Filip Djukic by footygraphic
Filip Djukic is a Danish goalkeeper who was born on the 6th of August 1999. The Danish youth international signed for the U15 team of FC Kopenhagen when he came over from Rosenhøj.
The Start
Filip grew up in Hvidovre, close to Copenhagen, around the age of 4 he started playing football. Filip tells that he has always loved football and that his father has had a big role in that. His father also was a huge football fan and always brought Filip to the games of FC Kopenhagen even though he would fall asleep before half-time, the athmosphere at the stadium still made a big impact on him and wanted him to play football himself. He started playing at Rosenhøj Boldklub, after some time, without any expectations or professional guidance their team won everything in Denmark, not even dropping a game.
After this Filip got contacted by F.C København, where he went through some trials to make the team. For Filip F.C København was the most prestigious club, especially because was supporting them since he was little. When Filip got called by his father to tell him he made it into the team he couldn’t believe it. Two of his best friends joined with Filip at the U15 team. Filip told it was an amazing feeling to know they’ve followed each other all the way from the playground to FC Kopenhagen, where we played in the Youth league and won the U17 championship in Denmark.
Support
As a young top athlete it’s very important to get enough guidance, on professional level Filip has had a lot of great goalkeeper-coaches who each have influenced him uniquely. The coach he had a special relationship with is Morten Kjærbye. They worked together for 2,5 years, both on and off the field. As they both are “keeper geeks” they study and talk about everything from goalkeeping-style to gloves and other keepers, Filip really appreciates the technical side of goalkeeping and Morten was someone to discuss that with.
At home his family has always supported him. ‘I’ve been very lucky to have immense support from my family, they’ve always supported me and helped in every aspect of my life.’ His parents have dedicated a huge part of their lives to make his career possible, they drive him around for training and matches, make him healthy food so he can keep a clean diet and provide him with the right tools to work with.
Goals and dreams
Of course life isn’t always easy, just like everyone Filip has had some struggles. Physique was an issue for a long time, especially his height. He’s made peace with it and doesn’t see it as a disadvantage but rather a reason to work even harder than everybody else.
To this day, football remains his biggest motivation, and the passion I have for the sport is bigger than anything else. Filip wants to play in the big leagues against the best players and supported by a lot of fans. He’s aware of the workload it requires of him and that’s why he is working hard every day. One of the thing Filip does is studying other goalkeepers; ‘I pay attention to their decision-making, deduction, and movement.’ Casillas and Ter Stegen are his idols. ‘Casillas is so inspiring, both in his play and in how he lives his life. He’s gained much love and respect for his sportsmanship and capabilities.’
‘Everything I have and will accomplish, I couldn’t have done without my family, my friends and coaches. Even the parents giving me lifts to and from games, have helped me get where I am and I’m proud to be here. I used to beg my father for the newest keeper gloves, now I’m sponsored by Adidas, one of the greatest sports brands. I work with the best team of coaches, I have the best team mates and the best agents, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.’
author: footygraphic (@FootyGraphic)