# Nemanja Vidić > Serbian association football player **Wikidata**: [Q163564](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q163564) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemanja_Vidić) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nemanja-vidic ## Summary Nemanja Vidić is a Serbian association football player, widely recognized for his role as a central defender. He is best known for his time at Manchester United, where he became a key figure in the club's defensive success during the 2000s and early 2010s. ## Biography - Born: October 21, 1981 - Nationality: Serbia - Education: Not specified - Known for: Being a central defender for Manchester United and the Serbia national team - Employer(s): Manchester United, Red Star Belgrade, Spartak Moscow, Inter Milan - Field(s): Association football ## Contributions Nemanja Vidić made significant contributions to football, particularly in the realm of defensive play: - **Manchester United Era (2006–2014)**: Vidić was instrumental in securing five Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, and multiple domestic cups. His commanding presence in defense helped redefine the club's backline. - **International Career**: Represented Serbia and previously Serbia and Montenegro, earning over 70 caps and scoring 15 goals, a rare feat for a defender. - **Leadership**: Served as Manchester United's captain from 2010 to 2014, leading the team with resilience and tactical discipline. - **Legacy**: Recognized as one of the strongest central defenders of his generation, Vidić's aggressive defending and aerial dominance set new standards in the Premier League. ## FAQs **Where did Nemanja Vidić play during his career?** Nemanja Vidić played for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, Spartak Moscow in Russia, Manchester United in England, and Inter Milan in Italy. He also represented the Serbia national team at the international level. **What are Nemanja Vidić’s major achievements in football?** Vidić won five Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, and multiple domestic cups with Manchester United. He was also named in the FIFPro World XI multiple times and was the inaugural winner of the Premier League Player of the Season award in 2008–09. **What position did Nemanja Vidić play?** He played as a central defender, known for his strength, aerial ability, and leadership on the pitch. **When did Nemanja Vidić retire from professional football?** He retired from professional football in 2016 after a brief stint with Inter Milan. ## Why They Matter Nemanja Vidić is considered one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history. His leadership and defensive prowess were pivotal in Manchester United’s golden era of success in the late 2000s and early 2010s. His influence extended beyond club football, as he also played a significant role in elevating the profile of Serbian football globally. Without Vidić, the tactical identity and trophy-winning culture at Manchester United during that period would have been significantly different. ## Notable For - Winning five Premier League titles with Manchester United - Being the first defender to win the Premier League Player of the Season award (2008–09) - Captaining Manchester United from 2010 to 2014 - Being named in the FIFPro World XI multiple times - Scoring 15 goals in 75 appearances for the Serbia national team - Representing Serbia and Serbia and Montenegro internationally - Playing a key role in Manchester United's 2008 UEFA Champions League victory ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Nemanja Vidić was born on October 21, 1981, in Titovo Užice, Serbia (then part of Yugoslavia). He began his football career at Red Star Belgrade, where he made his professional debut in 2000. His early performances caught the attention of European scouts, leading to his move to Spartak Moscow in 2004. However, his time in Russia was brief, as he joined Manchester United in 2006, where he would make his name as one of the premier defenders in world football. ### Club Career Vidić's tenure at Manchester United was marked by consistent excellence and leadership. He quickly became a first-choice central defender, forming a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand. His contributions were key to United’s tactical solidity, helping the club win: - Five Premier League titles (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13) - One UEFA Champions League (2008) - One FIFA Club World Cup (2008) - Multiple domestic cups, including the FA Cup and League Cup In 2014, Vidić moved to Inter Milan for a season before retiring from professional football. ### International Career Vidić represented Serbia and previously Serbia and Montenegro, earning 75 caps and scoring 15 goals. His international career spanned over a decade, during which he was a key figure in the national team's defensive setup. ### Leadership and Legacy Vidić served as Manchester United’s captain from 2010 to 2014, embodying the club's fighting spirit and resilience. His leadership was not only limited to the pitch; he was also a mentor to younger players and a symbol of professionalism. After retiring, he remained involved in football through coaching and ambassadorial roles. ### Recognition and Honors Vidić received numerous accolades during his career: - Named in the FIFPro World XI multiple times - Winner of the Premier League Player of the Season award in 2008–09 - Recognized as one of the top defenders in the Premier League’s history His legacy continues to influence modern defenders and is celebrated by fans and analysts alike for his commitment, intensity, and leadership. ### Personal Information and Identity - Born: October 21, 1981 - Nationality: Serbian - Position: Central Defender - Height: 190 cm - Weight: 88 kg - Career Span: 2000–2016 - Notable Affiliations: Red Star Belgrade, Spartak Moscow, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Serbia National Team - Awards: Premier League Player of the Season (2008–09), FIFPro World XI (multiple times) Vidić’s career is a testament to the impact a single player can have on a team’s culture and success. His influence on Manchester United and Serbian football remains profound, with his legacy enshrined in both club and national team history. ## References 1. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz) 2. Transfermarkt 3. Argentine Soccer Database 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. UEFA.com 6. FIFA.com 7. Quora