Lena, despite being only 16 years old, you finished the season as the top scorer of Radnički Kragujevac and the best scorer in the Serbian league play-out group with 7 goals. How would you describe this season from your perspective?
This season was very important for me, because I felt that I made a real step forward as a player. I am proud that I helped Radnički with goals and good performances, especially because every match in the play-out was demanding and important. Being the best scorer of my team and the play-out group at only 16 gives me confidence, but also reminds me that this is only the beginning. It motivates me to work even harder and prepare for bigger challenges.
Many people describe you as a very unique striker for women’s football: physically strong, dominant in duels, and excellent in aerial battles. How would you describe your playing style?
I would describe myself as a strong, brave and competitive striker. I like physical duels, I enjoy fighting with defenders, protecting the ball and creating space for my teammates. My body strength is one of my biggest advantages, but I also want to keep improving technically and tactically. I believe a modern striker must be able to score, assist, hold the ball and help the team in many different ways.
You score a lot of goals with your head, which is quite rare in women’s football today. Is heading something you work on specifically in training?
Yes, heading is definitely something I work on and something I enjoy. Since I am tall and strong, I try to use that advantage in the box, especially from crosses and set pieces. Timing, positioning and courage are very important when you attack the ball in the air. I like that this makes me a little different, because not many young players in women’s football score often with their head.
Even though you were the youngest player in the team, many people considered you one of the leaders and the most important player of Radnički this season. How did you handle that responsibility at such a young age?
I tried not to think too much about my age. When I step on the pitch, I only think about helping the team and giving my maximum. Of course, it is a big responsibility when people expect goals from you, but I see that as motivation, not pressure. I am happy if my teammates, coaches and fans recognized my effort, because I always tried to play with heart and fight until the end.
What has been the most memorable goal or match of your career so far, and why?
It is difficult to choose only one moment, but I remember most the matches where my goals helped the team get an important result. Those are the moments that stay with you, because football is always more beautiful when your personal success helps the whole team. Every important goal gives me extra confidence and reminds me why I love being a striker.
As a striker, what gives you the biggest satisfaction: scoring goals, helping the team win, or dominating defenders physically during the match?
The biggest satisfaction is always helping the team win. Of course, as a striker, scoring goals is a special feeling, that moment when the ball hits the net is something every forward lives for. But I also enjoy the small battles during the match: winning duels, keeping the ball under pressure, making defenders uncomfortable and opening space for others. For me, all of that is part of being a real striker.
You are known as a player who is extremely difficult to stop once you protect the ball. Where does that strength and confidence come from?
It comes from training, matches and belief in myself. I have always liked physical football, and over time I learned how to use my body better to protect the ball. When I feel a defender behind me, I try to stay calm, strong and make the right decision. Confidence grows with every duel, every goal and every difficult match.
What are your biggest goals and expectations for next season, both individually and with your club?
Next season I want to be even better, stronger, smarter and more dangerous in front of goal. I want to help my club achieve better results and show that I can continue developing, not only as a young talent but as a serious player. Individually, I want to score more goals, improve my movement and become more complete as a striker. I know I still have a lot to learn, and that is what pushes me forward.
You mentioned that one of your biggest dreams is to earn a place in the Serbia U19 national team with the older generation and fight for qualification to the European Championship. What would that achievement mean to you?
Playing for Serbia would mean everything to me. It is one of my biggest dreams, especially because I would be competing with older players and proving myself at a higher level. To be part of the U19 national team and fight for qualification to the European Championship would be a huge honor and motivation. I believe in hard work, and I will do everything I can to deserve that opportunity.
Women’s football in Serbia continues to grow every year. In your opinion, what still needs to improve to help young talents develop even faster?
Women’s football in Serbia is improving, but I think young players need even better training conditions, more support and more visibility. There are many talented girls who love football and deserve a chance to develop properly. More media attention would also help, because young girls need role models and stories that show them football is possible for them too. If we invest more in girls from an early age, Serbian women’s football can become much stronger.
Who are the footballers or athletes that inspire you the most, and what qualities do you admire in them?
I am inspired by athletes who are disciplined, strong mentally and never give up. I admire players who work hard even when nobody is watching, because I believe that is where real success is created. Talent is important, but mentality, sacrifice and daily work make the biggest difference. I try to learn from that and build my own path step by step.
Football requires a strong mentality, especially for young players. How do you deal with pressure, expectations, and difficult moments?
I try to stay focused on what I can control: training, effort and my attitude. There are always difficult moments in football, but I see them as lessons. When something does not go well, I try to learn from it and come back stronger. I am still young, but I already understand that mentality is just as important as physical strength.
Outside of football, who is Lena Radovanović? What do you enjoy doing in your free time, and what is something fans maybe don’t know about you yet?
Outside of football, I am a normal girl who enjoys spending time with family and friends. I like simple moments, laughing, relaxing and doing things that help me clear my mind after training and matches. Maybe people see me as strong and serious on the pitch, but away from football I am positive, cheerful and still enjoying my teenage years. What many people maybe do not know is how determined I am. When I set a goal, I really give everything to achieve it.
