Nikola Žigić

Nikola Žigić is a retired Serbian footballer who built his reputation as one of the most physically imposing strikers of his generation. Standing 2.02 meters tall, he used his height and strength to dominate defenders, scoring over 100 career goals across clubs in Serbia, Spain, and England. He earned 57 caps for Serbia, scoring 20 goals, and appeared at the 2006 World Cup.

Žigić's career highlights include winning back-to-back league and cup doubles with Red Star Belgrade, where he scored 70 goals in 109 matches. He later played in La Liga for Racing Santander and Valencia, then moved to the Premier League with Birmingham City. Retired since 2014, he remains a cult figure among fans who remember his aerial prowess and his knack for scoring crucial goals. [edit]

Nikola Žigić was born in Bačka Topola, a small town in northern Serbia, on September 25, 1980. Growing up, he played football in the streets and local youth teams, but his path to professional football was not straightforward. He started his senior career with AIK Bačka Topola in the lower divisions of Yugoslav football, where his scoring record was remarkable: 68 goals in 76 appearances. That tally caught the attention of bigger clubs, but first he had to complete his military service, during which he played for Mornar.

Žigić's height initially worked against him. Coaches worried that a player of 2.02 meters would be too clumsy or slow, but he proved them wrong with his agility and technical skill. In 2003, he signed with Red Star Belgrade, one of Serbia's biggest clubs. His first season silenced the doubters: he finished as the league's top scorer, was named domestic player of the year, and helped the team win the championship and the cup. He repeated that double in 2005–06, again earning player of the year honors. By the time he left, he had scored 70 goals in 109 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe's most promising target men. [edit]

Žigić's goals in Serbia earned him a move to Spain in 2006, joining Racing Santander in La Liga. In his first season, he formed a formidable partnership with Pedro Munitis, helping the club to a respectable mid-table finish. His performances attracted attention from bigger clubs, and in 2007 he transferred to Valencia. At Valencia, he struggled to secure regular playing time, and after a disappointing spell, he returned to Racing Santander on loan for the 2008–09 season. Back in familiar surroundings, he rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 13 goals in 19 league games.

In 2010, Žigić moved to England to join Birmingham City in the Premier League. His height made him an immediate talking point, with one report even comparing him to Peter Crouch. He scored on his debut and was part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2011, beating Arsenal 2–1 in the final. However, the club was relegated that same season, and Žigić spent the next few years in the Championship. He was dropped from the team in February 2013 after a poor training session, and he left the club in 2014. After a brief period as a free agent, he retired from professional football. Throughout his career, he was known for his aerial ability and his knack for scoring important goals, including a memorable strike for Serbia and Montenegro against Côte d'Ivoire at the 2006 World Cup. [edit]

Žigić was often described as a gentle giant on the pitch, a player whose physical presence intimidated defenders but whose demeanor was surprisingly unassuming. His height made him a target for long balls and crosses, and he became known for his powerful headers. Fans appreciated his work rate and his willingness to hold up play for teammates. In the media, he was sometimes compared to Peter Crouch, but he carved his own identity as a traditional number nine. After retirement, he has maintained a low profile, but he remains a beloved figure among Birmingham City and Red Star Belgrade supporters, who remember him as a reliable goal scorer during their respective successes. [edit]

Nikola Žigić does not command a formal fandom with a specific name or organized rituals. His support base is a natural extension of the clubs he served: the loyalists of Birmingham City who remember his towering presence, the Serbian national team faithful who cheered his 20 goals in 57 caps, and the general football public captivated by his sheer physical scale. He remains a cult figure rather than a global pop icon, defined by reliability and a unique stature that made him a target for long balls and crosses. The most enduring story attached to his legacy is the 'Zigic double' from May 2011. In the final minutes of the Championship play-off semi-final against Leeds United, this 2.02-meter giant scored two headers from corners to secure promotion for Birmingham City after a 13-year absence. Fans still recount how he delivered the club's greatest achievement in one night, cementing his status as an icon at St Andrew's without needing a dedicated fan club structure. While his career included dramatic moments like being dropped following a training session deemed the worst by his manager, his mythos rests on those two decisive goals. Today, his fame extends beyond sports statistics into broader cultural recognition of his size. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Nikola Žigić is currently the 38th most famous person from Serbia, a position holding steady from the previous cycle.[edit]

Standing 2.02 meters tall, Žigić built a reputation as one of the most physically imposing strikers of his generation, using his frame to dominate defenders across Serbia, Spain, and England. Fans affectionately dubbed him "The Giant," a nickname reflecting his massive 6 ft 7 in frame. He once scored a goal directly from a corner kick while playing for Red Star Belgrade, a rare feat that highlighted his aerial dominance. Off the pitch, he maintained a calm demeanor and rarely gave controversial interviews, earning comparisons to Peter Crouch before carving out his own identity as a traditional number nine. He ranks among the top five tallest players ever to appear in the Premier League history. After retiring in 2014, he returned to Serbia, kept a low profile, and occasionally appeared in charity matches. In 2015, he was named an ambassador for the Red Star Belgrade youth academy. A legendary moment from his career occurred during the 2010–2011 season when he scored two crucial goals from corners in the final minutes of a play-off semi-final against Leeds United. This performance secured Birmingham City's promotion to the Premier League after a 13-year absence, creating a story fans still retell about how a towering striker delivered the club's greatest achievement.[edit]

Details about Nikola Žigić's family are largely private. He was born in Bačka Topola to a family with no known footballing background. He has not publicly shared information about his parents or siblings. Žigić is married, and he and his wife have children, but he has kept their names and personal lives out of the media. He currently resides in Serbia, where he enjoys a quiet life away from the spotlight. [edit]

Žigić is associated with Red Star Belgrade, where he became a fan favorite and won multiple titles. He also played alongside notable teammates such as Dejan Stanković for Serbia and Pedro Munitis at Racing Santander. His time at Birmingham City connected him with manager Alex McLeish and fellow striker Cameron Jerome. [edit]

Nikola Žigić has kept his personal life extremely private, and there is no public record of his dating history before his marriage. He is married, but the name of his wife and the date of their wedding have not been disclosed. The couple has children together. As of 2026, Žigić remains married and lives a quiet life in Serbia, away from the media spotlight. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Nikola Žigić's net worth at $5 Million as of 2026. His primary income stream originated from professional football contracts, particularly his lucrative moves to Valencia and Birmingham City, which marked the peak of his earning potential. During his prime years in Spain and England, he commanded substantial salaries, with reports indicating he was one of Birmingham's highest-paid players at the time. Post-retirement, revenue has likely flowed from endorsements and appearances, though he has avoided major business ventures. His financial standing has remained relatively stable since his playing days concluded, reflecting prudent management of his assets.[edit]

Nikola Žigić won the Serbian First League twice with Red Star Belgrade, in 2003–04 and 2005–06, and was the league's top scorer in his debut season. He was named Serbian Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2005. With Birmingham City, he lifted the League Cup in 2011. [edit]