Železničar Pančevo defender Mirko Milikić has completed the process of changing his sporting nationality and will now be eligible to represent Serbia.
Serbia could soon have a new option in defense, as Železničar Pančevo center-back Mirko Milikić has reportedly received clearance to switch national team eligibility from Montenegro to Serbia.
Milikić, 24, previously represented Montenegro at youth level, but after a standout season in the Serbian SuperLiga, he has now become available for selection by Serbia head coach Veljko Paunović. According to reports in Serbia, FIFA has completed the administrative process, allowing the defender to be considered for future call-ups.
The Belgrade-born defender has been one of the key players for Železničar Pančevo this season, helping the club achieve a historic campaign that will end with qualification for European competition. Železničar are set to represent Serbia in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers, marking a major milestone for the club.
Milikić came through Red Star Belgrade’s youth system but did not make a senior appearance for the club. He later played for Inđija, Celje in Slovenia, Radnički Pirot and Žarkovo before joining Železničar Pančevo in 2022.
Paunović has already taken notice of the defender’s performances, inviting him to national-team training camps in Stara Pazova for players from the Serbian top flight. His switch of eligibility now puts him in contention for Serbia’s upcoming squads, including possible friendly matches against Cape Verde and Mexico.
Although Serbia already has established defensive options such as Nikola Milenković and Strahinja Pavlović, Milikić’s form has positioned him as a potential long-term addition to the national team setup.
This season, he has made 34 appearances for Železničar Pančevo, while MONDO reports that he has played 83 matches in total for the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
