Last update 30 December, 2024 by Alberto Llopis
The signing of Luka Jović for Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 generated enormous expectations. The Serbian forward arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu after a spectacular season with Eintracht Frankfurt, where i had marked 27 goals in 48 matches and had established himself as one of the brightest promises in European football.
However, what seemed to be the start of a stellar career in one of the biggest clubs in the world, It quickly became a disappointment for both the player and the fans.. So much so that he ended up being part of the worst signings in the history of Real Madrid.
The rise of Luka Jović in Germany
Luka Jović shone in the Bundesliga as a scoring machine. With scarcely 21 years, The Serbian showed a unique ability to position himself in the area, finish plays with both legs and head accurately. His performance in the UEFA Europa League 2018-2019 It was outstanding, leading Eintracht Frankfurt to the semi-finals and scoring decisive goals that attracted the attention of elite clubs.
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The real Madrid, in full search for a generational replacement after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, decided to invest 60 million euros in Jović, convinced that he could complement Karim Benzema in the white attack. But, since your arrival, things didn't go as expected.
Difficult adaptation and lack of minutes
Since his debut with Real Madrid, Luka Jović faced numerous obstacles. The strong ownership of Karim Benzema, one of the pillars of the team led by Zinedine Zidane, drastically reduced the Serbian's chances. Besides, Jović failed to adapt to the French coach's playing system, characterized by mobility and collective work, aspects in which Benzema excelled.
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Physically, Jović also had problems. Several injuries prevented him from gaining continuity, while the few minutes on the pitch undermined his confidence. In two seasons at Real Madrid, the striker could only score two goals in 32 official matches, a record well below the expectations generated.
Controversies off the field
Luka Jović's time at Real Madrid was marked not only by his poor performance on the field, but also by various controversies outside of it. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the player was criticized for breaking restrictions in Serbia, which generated negative headlines and increased media pressure on him.
Besides, His personal life was under constant scrutiny, something that, according to sources close to the player, could have affected your performance. These situations, added to the lack of confidence of the coaches, They consolidated their role as a regular substitute in the club.
Transfer and definitive departure
In January 2021, Luka Jović returned to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, in the hope of recovering your best version. During his return to Germany, showed flashes of his talent, scoring important goals and showing that he still had potential. However, This stage was not enough to convince Real Madrid of his continuity in the team.
In the summer of 2022, Real Madrid decided to transfer Luka Jović to Fiorentina, ending a cycle that never took off. Although the player left without leaving a mark on the white club, His time at Real Madrid will be remembered as an example of how high expectations and adverse circumstances can cut short a promising career..
Why Jović's failure at Real Madrid?
The case of Luka Jović illustrates the difficulties that young talents face when making the leap to highly demanding clubs.. Factors such as lack of continuity, injuries and media pressure can significantly influence a player's performance.
Despite his failure at Real Madrid, Jović remains a footballer with notable qualities. His time at the Spanish club will remain as a learning chapter in his career, while he tries to relaunch his career in other European teams.