Luka Jovic: From Real Madrid Flop to AEK Athens Star – Goals, Revival & Conference League Return

Luka Jović (Loznica, Serbia, 1997) was set to become Real Oviedo’s marquee signing upon their return to La Liga this past summer. The former Real Madrid striker, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019 for a reported €63 million, was a specific request from coach Veljko Paunovic. But things quickly changed. “I said at the time that he was very expensive and I didn’t like it. It was madness. It was mortgaging the club again. We couldn’t do it. Bringing in a player who takes 30 or 40% of the salary cap,” explained Jesús Martínez, Oviedo’s majority shareholder.

Instead, Jović surprised many by announcing his move to AEK Athens. The Serbian international explained his decision, stating, “I wanted to receive away from the five major leagues. I was a little mentally tired and wanted to take refuge in a quieter environment. For the first time in my career, I was a free agent and wanted to be sure I wasn’t making the wrong choice. Not to escape the pressure, because I’m used to it after playing for Red Star, Benfica, Eintracht, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, and Milan.”

The start in Athens wasn’t immediate. “I arrived in early August, without a preseason. I had some injury problems and that initial period was a little more difficult for me than for the others,” Jović admitted, now considered part of AEK’s “Olimpo of the gods.”

His impact has been undeniable. With 19 goals (15 in the league) in 36 appearances, Jović has propelled Marko Nikolić’s side into contention for a league and cup double. AEK currently sits joint-top of the Greek Super League with 57 points, level with PAOK and Olympiacos. And the forward will return to Madrid soon, facing Rayo Vallecano in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Conference League.

AEK Athens, led by Jović, complete a dramatic late comeback against Panathinaikos.

Jović’s current form represents his best season since 2018-19, the campaign that earned him his move to Real Madrid. He scored 27 goals (17 in the league) in 48 games for Eintracht Frankfurt that year. His previous best since then was 13 goals with Fiorentina. In the Greek Super League, only El Kaabi (18 goals) currently leads the scoring charts.

Luka Jović’s Career Goal Record

2013-14 – Red Star Belgrade: 1 match, 1 goal (1 in League)
2014-15 – Red Star Belgrade: 24 matches, 6 goals (6 in League)
2015-16 – Red Star/Benfica: 25 matches, 6 goals (5 in League)
2016-17 – Benfica: 11 matches, 2 goals (2 in League)
2017-18 – Eintracht Frankfurt: 27 matches, 9 goals (8 in League)
2018-19 – Eintracht Frankfurt: 48 matches, 27 goals (17 in League)
2019-20 – Real Madrid: 27 matches, 2 goals (2 in League)
2020-21 – Real Madrid/Eintracht: 23 matches, 4 goals (4 in League)
2021-22 – Real Madrid: 19 matches, 1 goal (1 in League)
2022-23 – Fiorentina: 50 matches, 13 goals (6 in League)
2023-24 – AC Milan: 30 matches, 9 goals (6 in League)
2024-25 – AC Milan: 17 matches, 4 goals (2 in League)
2025-26 – AEK Athens: 36 matches, 19 goals (15 in League)

Interestingly, Jović doesn’t place excessive importance on goal numbers. “I’m not one of those who just look to score goals, I’m not a player who stays waiting in the box, I prefer to participate in the game. In previous clubs, some coaches didn’t see it that way and that didn’t suit me. I don’t like to stand in the area waiting for the ball to arrive. I prefer to play further back,” he told ‘Mozzart Sport.’

In Athens, he appears to have rediscovered his joy for the game. “Since I arrived at AEK, I believed that Here’s a club where I can achieve something important, something big that will go down in history. I have experienced many exceptional moments in my career, but this is undoubtedly one of them,” he said after scoring four goals against Panathinaikos (4-0) – a signature moment for him this season.

Since I arrived at AEK, I believed that this is a club where I can achieve something important, something big that will go down in history.

Luka Jović

The AEK faithful adore him. “I thank the fans for their continued support. I often hear my name in the stands and it’s always a special emotion,” he acknowledged in an interview with ‘Republika.’ Jović is a god in the Athenian Olympus.

The story of Luka Jović is one of a talented player searching for the right environment. After a high-profile move to Real Madrid didn’t quite pan out, and stints with Fiorentina and AC Milan yielded mixed results, the Serbian striker has found a novel home – and a renewed sense of purpose – in Greece. His resurgence with AEK Athens is not only a testament to his ability, but also a reminder that sometimes, a change of scenery is all a player needs to unlock their full potential. The Super League title race is heating up, and Jović will undoubtedly be central to AEK’s ambitions.

AEK Athens will next face Aris Thessaloniki on March 29th in a crucial league match. Jović and his teammates will then prepare for their Conference League quarterfinal clash against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid. Fans can follow all the latest updates on the AEK Athens official website: https://www.aekfc.gr/en/