Heart, Responsibility and Vision: Katarina Cadjenovic on Football, Identity and the Future of the Women’s Game
From the streets of her neighborhood to lifting trophies on the biggest domestic stage, Katarina Cadjenovic represents a new generation of Montenegrin footballers: educated, self-aware, and deeply committed to the growth of women’s football. Currently shining with SFK Sarajevo, Katarina combines technical quality with leadership, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of purpose that extends far beyond results.
Who is Katarina Cadjenovic? Can you tell us how your football story began?
I am a girl who fell in love with football at a very young age, without fully realizing at the time how much it would shape my life. My journey began when I was six, playing football in the streets of my neighborhood, driven purely by joy and curiosity. What started as a childhood game slowly grew into a deep passion and a clear life path.
How would you describe women’s football in Montenegro in three words?
I would describe women’s football in Montenegro as growing, underestimated, and persistent. When I started, it was barely visible, and many people didn’t even know women’s football existed in our country. Today, the level is rising step by step, and it makes me proud to see the sport moving forward where I first learned to love the game.
When you wore the national team jersey for the first time, what went through your mind before stepping onto the pitch?
Putting on the Montenegrin national team jersey for the first time was the realization of a childhood dream. In that moment, I felt immense pride, gratitude, and responsibility all at once. I knew that wearing that jersey meant playing not just with my feet, but with my heart.
If you could set one rule to inspire young girls in Montenegro to play football, what would it be?
I would tell them never to allow anyone to destroy their dreams. If you believe deeply enough and are ready to make sacrifices, nothing is impossible. Football rewards those who stay patient, disciplined, and loyal to their goals.
You achieved great results with SFK Sarajevo, including European success and eliminating Fomget. How do you reflect on that period?
That half-season with SFK Sarajevo was incredibly emotional and meaningful for me. We didn’t just win matches, we wrote another chapter in the club’s history through teamwork, trust, and collective belief. Eliminating a strong team like Fomget proved that Sarajevo belongs among clubs capable of competing at a high European level.
With 5 goals and 8 assists as a midfielder this halfseason, do you prefer scoring or assisting?
Assists are a big part of who I am as a player, because my role is to create and connect the game. That said, scoring a goal is an indescribable feeling, a moment where everything comes together. If I had to choose, I would say goals, but only because they are the final reward of collective effort.
Have you ever regretted saying “yes” when you should have said “no” in your career?
No, because every decision I made was guided by what I believed was best for my development. I’ve always listened to myself and followed my inner compass. In professional football, there is no time for regret, only for learning and moving forward.
What advice would you give to your younger self and to young girls today?
I would tell my younger self to be patient and trust the process, even when the path seems difficult. Hard work and desire always pay off in the end. To young girls today, I say the same: discipline and belief are the foundation of every success.
When your career ends, how would you like to be remembered in women’s football?
I would like to be remembered as a player who always left her heart on the pitch. Someone who respected the jersey she wore and gave her maximum in every single match. For me, that is the greatest legacy an athlete can leave behind.
What simple thing outside football always makes you smile?
Spending time with the people I love, especially my family, always brings me peace and happiness. Those moments help me relax and recharge. They give me the emotional balance I need to keep pushing forward in my career.
What is your final message to the next generation of female footballers?
Dream big, never give up on yourself, and always give your last atom of strength. The road won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. If you stay true to yourself and your passion, football will give back more than you ever imagined.
Career Highlights
• 🏆 1× Championship winner with SFK Sarajevo (2024/25)
• 🏆 1× Cup winner with SFK Sarajevo (2024/25)
• 🏆 1× Championship winner with Breznica (2023/24)
