The Rising Star: Marko Stamenić

In the world of sports, only a select few manage to turn their childhood passions into a professional career. Remix chats with Marko Stamenić, midfielder for the New Zealand All Whites, to discover how he dared to dream, took the leap, and placed unwavering trust in his skill to make it to the top.

When did you realise you could make a career out of your passion?

The day I watched the All Whites play at the World Cup, I remember telling my dad, “I want to be there one day.” From that day onwards, I made a decision to commit myself to this dream of mine with everything I had. I believe so much that if you want something in life so badly, you will go beyond your limits to achieve that. Year by year, I worked relentlessly to make my dreams a reality, and the first door opened at the U17 World Cup in 2019. After that tournament had finished, interest from Europe had occurred, and that’s when I began to understand this passion of mine could be made into the career I had always dreamed of.

Where were you when you found out that you were being signed with Nottingham Forest F.C? How did you feel?

I was in Copenhagen with my girlfriend and her family when I heard the news about Nottingham Forest. Most players dream of playing in the premier league, so when the opportunity to sign for Forest came to my attention, to say I was extremely happy would be an understatement. It’s very hard to find time in football to sit down and actually realise the goals you’ve achieved. However, once the signing was official and all formalities were finally completed, I remember sitting down in my hotel room in England, and having a moment to myself to appreciate all the people and hardwork involved to get me to this point in my career.

You have played for teams all over the world, does it feel different when you play for the All Whites?

Wearing the fern has so much meaning to me. Playing for the All Whites always brings me back to the fond memories I have with my family, friends, academy/club. When I sing the national anthem, it’s a reminder that no matter how far I am from my home, I’m always connected to my roots. For me that is one of the most special feelings I have ever experienced in my career.

You have sported a lot of team kits over the years? How would you describe your personal style off the pitch?

My personal style off the pitch is very much driven by quality and personality. I love fashion, and it’s a way I can express myself off the pitch. I’ve been fortunate enough to see many different cultures and fashion scenes around the world, which has helped alter my fashion sense to what I truly like. I’m inspired by garments that are different from what everyone else has, which resonates with how I want to be as a football player as well. As they say, “if you dress good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.”

Do you have any advice for young players who dream of going pro?

Never stop dreaming, and no dream is too big. As I said earlier, if you really want something in life (in this instance to be a professional footballer), you have to go beyond your limits to achieve it. No one will hand it to you, so you have to make it happen for yourself. Lastly, believe in yourself!