End of a Golden Duo: Milinković-Savić and Mitrović Part Ways with Al Hilal and Serbia’s World Cup Hopes
3 octobre 2025
End of the Duo
Sergej Milinković-Savić has continued to miss Serbia’s squad during another international window, as coach Dragan Stanković left him out of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Andorra and Albania.
Despite years of service and a spell at Al Hilal, Milinković-Savić has not found room in the national team alongside his former Lazio teammate Aleksandar Mitrović, who remains in the squad with Serbia.
Both players are now chasing a spot in the Serbia squad for the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, hoping for a chance on football’s biggest stage.
End of the Duo? Club and International futures
Since the summer of 2023 the two Serbs formed a notable tandem at Al Hilal, bringing European experience and a gift for linking play and scoring. The partnership under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus was a key pillar for the team, with Mitrović finishing chances and Milinković-Savić orchestrating play from deep.
Last season Mitrović battled injuries, and the club duly decided to end the duo together; at season’s end Milinković-Savić moved to Al Rayyan in Qatar as new coach Simone Inzaghi sought more attacking options.
Since then, Milinković-Savić’s form has fluctuated, but he remains a decisive contributor, often delivering crucial moments for the side.
Milinković-Savić quickly established himself as a complete box-to-box midfielder: strength, the ability to drive play from deep, and a knack for scoring. He also helps defensively, winning balls and easing pressure on the backline, especially when paired with Robin Neves, providing tactical flexibility for the coach.
On leadership, Savic has shown a strong presence, motivating teammates and taking responsibility in tough matches. These traits have made him a key figure as Al Hilal chase league and Asian competition success.
With Al Hilal aiming for league glory and the AFC Champions League, Savic remains a pivotal figure and a reasoned voice in big matches thanks to his European pedigree and physical and mental presence.
International hurdle
Serbia’s midfield depth means the coach could decide to exclude Savic to accommodate Mitrović or other options such as Kostić, Luketić, Samardžić, and Gudelj. Savic’s agent recently said the player would not consider European offers until Al Hilal renews, showing his comfort with the club even as a renewal remains undecided beyond the current season.
Endings are never easy for a club or a duo. The question now is whether Milinković-Savić will stay to help Al Hilal or seek a new chapter elsewhere while Serbia balances midfield options for the 2026 World Cup.
Conclusion
In football, partnerships come and go, but class endures. Milinković-Savić and Mitrović left a legacy of a well-judged, complementary partnership that powered Al Hilal for a season. Time will tell if either move proves as sharp as a sniper’s aim, but one thing’s certain: the next chapter will be watched closely by fans across the globe.
Punchline 1: If precision were a sport, Milinković-Savić would hit the bullseye with his eyes closed—twice, just to be safe.
Punchline 2: Mitrović finishes so cleanly the net files a complaint for excessive accuracy.
