Nemanja Radoja Midfielder Sporting Kansas City #6 Performance Highlights and Impact Analysis

Nemanja Radoja’s the kind of guy you might not notice on the stat sheet, but you sure notice when he’s not out there. If you want to know what makes Sporting Kansas City tick, you’ve got to watch Radoja in the middle of the park, doing the stuff that doesn’t make the highlight reels.

He wears number 6, locks down that defensive midfield spot, and just quietly keeps things moving for Sporting KC every single week.

Maybe you remember Radoja from his days in La Liga with Celta Vigo or Levante. Maybe you’ve only just started noticing his calm, steady influence since he landed in Kansas City. Either way, the guy’s game is all about keeping it simple and getting it right.

You’ll catch him making crisp passes, always in the right spot, and reading the game like a veteran. That’s no accident—he’s played close to 300 pro matches and even helped Levante reach the Copa del Rey semifinals back in 2021.

Let’s check out some basic stats from recent seasons:

Season	Club	Matches Played	Goals	Assists
2020-21	Levante	31	0	1
2023	Sporting Kansas City	25	0	2

If you’re watching Sporting KC, you can’t miss how much the rest of the team leans on Radoja’s discipline and leadership in the middle.

Nemanja Radoja’s Role at Sporting Kansas City

Radoja has locked down a starting spot for Sporting Kansas City, turning in steady performances as the anchor in midfield. You see his European experience, his leadership, and those little details that shape Sporting KC’s play on both sides of the ball.

Position Breakdown: Midfielder and Number 6

You’ll spot Radoja in the number 6 shirt, which is classic for a defensive midfielder. He usually sits right in front of the defense, shielding them from attackers.

He breaks up plays, scoops up loose balls, and moves the ball to teammates with no fuss.

What sets Radoja apart is his spatial awareness. He always seems to be in the right spot to intercept a pass or shut down a counterattack.

He keeps his passing short and safe, rarely taking risks. That security lets Sporting KC push forward without leaving themselves wide open.

Here’s a quick look at his average 2024 stats:

Stat	Per Game
Tackles	2.1
Interceptions	1.7
Pass Accuracy	90%
Duels Won	6.3
Clearances	1.5

Those numbers really show how much he means as Sporting KC’s defensive anchor.

Impact on Sporting KC Midfield

You’re not going to see Radoja pulling off wild moves or risky passes. What you get is rock-solid reliability and balance.

His calm presence brings structure, letting the more creative guys do their thing without worrying so much about defense.

During games, he’s always talking, always organizing. He keeps the back line and midfield connected.

That means Sporting KC leaves fewer gaps for the other team and holds onto the ball more.

He’s a perfect fit for Major League Soccer. Radoja controls the pace, almost never loses the ball, and when he wins a tackle, he turns defense into attack in a heartbeat.

He really sets the tempo for Sporting KC, week in and week out.

Contributions in MLS and Leagues Cup

Since he joined Sporting KC in 2023, Radoja’s influence has shown up in both MLS and Leagues Cup matches. He adapts, no matter the competition.

In league play, he’s almost always out there. In 2024, he’s been a constant in the lineup, helping steady the ship—a fact FOX Sports has pointed out.

His La Liga experience means he stays cool in high-pressure cup games. In the Leagues Cup, he’s disrupted big-name opponents and kept Sporting KC’s shape, even when things get hectic.

Whether it’s MLS rivals or Liga MX teams, you know Radoja will play with the same determination and smarts. His consistency and poise make him absolutely vital for Sporting KC’s midfield, especially when the pressure’s on.

Playing Style and Tactical Strengths

Radoja’s game is all about steady defense, control in central midfield, and never getting flustered. Coaches rely on his discipline and his ability to slot into different roles when needed.

Defensive Midfield Expertise

Radoja’s biggest impact comes when he shields the defense and breaks up attacks. He works hard to intercept passes and close down space in front of Sporting Kansas City’s center backs.

He doesn’t chase flashy stats. Instead, he sticks to the basics, making sure his team stays compact.

He stays close to the ball, always ready to offer an outlet or break up a counterattack.

In duels, he holds his ground and rarely makes the wrong choice. He anticipates plays well, turning in well-timed tackles and key clearances.

He doesn’t score much, but his job is to stop chances, not finish them.

Key Defensive Stats (2024 MLS Season):

Metric	Value
Tackles per game	2.1
Interceptions per game	1.6
Clearances per game	2.3
Yellow Cards	5

Versatility Across Central Midfield

Most folks see Radoja as a defensive midfielder, but he’s got the versatility to step into a central role when Kansas City needs more control or wants to rotate.

He handles transitions with ease, always there for passing support and helping keep team shape.

His sense of space lets him switch between holding, box-to-box, and even a bit of a creative role if needed—though you’re not going to see him making late runs into the box or racking up goals.

Instead, he’s the guy who keeps the midfield humming and quietly does the dirty work.

