Nikola Žigić

Nikola Žigić is a forward of Birmingham City. He was born on 25 September 1980 in Bačka Topola, Serbia.

In 1991, Nikola started to play football in the academy of AIK Bačka Topola and spent seven years there. The forward managed to gain the confidence of the coaching staff due to his steady performance and quick development, which earned him a place in the main squad of the club in 1998. The same year, Žigić penned his first professional contract with AIK Bačka Topola and made stunning display by netting 68 goals in 76 matches for the team during three years.

In 2001, the footballer completed a move to Mornar and amassed 15 goals in 23 matches for the new club during one season. The following year, Nikola sealed a deal with Kolubara and found the net three times in eight fixtures during six months. In January 2003, the forward joined Spartak Subotica and fired 14 goals in 11 games for the team during half a year as well.

In the summer 2003, Serbian side Red Star Belgrade secured Žigić’s services and saw him score 47 goals in 79 matches during three seasons. In 2007, the footballer put pen to paper of a contract with Spanish side Racing Santander. He made 32 appearances and went on to net 11 times before finalizing a move to Valencia. However, the management of the new club rarely used Nikola in league fixtures and decided to send him on loan to Racing. From 2007 till 2010, the forward chipped in 18 goals in 47 games for both teams.

In 2010, Žigić moved to English side Birmingham City and soon became the pivot of the squad. He took part in 76 games and kicked 21 goals as of January 2013.

From 2004, the footballer has been capped 57 times and contributed 20 goals for the Serbia national team.