EIGHT-YEAR-OLD FOOTBALL TALENT ALEKSEJ BABIĆ EARNS PLACE WITH RED STAR

TREBINJE, JANUARY 7 /SRNA/ – Eight-year-old Aleksej Babić from Trebinje is one of the youngest football talents from Herzegovina to attract the attention of Red Star Belgrade, where he now trains in parallel with his home club.

Aleksej has been playing football since the age of four and, as he says himself, has practically grown up on the grass with a ball at his feet. His love for football began at a very early age, with his first serious steps taken at Trebinje-based football club Alfa. "I started going to training when I was very young, together with my older brother and cousins who were already training. At Alfa, I learned the basics, fell in love with training sessions, spending time with teammates, and playing matches. That's when I realized football is what I love most," Aleksej told SRNA. According to Aleksej, he chose football because it gives him freedom, movement, and the joy of the game. He especially enjoys running, scoring goals, and playing with his friends, and he approaches every training session and match with great excitement. The moment that changed his football journey came during Red Star's summer training camp at the Sun City complex in Trebinje. Thanks to strong cooperation between Trebinje's Alfa and Red Star Belgrade, coaches suggested that Aleksej be monitored during one of the matches. "I played against boys who were two years older than me and scored two goals against Red Star, along with several good dribbles. After that, we received an invitation from Red Star," Aleksej said. Today, the eight-year-old trains simultaneously with his home club in Trebinje and in Belgrade, where he regularly travels for training sessions, preparations, tournaments, and selection camps organized by Red Star. "The coaches are satisfied with my work and progress. They say I have potential and talent, and I try to show that at every training session and match," Aleksej said. Family support is essential in maintaining such a demanding schedule. His mother, Jelena Babić, said they are extremely proud, while also mindful that Aleksej is first and foremost a child. "From an early age, we noticed his talent, work ethic, and immense love for football and sports in general. We try to give him maximum support, but without pressure - so that he grows up healthy, learns, and keeps his childlike joy," she said. She added that travel, training sessions, and obligations require significant sacrifice in terms of time and finances, but that everything becomes easier when they see their child happy and fulfilled. The family decided to cooperate with Red Star convinced that it represents a major step forward in Aleksej's development. "Red Star is a club with a huge tradition, serious professional work, and a clear plan for developing young players. Such an opportunity is not to be missed. We believe Red Star will help Aleksej grow both as an athlete and as a person, alongside the strong support and quality work he also receives at his home club," his mother emphasized. The story of young Aleksej Babić shows how talent, dedication, and the support of family and a local club can turn into a serious step toward the big football stage - even at a very early age.