2004–2005 Serbia and Montenegro 5 (0)
2007 Montenegro U21 2 (1)
2007–2014 Montenegro 45 (2)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Serbia and Montenegro
UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Runner-up 2004 Germany
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Simon Vukčević (Serbian Cyrillic: Симон Вукчевић, pronounced [sǐmon ʋǔktʃeʋitɕ]; born 29 January 1986) is a Montenegrin former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder.

After starting his senior career at the age of 17 with Partizan, winning two national championships during his tenure, he went on to play professionally in Russia, Portugal – playing 135 competitive matches while scoring 28 goals for Sporting CP and conquering the 2008 Taça de Portugal – England, Ukraine, Greece and Cyprus.

Internationally, Vukčević represented both Serbia and Montenegro[1] and Montenegro.

Club career[edit]

Partizan[edit]

Born in Titograd, Socialist Republic of Montenegro, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Vukčević started playing football at the FK Zabjelo youth academy, signing with FK Partizan at age 13. He was promoted to the first team of the latter ahead of the 2003–04 season.

The 18-year-old Vukčević scored a career-best ten goals in the 2004–05 campaign, helping his team win the eighth First League of Serbia and Montenegro in their history and 19th overall. He was eventually awarded the number 1 shirt in recognition of his popularity among supporters[2] but, during 2005–06, faced criticism over his excessive individual play and poor shot selection, as well as overall declining form.

Saturn[edit]

In January 2006, Vukčević joined FC Saturn Ramenskoye for a reported fee of €7 million. In late July, however, he was demoted to the reserve squad with coach Vladimír Weiss publicly blasting him in the press for displaying bad attitude in training and having a lack of manners.[3]

Subsequently, Vukčević expressed frustration at his manager playing him out of position. He also said that coming to the Russian Premier League club was a mistake, and that he would have preferred a more ambitious project.[4]

Vukčević's fate did not change for the better even though Weiss was dismissed early into the 2007 season, being replaced by Gadzhi Gadzhiev,

Sporting[edit]

On 25 June 2007, Saturn reportedly agreed a €4 million transfer fee with Sporting CP, but the deal stalled when the former also demanded 20% of any subsequent transfer fees involving Vukčević. Three days later, both clubs agreed a €2 million fee in addition to an agreement about splitting his future transfer fee 50–50.[5] He made his Primeira Liga debut on 17 August, playing 71 minutes in a 4–1 home win over Académica de Coimbra.[6]

Vukčević also found the net in home fixtures against FC Porto (2–0)[7] and S.L. Benfica (1–1) in his first year.[8] He ranked second in the team in goals scored at seven, only behind Liédson.[9]

During the 2008 summer transfer window, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers were at the top of the list of clubs reportedly interested in signing Vukčević; nonetheless, Sporting reiterated their desire to keep the player.[10] Shortly after, he got involved in a controversial dispute with manager Paulo Bento over losing his place in the starting XI; after playing 45 minutes as a substitute in the 2–0 home defeat of C.F. Os Belenenses, he declared his intention to leave the Estádio José Alvalade.[11]

On 21 November 2008, without any warning, Vukčević missed training to join his national team one day before expected, being fined €5,000 and placed on individual training until further notice. On 29 November, after holding a press conference stating his wish to remain in Sporting and apologising for his behaviour, he was allowed to train with the rest of the team.[12][13] On 5 December, after coming on for Hélder Postiga in the 75th minute of the league game at C.F. Estrela da Amadora, he scored shortly after in a 3–1 victory.[14]

Sporting bought the remaining 50% rights on a future transfer from Saturn in January 2010, for another £2 million.[15]

Blackburn Rovers[edit]

Vukčević agreed to a three-year contract with Blackburn Rovers on 26 August 2011, after a successful medical.[16] His maiden Premier League appearance took place on 17 September when he played 25 minutes in a 4–3 home win against Arsenal at Ewood Park,[17] and he scored his first goal three days later in a 3–2 victory over Leyton Orient in the third round of the League Cup, also at home.[18] His first league goal came on 11 December, in a 2–1 loss away to Sunderland;[19] he made little impact during his first season, and his team was relegated.[20][21]

With the Rovers back in the Championship, Vukčević made his first start of the campaign on 28 August 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–2 defeat against Milton Keynes Dons in the second round of the League Cup.[22] It seemed likely that he would be allowed to leave on loan with a view to a permanent deal,[23] but in the first match under new coach Henning Berg, on 3 November against Crystal Palace, he took the field after replacing Marcus Olsson.[24]

Over the next few months, Vukčević made more first-team appearances and was even chosen by new manager Michael Appleton. On 31 January 2013, however, his contract was terminated with immediate effect by mutual consent, with the player having played 21 games across all competitions.[25] Shortly before this happened, there were reports he would move to APOEL FC of the Cypriot First Division, but no deal was reached.[26]

Karpaty Lviv[edit]

On 28 February 2013, Vukčević signed a contract with Ukrainian Premier League club FC Karpaty Lviv until 30 June with the option to extend.[27] His first appearance occurred three days later, when he played eight minutes in a 2–0 away win over SC Tavriya Simferopol.

