Aleksandar Katai
A dynamic Serbian winger whose powerful left foot and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite at storied clubs like Red Star Belgrade.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Serbian footballer·Birthday: February 6·Millennials
Biography
Aleksandar Katai, born in 1991 in the industrial city of Zemun, established himself as a key offensive weapon for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. His early promise in Serbia led to a move to Dutch side ADO Den Haag, then back to Red Star Belgrade, where his technical skill, direct running, and thunderous shot defined his game. A high-profile transfer to Chicago showcased his ability to adapt to a different football culture. Katai has earned consistent call-ups for the Serbian national team, contributing his distinctive style to their campaigns. His path reflects a modern footballer: skilled, versatile, and effective on multiple continents.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Aleksandar was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Aleksandar Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Aleksandar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won multiple Serbian SuperLiga titles with Red Star Belgrade, contributing crucial goals from midfield.
- Earned the MLS All-Star honor in 2018 following a standout season with the Chicago Fire.
- Represented Serbia at the senior international level, including in UEFA European Championship qualifying campaigns.
- Scored in his debut for the Serbian national team in a 2014 friendly against Japan.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Filip Katai, is also a professional footballer.
He was named the Serbian SuperLiga Player of the Year for the 2015–16 season.
Katai scored a spectacular long-range goal for Chicago Fire that was nominated for the MLS Goal of the Year award in 2018.
“I play for the crest on the front, not the name on the back.”
