Aleksa Mitrovic has faced seven knee ligament ruptures and four surgeries since 2019, nearly prompting him to quit judo entirely in 2025 before mounting a competitive comeback that earned him a late selection for the world championships in Baku. The under-90 kg competitor, now representing Monaco after previously being licensed to Paris Saint-Germain, rebuilt his career alongside 2013 world champion Loïc Piétri.
The journey back to the top tier of international judo required overcoming not only physical trauma but severe mental exhaustion. Since breaking through as a junior world medalist, Mitrovic endured seven separate knee ligament tears that repeatedly forced him to restart his training from scratch. In 2025, while still licensed to PSG, the accumulation of setbacks pushed him to the brink of retirement.
“J’avais même pris la décision d’arrêter le judo,” Mitrovic recounted. “Au-delà de la douleur, plus mentale que physique d’ailleurs, je ne comprenais pas toutes ces blessures, qui m’obligeaient à chaque fois à repartir de zéro.”
After consulting numerous specialists across Europe without finding structural answers, Mitrovic weighed his options with his entourage and close family members. Deciding that he had not yet exhausted his potential or his desire to compete, he resolved to chase his goals once more to avoid decades of future regret.
Finding stability and mentorship in Monaco
Relocating to Monaco a year ago provided the stability Mitrovic needed. Training under 2013 world champion Loïc Piétri allowed the athlete to channel his naturally offensive style while refining his approach to high-level competition.
“On a une connexion incroyable. Ça a matché direct entre nous,” Mitrovic said of his work with Piétri. “Avec son palmarès, il connaît évidemment les exigences du très haut niveau et a, lui aussi, traversé des périodes parfois compliquées.”
The partnership yielded immediate dividends on the mat. Following a strong podium finish at the French 1st Division Championships, Mitrovic secured international victories at the Prague European Cup and a World Cup event in Lima. He then claimed the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Italy by defeating Christian Parlati, a world medalist and European champion in 2025.
A last-minute world championship call-up
Mitrovic’s resurgence culminated in a surprise selection for the French national team heading to the world championships in Baku. The call came on a Thursday in September from Frédérique Jossinet, general manager of the French national teams, just as Mitrovic was preparing to sign a permanent employment contract (CDI) tied to his professional work-study program.
“J’ai reçu un appel de Frédérique Jossinet le jeudi,” Mitrovic recalled, noting the scheduling conflict with his professional obligations. When he informed her of his work commitments, she clarified the urgency: “Je crois que tu n’as pas bien compris pourquoi on t’appelle…”
Competing in the under-90 kg category, Mitrovic joins a French delegation that includes fellow regional athletes Clémence Emé in the under-70 kg division and Maxime Gobert, who is slated for the mixed team competition. Mitrovic enters the tournament in Baku focused on execution rather than external expectations.
“J’y vais sans pression,” Mitrovic said. “Cette sélection, j’en ai rêvé, mais je garde les pieds sur terre. Je sais pourquoi j’ai été pris, d’où je viens, et combien l’opportunité est belle.”
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