Radoja’s experience means he can guide younger midfielders, bringing stability no matter how Sporting KC lines up.

He reads the game well and can adjust on the fly, especially when the team faces high-pressing opponents.

Passing, Positioning, and Aerial Abilities

Radoja’s passing is all about accuracy and patience. He keeps things moving, rarely giving the ball away with risky long passes.

His short and medium-range passes help Sporting KC hold onto the ball, especially when the pressure cranks up.

He positions himself smartly, always available for a pass from defenders or other midfielders. That makes it tough for opponents to press him out of the game.

He doesn’t pick up a ton of assists or goals, but his pass completion rate is always near the top for the team.

In the air, Radoja’s a real asset. At 6’3”, he wins defensive headers and marks well on set pieces.

He clears corners and long throws, and sometimes even starts a quick counterattack with a header. That’s huge for Sporting KC’s transition game.

For more stats, check out his Transfermarkt profile or dive into the details at Scouting Stats.

Career Journey: Clubs and Achievements

Nemanja Radoja’s built his career as a defensive midfielder in Serbia and Spain before coming to MLS. He’s played for top clubs and brings loads of experience from both domestic and European competitions.

Youth Academy and Early Development at Vojvodina

Radoja got his start at Serbian club Vojvodina, coming up through their youth academy as a holding midfielder.

Vojvodina’s known for producing pros, and Radoja worked his way up, earning a senior spot in 2011.

He faced tough competition in the Serbian SuperLiga right from the jump.

His technical skills and game sense made him stand out. He played over 60 league matches for Vojvodina, helping them finish near the top of the league more than once.

Years	Club	Appearances	Goals
2011-2014	Vojvodina	63	3

La Liga Experience with Celta Vigo

After making his mark in Serbia, Radoja moved to Celta Vigo in 2014. That put him right in the thick of La Liga, up against some of the world’s best.

At Celta, he became the heartbeat of the midfield, breaking up attacks and starting plays from deep.

He started almost every game for five seasons, racking up nearly 150 league appearances.

He helped Celta reach the Europa League semifinals in 2016-17, handling the pressure like a seasoned pro.

Years	Club	Appearances	Goals
2014-2019	Celta Vigo	146	2

Impact at Levante UD

Radoja kept his La Liga run going by signing with Levante UD in 2019. Over three seasons, he brought stability and smarts to their midfield.

He played almost 75 league games, always reliable and defensively sharp.

He wasn’t there to score—he focused on breaking up plays and covering ground.

He played key roles against some of Spain’s biggest teams, helping Levante stay competitive in the middle of the table.

Years	Club	Appearances	Goals
2019-2022	Levante UD	74	0

Transition to Major League Soccer

Radoja made the jump to MLS, signing a three-year deal with Sporting Kansas City before the 2023 season.

He brought his European experience to the U.S., fitting in right away as a midfield organizer and defensive shield.

His international background has been a big plus as Sporting KC pushes to compete in MLS.

Radoja’s leadership and awareness fit the league’s pace and physicality perfectly. He’s now the number 6 for Sporting KC, contributing as a starter and helping mentor the younger guys.

For more about his current role and contract, check out his Sporting Kansas City player profile.

International Career with Serbia

Nemanja Radoja’s international story with Serbia features a handful of senior caps and steady roles at the youth level.

He’s played in cup matches, youth tournaments, and stayed part of Serbia’s talent pipeline after coming up in Novi Sad.

National Team Appearances and Key Matches

Let’s talk about Radoja’s time with Serbia’s senior squad. The guy made two appearances for the Men’s National Team, always ready whenever the coach called his number.

He got those call-ups as Serbia looked to the future after the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Radoja pushed hard to lock down a spot in defensive midfield and made sure he was in the conversation.

He didn’t get on the pitch at the World Cup, but you could see his value in friendlies and qualifiers. Serbia’s coaches noticed his steady club form, so they kept him in the mix for depth in midfield.

Statistic	Senior National Team
Appearances	2
Goals	0
Debut Year	2016
Position Played	Defensive Midfield

Youth International Experience

Before the senior team, Radoja put in work with Serbia’s youth squads. His journey began in Novi Sad’s youth system, a place that’s churned out plenty of Serbian internationals over the years.

He suited up for the Serbia U19 and U21 teams, building his reputation as a reliable holding midfielder. Coaches leaned on his consistency and calm demeanor—traits that helped him rise up the ranks.

At those youth tournaments, Radoja showed off his knack for reading the game and shutting down attacks. His early years with the national youth teams really set the stage for his senior call-ups.

Notable Tournaments and Contributions

Radoja’s big club moment? He helped Vojvodina lift the 2014 Serbian Cup. That trophy definitely put him on the map.

He went toe-to-toe with Europe’s best in the UEFA Europa League, making eight appearances and holding his own against some tough sides. The Serbian SuperLiga gave him a true proving ground, and he delivered steady performances in both league and cup play.

Even though he didn’t feature in the biggest international tournaments for Serbia, his work in qualifiers, friendlies, and European club matches raised his stock on the international scene.

