KC Reporter

Nemanja Radoja, a midfielder for Sporting Kansas City, continues to draw on his Serbian roots and family values as he navigates his professional soccer career in the United States. Despite being far from home, Radoja maintains close ties with his family in Novi Sad, Serbia, often calling them before and after training sessions. The time difference between Kansas City and Serbia means that by the time he finishes practice, his family is already asleep.

Radoja's journey into soccer began at a young age, influenced by his older brother who would put him in goal during their childhood games. “He put me in goal many times, because he wanted to shoot, shoot, shoot,” Radoja recalled. His first formal training session came when a friend invited him to join on a rainy day—an experience that left a lasting impression.

Family traditions remain important for Radoja. He returns home during season breaks and looks forward to celebrating Christmas on January 7th according to Serbian Orthodox customs. “One day before you wake up very early, like at four or five, and you go to the mountain. And you have to get the tree... you have to bring it to your house and place it there at the entrance,” he explained. The tree, known as badnjak or veseljak in Serbian tradition, symbolizes prosperity for the family.

Within Sporting Kansas City’s squad, Radoja has become known for his approachable nature and leadership among younger teammates. He spends much of his free time with Jake Davis and other teammates such as Tim and Thommy playing cards outside of training hours. “Lately, I’m mostly with Jake, Jake Davis,” said Radoja. “He’s a very always cheerful guy, very positive, with a lot of energy… Also, to ask questions if he doesn’t understand something.” He described how these friendships developed naturally through shared activities.

As one of the more experienced players on what is now a younger team roster at Sporting Kansas City (https://www.sportingkc.com/roster/), Radoja recognizes the enthusiasm among new arrivals: “Now we’re a much younger team. But they’re young guys, eager, full of energy… So I’m sure it will go well; we just need a little time.”

Radoja’s multilingual abilities allow him to serve as an informal bridge between teammates from different backgrounds—a skill that sometimes leads to confusion during fast-paced matches when he switches languages unintentionally.

Off the field, Radoja describes himself as reserved and disciplined about health habits but enjoys reading when possible. One book that stood out was The Serbian Heart of Johann—a story set during war in Serbia—which resonated with him due to its themes around tradition and identity: “For me it was very interesting… interesting how he felt everything that the other person lived.”

His leisure activities include walking outdoors or having coffee rather than staying inside; maintaining healthy routines is part of his lifestyle though he occasionally indulges in pizza.

Musically eclectic but rooted in Serbian culture while open to reggaetón influences from elsewhere (https://www.mlssoccer.com/clubs/sporting-kansas-city/roster/nemanja-radoja/), Nemanja Radoja balances professional demands with personal traditions both on and off the pitch.

“I like eating healthy; I like working out; I like taking care of myself,” said Radoja about maintaining discipline away from soccer.