Dejan Stankovic calls an end to his career on the sand

Dejan Stankovic is not just a name in international beach soccer – he is a symbol of excellence, longevity, and leadership. Since making his international debut in 2004, he has represented his country in a staggering 415 matches, a testament to his dedication and unmatched consistency.

His global breakthrough came early: at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 in Dubai, Stankovic claimed both the adidas Golden Ball (Best Player) and the adidas Golden Boot (Top Scorer) – a rare and prestigious double that signaled the rise of a true great.

He went on to play in six FIFA World Cups – Dubai 2009, Ravenna 2011, Espinho 2015, Bahamas 2017, Paraguay 2019, and Moscow 2021 – consistently performing at the highest level. At the Dubai 2009 edition, he once again took home MVP and Top Scorer honors. With 47 career goals, he ranks as the second all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history – a monumental achievement.

In Europe, he collected silverware wherever he played: Euro Cup champion in 2005, EBSL winner in 2012 and 2022, European Games gold medalist in 2023 (also finishing as Top Scorer), and silver medalist in 2019. His talent and influence earned him a spot in the World Dream Team three times.

At club level, he left his mark across Europe: four-time Italian champion (with Catania and Terracina), four-time Russian champion with Lokomotiv Moscow, and Swiss champion with Grasshoppers Zürich. He even featured at the Club World Cup for giants FC Barcelona and AC Milan.

Add to that countless MVP and Top Scorer awards on the EBSL stage, and you begin to grasp the scale of his career – not just in numbers, but in impact.

Dejan Stankovic didn’t just play beach soccer. He defined it. A leader, a legend, and a lasting legacy – his name will forever belong among the sport’s all-time greats.

Source: Swiss Football Association