Vukčević left in April 2013 by mutual consent, citing personal reasons.[28][29]

Later years[edit]

On 10 August 2013, Vukčević joined Serbian SuperLiga's FK Vojvodina.[30] In the following years he failed to settle at any club or country, representing Levadiakos FC (Super League Greece), Enosis Neon Paralimni FC (Cypriot top level) and G.D. Chaves (Portuguese top tier).[31]

On 30 March 2018, 32-year-old Vukčević announced his retirement.[32]

International career[edit]

Youth[edit]

Vukčević was part of the FR Yugoslavia under-17 squad at the 2002 UEFA European Championship.[33] At age 18, he was selected by head coach Vladimir Petrović to be part of the Serbia and Montenegro under-21 team at the 2004 European Championships, scoring for the eventual runners-up in a 1–2 group stage loss to Italy and also converting his penalty shootout attempt in the semi-finals against Sweden.[34][35] He participated in the Summer Olympic Games also that year, and was subsequently honoured with the Golden Badge Award for the Best Young Athlete of the Year in Serbia and Montenegro by DSL Sport.[36]

Vukčević also played for the under-21 side in the 2006 European Championship. After a 0–1 defeat against Germany in the group phase opener,[37] manager Dragan Okuka dropped him from the first team.

Vukčević lining up a free kick for Serbia and Montenegro in a friendly in Toronto versus Italy in 2005

Senior[edit]

Vukčević began earning call-ups to the Serbia and Montenegro senior team from Ilija Petković. His debut came on 11 July 2004 against Slovakia at the age of 18, when he replaced Saša Ilić late into the 2–0 win for the Kirin Cup.

On 4 June 2005, Vukčević was given his competitive debut, when he came in for Ognjen Koroman for the last eight minutes of the 0–0 home draw to Belgium for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His last appearance for Serbia and Montenegro occurred four days later, when he featured the entire 1–1 friendly draw with Italy at Toronto's Rogers Centre.

After Montenegro seceded from Serbia and Montenegro in June 2006, Vukčević chose to represent the newly created nation. He won his first cap on 24 March 2007, in a 2–1 friendly defeat of Hungary.[38] He scored the first of two international goals on 20 August of the following year, helping to a 3–3 draw against the same opposition in another exhibition game.[39]

Vukčević played a total of 45 internationals.[40]

Personal life[edit]

Vukčević's father, Ilija, worked as director of football at FK Zeta.[41][42]

Career statistics[edit]

Club[edit]

[43]

Club Season League Cup Europe Total
App Goals App Goals App Goals App Goals
Partizan 2002–03 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2003–04 12 0 2 0 0 0 14 0
2004–05 26 10 3 0 11 1 40 11
2005–06 13 3 2 0 6 1 21 4
Saturn 2006 24 0 8 1 0 0 32 1
2007 4 1 2 0 0 0 6 1
Sporting 2007–08 26 7 10 4 11 3 47 14
2008–09 13 4 5 2 4 0 22 6
2009–10 14 1 4 1 9 1 27 3
2010–11 24 2 3 0 7 3 34 5
Blackburn Rovers 2011–12 7 1 3 1 0 0 10 2
2012–13 9 0 2 0 0 0 11 0
Karpaty Lviv 2012–13 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Vojvodina 2013–14 10 0 1 0 2 0 13 0
Levadiakos 2014–15 25 2 4 0 0 0 29 2
Enosis Neon 2015–16 15 1 0 0 0 0 15 1
Chaves 2016–17 11 0 1 0 0 0 12 0
Career total 236 32 52 9 50 9 336 50

International goals[edit]

[44]

# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 20 August 2008 Ferenc Puskás, Budapest, Hungary  Hungary 3–3 3–3 Friendly
2. 25 March 2011 City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro  Uzbekistan 1–0 1–0 Friendly

Honours[edit]

