Luka Milivojević
A Serbian midfield strategist whose leadership and lethal penalty-taking became the steady, beating heart of Crystal Palace's Premier League era.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Serbian footballer·Birthday: April 7·Millennials
Biography
Luka Milivojević carved out a reputation as one of the Premier League's most dependable and composed midfield generals. Hailing from Kragujevac, Serbia, his career began at Radnički Kragujevac before he honed his craft in Belgium and Greece. It was at Olympiacos where he truly flourished, winning multiple domestic doubles and catching the eye with his tactical intelligence. His 2017 move to Crystal Palace, however, defined his legacy. Installed as captain, Milivojević brought a steely calm to the Eagles' midfield, his positioning and passing range providing crucial balance. He became famously reliable from the penalty spot, racking up goals that often secured vital points. More than his statistics, his unflappable demeanor and professional standards set the tone for a Palace side that consistently defied relegation predictions, making him a cult figure at Selhurst Park.
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.
Luka 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 Luka Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Luka'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
- Captained Crystal Palace for over five seasons in the English Premier League, making nearly 200 appearances for the club.
- Scored 28 Premier League goals for Palace, a remarkable tally for a defensive midfielder, with many coming from penalties.
- Won three Greek Super League titles and two Greek Cups during his tenure with Olympiacos.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of fellow Serbian professional footballer Nemanja Milivojević.
Milivojević scored 10 Premier League goals in the 2018-19 season, all from the penalty spot.
He made his senior debut for the Serbian national team in 2012 against Chile.
“My job is to control the middle, to set the tempo for the fight.”
