Nikola Đurović, an 18-year-old talent, is already making waves as a member of Zagreb’s Mladost, the most decorated volleyball club in the former Yugoslavia. He is not alone in this journey, as a number of young Montenegrin volleyball players are honing their skills abroad, representing the future of the sport in Montenegro. However, Đurović stands out not only for his achievements in volleyball but also in the broader context of Montenegrin sports. While some might claim he’s simply been fortunate, it’s clear he has worked hard to achieve his success.

Through a blend of talent, dedication, belief, and various “objective” factors, it’s noteworthy that he is the first Montenegrin athlete in team sports—like football, volleyball, basketball, water polo, and handball—to debut for the national team while being born in independent Montenegro.

This milestone occurred on August 31, 2023, at the European Championship match against the Netherlands. Born at the inception of independent Montenegro on June 10, 2006, Đurović took to the court at just 17 years and 82 days old. He represents a true embodiment of Montenegrin sports culture—specifically from the Montenegrin volleyball school.

Hailing from Bijelo Polje, Đurović was nurtured in Jedinstvo under the skilled guidance of coach Darko Prebiračević.

“I have been playing volleyball since I was a young child; my journey began in the 7th grade during a school competition. This led to an invitation from Jedinstvo, and my career took off from there—starting with the juniors and advancing to the senior team at just 15,” Đurović shares with Odbojka.me, the official site of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro.

Nikola showcased extraordinary talent in the national cadet and junior teams, earning the title of best middle blocker in both categories. At only 17, he received an invitation from Ivan Joksimović to represent the senior national team, where scouts from Mladost Zagreb took notice of him.

“They reached out to me with a proposal for a four-year contract, which I was thrilled about—it’s truly an honor to be part of Mladost, the biggest club in the region.”

Competing at both senior and junior levels, Mladost continues to assert its dominance in Croatian volleyball.

“Within the domestic league, we’ve only dropped two sets this half-season, and we’re currently fourth in the MEVZA regional league, positioned well for the playoffs. As for the junior league, our finals are approaching in Zadar, and I’m confident we won’t face serious competition,” he elaborates.

This summer, Mladost advanced past Budva in the Champions League qualifiers, before facing elimination against Innsbruck. In the CEV Cup, they successfully eliminated Friedrichshafen but met their match against French Tours, concluding their journey in that competition.

“I’m satisfied with my role in the team and appreciate the coach’s trust in me. Everything is progressing as I had hoped.”

He’s also adjusting well to life in Zagreb.

“I’ve quickly adapted to the lively city atmosphere, although I mostly stay within my local routine—primarily at the Volleyball Center and my nearby apartment.”

As for his aspirations…

“I aim to keep playing volleyball at the highest level possible, and dream of one day competing in one of the strongest leagues, like those in Italy or Poland.”

His favorite player is…

“Cuban Roberlandi Simon, who plays for Piacenza. He embodies everything I appreciate in a middle blocker.”

Đurović is eagerly anticipating the next national team gathering, especially with the new head coach, Ivica Jevtić, at the helm.

“Starting anew with a different coach can be challenging, but I’m looking forward to it. We’ll put forth our best effort in the remaining qualifiers, although we have only a slim chance of making it to the European Championship. However, we are a young team, and I believe our future is bright,” concluded the towering middle blocker, who stands around two meters tall.

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