Mile Svilar

Mile Svilar is a goalkeeper born in Antwerp, Belgium, who plays for AS Roma and represents Serbia internationally. He joined Anderlecht’s academy at the age of 10 and, by 15, was starting for the club’s Under-19 side in the UEFA Youth League. Svilar also represented Belgium from under-15 to under-21 level before making his senior debut for Serbia in 2021. In 2017, he moved to Benfica and made his Champions League debut against Manchester United at 18 years and 52 days, becoming the competition’s youngest goalkeeper at the time. In the return fixture at Old Trafford, he saved a penalty, although a later rebound struck him and went into his own net. His progress in Portugal was gradual, with 23 first-team appearances across five years and significant involvement with Benfica B. Svilar joined Roma in July 2022 as Rui Patrício’s deputy before establishing himself during the 2023–24 season. At Roma, he has developed into a proactive goalkeeper who sweeps behind the defence and helps initiate build-up play.