Partizan

Sporting

Vojvodina

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Simon Vukčević je moj naslednik" [Simon Vukčević is my successor]. Blic (in Serbian). 23 December 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  2. ^ "Partizan: Simon Vukčević nosi broj 1" [Partizan: Vukcevic wears number 1] (in Serbian). B92. 1 August 2004. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  3. ^ Da Cunha, Pedro Jorge (3 June 2007). "F.C. Porto: Vukcevic está em conflito com o F.C. Saturn e é um alvo apetecível" [F.C. Porto: Vukcevic is at war with F.C. Saturn and is a nice target] (in Portuguese). Mais Futebol. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  4. ^ "Pogrešio Sam" [I was wrong]. Kurir (in Serbian). 14 February 2007. Retrieved 14 February 2007.
  5. ^ "Oferta pública de subscrição – Prospecto" [Public offer for subscription – Prospect] (PDF) (in Portuguese). Sporting CP. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
  6. ^ "Sporting goleia Académica" [Sporting rout Académica]. Correio da Manhã (in Portuguese). 17 August 2007. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  7. ^ "Sporting-FC Porto, 2–0 (Vukcevic 13', Izmailov 15')". Record (in Portuguese). 27 January 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  8. ^ Falcão Cardoso, Bruno (5 February 2015). "Sporting x Benfica: os goleadores do Alvalade XXI" [Sporting x Benfica: the scorers of Alvalade XXI] (in Portuguese). Vavel. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  9. ^ Almeida, Isaura (14 July 2009). "Vukcevic quer voltar a ser o melhor parceiro para Liedson" [Vukcevic wants to be the best partner for Liedson again]. Diário de Notícias (in Portuguese). Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  10. ^ Acedo, Francisco (9 July 2008). "Sporting to keep Vukcevic". Sky Sports. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  11. ^ Staunton, Peter (22 September 2008). "Sporting midfielder to leave in winter". Goal. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  12. ^ "Vukcevic fica de castigo" [Vukcevic is grounded]. Record (in Portuguese). 21 November 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  13. ^ "Vuk nas mãos de Paulo Bento" [Vuk in the hands of Paulo Bento]. Correio da Manhã (in Portuguese). 29 November 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Sporting dá a volta na Reboleira" [Sporting come from behind at the Reboleira] (in Portuguese). UEFA. 6 December 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  15. ^ Almeida, Isaura (29 April 2010). "Prioridade de Costinha é vender passe de Vukcevic" [Costinha's priority is the sale of Vukcevic's rights]. Diário de Notícias (in Portuguese). Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  16. ^ "Simon signs on". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 26 August 2011. Archived from the original on 29 November 2011. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
  17. ^ "Saturday football as it happened". BBC Sport. 17 September 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  18. ^ "Blackburn 3–2 Leyton Orient". BBC Sport. 21 October 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
  19. ^ McNulty, Phil (11 December 2011). "Sunderland 2–1 Blackburn". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
  20. ^ Wilson, Paul (21 March 2012). "Should Blackburn's Steve Kean be manager of the year?". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  21. ^ Platt, Oliver (8 May 2012). "From Ronaldinho to relegation: How Venky's Blackburn dream turned sour". Goal. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  22. ^ "MK Dons 2–1 Blackburn". BBC Sport. 28 August 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  23. ^ "Rovers to allow Vukcevic exit". Sky Sports. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  24. ^ "Crystal Palace 2–0 Blackburn". BBC Sport. 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  25. ^ "Vukcevic departs". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  26. ^ Cryer, Andy (31 January 2013). "Robinson set to leave Ewood". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  27. ^ "Simon Vukcevic is a player of FC Karpaty". Karpaty Lviv. 28 February 2013. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  28. ^ "Вукчевич покидает Карпаты" [Vukcevic leaves the Carpathians] (in Russian). Football UA. 8 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  29. ^ Malyon, Ed (13 April 2013). "Kram it in: Fulham and Chelsea hunting young Croatian striker". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  30. ^ "Simon Vukčević u Vojvodini" [Simon Vukčević to Vojvodina] (in Serbian). FK Vojvodina. 10 August 2013. Archived from the original on 13 August 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  31. ^ "Simon Vukcevic assina pelos flavienses" [Simon Vukcevic signs for the flavienses] (in Portuguese). Sábado. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  32. ^ "Simon Vukčević završio karijeru" [Simon Vukčević ended career]. Večernje novosti (in Serbian). 30 March 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  33. ^ "Swiss spot on in Denmark". UEFA. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  34. ^ Bennett, Mark (29 May 2004). "Sculli keeps Azzurrini alive". UEFA. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  35. ^ Dykes, Tim (5 June 2004). "Penalties decide epic semi-final". UEFA. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  36. ^ "KO SAM JA? Bio sam Partizanov biser i najbolji sportista države, a osvojio sam jednu titulu" [WHO AM I? I was Partizan's gem and the best sportsperson in my country, but I only won one title]. Telegraf (in Serbian). 2 January 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  37. ^ Ashby, Kevin (23 May 2006). "Polanski gets Germany going". UEFA. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  38. ^ "100 footballers have worn Montenegro football jersey to date". Total Montenegro News. 31 May 2018. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  39. ^ Doce, Nacho (20 August 2008). "Futebol: Malta perde na Estónia, Vukcevic marca pelo Montenegro" [Football: Malta lose in Estonia, Vukcevic scores for Montenegro]. Público (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  40. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Montenegro – Record International Players". RSSSF. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  41. ^ Radović, Aleksandar (18 April 2007). "Scouts come up trumps for Zeta". UEFA. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  42. ^ "Ilija Vukcevic: "Ele vai sair em Janeiro"" [Ilija Vukcevic: "He will leave in January"]. Record (in Portuguese). 22 November 2008. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  43. ^ Simon Vukčević at Soccerway
  44. ^ "Simon Vukčević". European Football. Retrieved 20 October 2020.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Simon Vukčević.
Awards
Preceded by Serbia and Montenegro The Best Young Athlete of Serbia and Montenegro
2004 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Simon_Vukčević&oldid=1224497749"