Early Years and Career Beginnings
Childhood and Family
Born on April 25, 2000, in Stockholm, Sweden, Dejan Kulusevski grew up in a family with Macedonian roots that instilled in him both work ethic and passion for football. The future Tottenham Hotspur midfielder spent his formative years in the Vällingby district, where his multicultural background helped shape his unique playing identity. His parents recognized his natural talent early and provided unwavering support throughout his development, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable professional career.
Introduction to Football at a Young Age
Dejan Kulusevski first kicked a ball at just five years old, quickly showing uncommon coordination and understanding of the game. By the age of six, he joined his first local club, Brommapojkarna, one of Sweden’s most renowned youth academies. This early immersion into structured training proved crucial for developing the technical foundation that would later define his playing style. Even as a child, coaches noted his exceptional vision and ability to use both feet effectively—qualities that would eventually make him a standout midfielder in European football.
Youth Teams and Path to Football
Playing Career in Sweden
As Dejan progressed through the youth ranks in Sweden, his technical ability and tactical understanding set him apart from his peers. The young midfielder thrived in competitive environments, consistently playing above his age group due to his advanced skillset. During this period, Kulusevski began developing his trademark versatility, playing in multiple midfield and attacking positions while honing his ability to create opportunities for teammates. This flexibility would later become invaluable for both his club and the Swedish national team.
Move to AIK
At age 16, Dejan Kulusevski transferred to AIK, one of Sweden’s most prestigious clubs, where his development accelerated significantly. The competitive environment at AIK helped refine his physical attributes while maintaining the technical prowess that had defined his early development. During this crucial period, European scouts began taking notice of the Swedish talent, particularly impressed by his combination of physical presence and technical ability—a rare combination for a player his age. His performances at AIK ultimately created the pathway to his career-changing move to Italy.
Move to Italy and Starting Career at Juventus
Arrival in Italy and First Training Sessions
In 2016, at just 16 years old, Dejan Kulusevski made the significant step of joining Atalanta’s prestigious youth academy in Italy. The transition tested the young Swede’s adaptability, requiring him to adjust to a new culture, language, and more tactically sophisticated approach to football. His first training sessions demonstrated not only his technical quality but also his remarkable maturity and professional mindset. Coaches were immediately impressed by the Swedish teenager’s work rate and tactical intelligence, qualities that would accelerate his progression through the ranks.
Progress at Juventus
After impressing during his loan spell at Parma, Juventus secured Kulusevski’s signature in January 2020 for €35 million, recognizing the potential of the Swedish midfielder. At Juventus, Dejan worked alongside world-class players, further refining his understanding of positional play and tactical discipline. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, he continued developing his versatility, becoming capable of performing effectively across multiple positions in midfield and attack. His time with the Turin giants provided valuable experience at the highest level of Italian football, preparing him for the next chapter of his career.
International Career and Sweden National Team
Debut for the National Team
Dejan Kulusevski made his senior international debut for Sweden on November 18, 2019, against the Faroe Islands, marking the beginning of what would become an important international career. Wearing the number 21 shirt, the Tottenham midfielder quickly established himself as a central figure in Sweden’s tactical approach. His ability to transition play from defense to attack and create opportunities in the final third made him invaluable to the national team setup. As he gained more international experience, Kulusevski’s influence on Sweden’s performances continued to grow, cementing his status as one of the country’s premier footballing talents.
Club Career
Loan Move to Parma
The 2019-2020 season marked a breakthrough in Dejan Kulusevski’s career during his loan spell at Parma. Given consistent playing time, the Swedish midfielder flourished, recording 10 goals and 8 assists in Serie A. His performances for Parma showcased his complete skill set—powerful running with the ball, creative passing, and clinical finishing. This productive period significantly raised his profile across European football, demonstrating that the young Swede could impact games at the highest level. His success at Parma proved to be the catalyst for bigger opportunities in his developing career.
Transfer to Tottenham Hotspur
In January 2022, Dejan Kulusevski joined Tottenham Hotspur on an initial loan deal that later became permanent, marking his arrival in the Premier League. The Swedish international adapted quickly to English football, with his direct running and creative passing perfectly suited to Tottenham’s counter-attacking style. Wearing the number 21 shirt, Kulusevski immediately formed effective partnerships with his fellow attackers, providing a balanced combination of goal threat and creative distribution from the right side. His transfer to Tottenham represented a significant step in his career, establishing him as one of the Premier League’s most exciting midfield talents.
At Tottenham Hotspur, Dejan Kulusevski continues to develop as a complete midfielder, combining Scandinavian tactical discipline with technical flair and physical resilience. His journey from the youth fields of Stockholm to becoming a key figure at one of England’s most prestigious clubs exemplifies his determination, talent, and professional approach to the sport.