Dusan Tadic: “You are never finished learning, not even from bad experiences.”
Dušan Tadić has always been more than a footballer. Known for his relentless drive and leadership, he sees every challenge as an opportunity. The Dušan Tadić interview with Life After Football back in 2020, reveals the mindset that has carried him through triumphs and setbacks alike.
When Ajax signed Tadić from Southampton in the summer of 2018, eyebrows were raised. At 29 years old, many questioned if the €12 million fee was wise for a player approaching his thirties. Yet from the moment he arrived in Amsterdam, he silenced the doubters. He skipped his holiday after a tough World Cup with Serbia and immediately joined pre-season training. Within weeks, he became a cornerstone of Erik ten Hag’s side: combining goals, assists, and sheer mentality to push Ajax towards one of their greatest seasons in modern history.
Did you need much time to consider that offer and the future plan?
Dušan Tadić: “No, I find it very nice and exciting. I immediately had a really good connection with Ajax. I had several offers at the time, but Ajax is in my heart. I love the way of football, the club, the fans, the people I work with, and Amsterdam and the Netherlands.”
Wasn’t it a big step to already think about a career after football?
“Yes, a little bit, but I also know how football works. You can look ahead and anticipate, but you never know what will happen. At this moment, I really focus on the present and I want to give this club more trophies. That is the most important thing right now.”
For Tadić, mentality is everything. He is known for pushing himself harder than anyone, demanding excellence not only from his own game but from those around him. That mindset carried Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, and it remains central to his identity as both captain and mentor.
Your mentality is often praised as one of your biggest strengths. How do you view it yourself?
“That mentality and professionalism are also reasons why Ajax signed me, I think. The players around me are all very talented and have great potential. But sometimes, especially when they are younger, they don’t yet fully realize that they have to perform 100% every single day. Otherwise, they will never reach the absolute top. That’s what every player wants, I think. We all have talent, but mentality makes the difference between being an average professional and becoming a superstar.”
Do you still feel there are things to improve?
“That depends on the matches. You always have to be important for your team. Sometimes that means scoring goals, sometimes giving assists. And if you’re not playing well, then you just have to work extremely hard — in service of the team or a teammate. That is non-negotiable. From so many players. I think you can always learn something. You are never finished learning — not even from bad experiences.”
If there’s one thing that defines Tadić’s career, it’s his complete professionalism. Even during the Covid-19 shutdown in 2020, when football worldwide stood still, he kept training like a man preparing for the next final. His belief is simple: talent alone means nothing without responsibility. That is why he’s seen as a role model inside the Ajax dressing room. The “marathon man” who never stops working.
How did you get through the corona period without matches?
“It was a very strange period. Everyone missed football — me, the staff, and of course the fans. You have to do everything to get better, I think. Nobody but you is responsible for your body. I see every day as a chance to become a better player, so I grabbed that opportunity with both hands.”
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Dušan Tadić sharing his story in our interview? Read the full interview in our Issue 65 magazine!
From exclusive interviews to business moves and lifestyle beyond the pitch, explore more stories inside the Player’s Lounge.
Want to stay updated with more Life After Football exclusive content, behind-the-scenes stories, and lifestyle from beyond the pitch? Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a moment!
