There are nights that change perspectives and, above all, judgments. Luka Jovic took 49 minutes of a rainy Wednesday evening to overturn his season and, in a small part, Milan's campaign. The man who, until a month ago, watched his teammates from the bench and suffered from constant injuries, for once gifted himself a night as a hero with a brace in the derby that sent Milan to the Coppa Italia final after seven years. His is a particular story, made of sacrifices, uncomfortable labels and… threats that could have cost him his career. We present to you Milan’s number nine, told through a few anecdotes.
Jovic started from nothing...
Born in Serbia but raised in Bosnia by a very poor family, he owes everything to his father… Milan. A name, a destiny. Jovic senior was a professional footballer, but with little success. Better, then, to bet everything on Luka, who at just five years old was already scoring hat-tricks in every youth tournament. The two would travel 200 kilometers by car every day to reach Sarajevo, where little Jovic trained with local teams. A life lived in constant travel, with nights spent watching the stars from the back seat of the car and dreams nurtured between one away trip and another. The Luka Jovic who took down Inter at San Siro was born precisely there: among silent sacrifices and hopes with headlights off, as described by Gazzetta.
Threats to his father?
At eight years old, Jovic was noticed by a Red Star scout, who signed him in 2005. Partizan also wanted him, but Luka said no. He was that boy with a clean face, bobbed hair, bright eyes and the genuine smile of someone who, shortly thereafter, would reach the first team by scoring goals in the youth ranks. Then, the dark moment: shortly before the move to Benfica, his father received threats from some blackmailers demanding money. The message was chilling: if he didn’t pay, Luka would be shot in the legs. Milan Jovic, his father, reported everything, but it was clear that for his son, time in Serbia was over. Luka left for Portugal.
Uncomfortable labels and records...
The Serb has lived his entire career under pressure. The expectations, sometimes overwhelming, have followed him since he was very young. Especially during his golden period at Eintracht, which then brought him to Real Madrid with a weight on his shoulders. In Spain, he immediately ended up in the middle of controversy for sneaking away during full Covid lockdown to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday in Belgrade. At Red Star Belgrade, he scored 13 goals and made 4 assists in two years, and to everyone he was the “new Falcao.” Or rather, the “Serbian Falcao.” A heavy title, confirmed by a debut that marked him as a prodigy: on May 28, 2014, at 16 years, 5 months and 5 days, he became the youngest scorer in Red Star’s history, surpassing Dejan Stankovic. That goal against Vojvodina, which set the result at 3–3, earned the national title.
Luka has always believed. In life, in faith, and in the possibility of getting back in the game. He waited silently for his moment, getting used to coming on in the last twenty minutes and trying to make an impact. And that moment arrived: a spring night at San Siro, in the rain, that seemed taken from one of Milan’s great European feats. On his chest, he has tattooed the face of Jesus with closed eyes, a symbol of introspection, of reflection on emotions and thoughts. Feelings that perhaps Jovic had never experienced until the 78th minute, when he came off to the applause of the Rossoneri crowd.
What are Jovic's numbers this season?
The player's season with Milan hasn't been exactly smooth. But, he has definitely picked up the pace, especially with the arrival of Portuguese head coach Sergio Conceicao at Milanello. The striker has made 12 appearances, playing an overall of only 12 matches between Serie A and Coppa Italia. He scored four goals in total. His contract runs until this summer. But, the Rossoneri club management has the option to exercise a renewal.