Major Tournaments and Highlights

Radoja’s played some big minutes in high-stakes tournaments. He’s shown up in top competitions like the UEFA Europa League and Copa del Rey, proving his consistency when it matters most.

UEFA Europa League and Copa del Rey Performances

He first made waves in Europe and Spain’s cup competitions. As a young midfielder with Vojvodina, he helped secure that 2014 Serbian Cup win—definitely a springboard for what came next.

With Celta Vigo, Radoja started eight UEFA Europa League matches. He didn’t just fill a spot; he went out there and matched up with some of the continent’s best.

Fast forward to the 2020-21 season—he joined Levante and helped them reach the Copa del Rey semifinals for the first time ever. That was a wild run. Radoja started four out of six matches and played a major part in Levante’s push to the brink of a national final. If you want the full story, check out the Sporting Kansas City page.

Tournament Appearances Table

Tournament	Club	Matches Started	Total Appearances	Best Result
UEFA Europa League	Celta Vigo	8	8	Semifinal
Copa del Rey	Levante	4	6	Semifinal (2020-21)
Serbian Cup	Vojvodina	—	—	Winner (2014)

Memorable Matches Against Top European Clubs

Who could forget when Radoja stepped onto the field against some of Europe’s giants? One standout moment—he faced Manchester United with Celta Vigo in the 2016-17 UEFA Europa League semifinals.

Celta Vigo fell just short in that two-leg thriller, but Radoja’s discipline in midfield caught plenty of eyes. He held his ground with smart passing and tough defending.

Taking on teams like Manchester United gave him a real test at the highest level. Those matches helped him build confidence and composure, learning from every big challenge.

Reaching Semifinals with Celta Vigo and Levante

Let’s not overlook those deep cup runs. Radoja made it to the semifinals in major tournaments twice.

With Celta Vigo, he played a key role during their 2016-17 Europa League campaign. The team knocked out some big names before that tight loss to Manchester United.

He pulled off a similar feat at Levante in the Copa del Rey. The 2020-21 season brought another semifinal appearance, this time in Spain’s top knockout competition.

Those runs highlight his knack for stepping up when the stakes are highest.

Personal Background and Off-Field Insights

You get a fuller picture of a player when you look beyond the pitch. Radoja’s roots in Novi Sad, his journey to MLS, and his life off the field all shape his presence for Sporting Kansas City.

Early Life in Novi Sad

Nemanja Radoja was born in Novi Sad, Serbia, on February 6, 1993. Growing up in that lively city meant soccer was everywhere.

Novi Sad sits on the Danube and is famous for its sports traditions and tight-knit neighborhoods. Radoja learned the game in a region known for tough, disciplined athletes.

He spent his early days training on local fields, quickly earning a reputation for his defensive instincts and maturity. Coaches in the area valued those traits.

By his teens, he was already turning heads in Serbian youth leagues. Calm on the ball, good at reading the game—he stood out early.

Here’s a quick snapshot of Radoja’s early days:

• Birthplace: Novi Sad, Serbia
• Youth Clubs: Various academies in Novi Sad
• Core Values: Discipline, teamwork, hard work

His background in Novi Sad shaped him into the pro you see now.

Adaptation to American Soccer

Making the jump to Major League Soccer isn’t easy, especially for someone with years in La Liga. Radoja signed with Sporting Kansas City before the 2023 season, after solid stints in Spain with Celta Vigo and Levante.

You notice the contrast right away—the pace, the style, the physicality in MLS. Radoja had to tweak his game to fit the faster tempo and more direct play that’s common here.

Still, his tactical smarts and defensive reliability helped him win over coaches and teammates. He didn’t take long to settle in.

Here’s a look at some numbers that show how he’s settled in:

Season	Club	Appearances	Minutes Played	Yellow Cards
2022	Sporting Kansas City	22	1,780	4
2023	Sporting Kansas City	28	2,310	5

Those stats tell the story—Radoja’s a regular, and he brings discipline every time he steps on the field.

Family, Language, and Community Presence

Family? Oh, that’s a huge deal for Radoja when he’s not out on the pitch. His Serbian roots really shape his values and identity, even as he tries to carve out a fresh start in Kansas City.

You’ll notice a lot of international players—Radoja included—lean hard on those connections back home. It’s not easy, making the leap to a new country, but staying close to loved ones gives him strength.

Language tripped him up at first. He came over from Serbia, then spent some time in Spain, and finally landed here in the States. Radoja had to figure out English on the fly, just to get through daily life.

He keeps working on those language skills. It’s made him sharper during training and way more comfortable at community events.

Off the field, Radoja’s getting noticed more and more. He shows up for club events, meets fans, and jumps into local charity drives. He brings something extra to the table—more than just what you see in a match.

Fans and the Kansas City community feel that connection. Radoja knows how much community involvement matters, and you can tell he takes his role as a public figure seriously, all while staying true to his roots.