Veljko Paunović, new head coach of Serbia until 2030

Veljko Paunović embarks on a new and significant chapter in his career. The Serbian coach has been appointed head coach of the Serbia national team, signing a contract that runs until 2030. With his return to the national bench, Paunović takes on one of the most meaningful challenges of his professional journey: to lead a talented generation and establish Serbia among the leading nations in European football.

His career has been defined by leadership and development. Paunović returns to the federation where he already left an indelible mark. In 2015, he guided Serbia’s Under-20 team to World Cup glory in New Zealand, a historic achievement that reshaped the country’s football identity and remains one of Serbia’s greatest sporting triumphs.

Since then, he has gained international experience coaching in the United States (Chicago Fire), Mexico (Chivas de Guadalajara) and Spain (Real Oviedo) — building a global profile characterized by strong communication skills, tactical understanding, and an exceptional ability to develop young players. His modern vision of the game and deep connection to Serbian football will be the foundations of this new era.

For Serbia, his appointment represents a clear commitment to continuity, stability, and national identity. For Paunović, it is an opportunity to give back to the country that shaped him both as a player and as a coach.

There is no greater honor than representing your country”

“There is no greater honor than representing your country,” he said during his unveiling. “Being Serbia’s head coach is an enormous responsibility, but also a dream come true. We will work with passion, unity, and ambition to bring Serbian football back to where it belongs.”

With this new chapter, Veljko Paunović once again wears the colors of Serbia — this time from the touchline — driven by the same conviction that guided him as a player and the determination to lead his nation toward a future built on pride and hope.