Besard Šabović Bio
Besard Šabović, born on 5 January 1998, is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a centre midfielder for Major League Soccer club Austin FC. He represents a new wave of Scandinavian midfielders whose careers have been shaped across multiple European leagues before arriving in North America. Standing at 186 cm, Šabović combines physical presence with technical awareness in the center of the park. He has represented both Sweden and North Macedonia at youth international level, reflecting his deep family ties to the Balkans.
Over the course of his career, Šabović has played in Sweden, Turkey, and Russia, building experience in the Allsvenskan, the Russian Premier League, and the Turkish Süper Lig. In January 2025, he committed his future to Austin FC on a three-year deal, signaling a new chapter in his professional journey. His path from Stockholm to Major League Soccer traces a story of perseverance, versatility, and cultural duality.
Early Life and Background
Besard Šabović was born on 5 January 1998 in Stockholm, Sweden. He grew up in the Swedish capital, where football is woven into the everyday life of young athletes. The city produced many of Scandinavia’s most recognized midfield talents, and Šabović grew up surrounded by that environment.
His family background reflects a rich Balkan heritage. Šabović is the son of a Montenegrin Albanian father from the town of Plav and a Serbian Albanian mother from Medveđa. Through his family line, he is also the great-grandson of Jakup Ferri, a member of the Albanian nationalist organization known as the League of Prizren. This dual Swedish and Balkan identity shaped his upbringing and later influenced his international football choices.
Šabović began playing organized football at the age of five, joining the renowned Brommapojkarna academy. As a teenager, he was featured in the TV4 program “Fotbollsfabriken” (The Football Factory), which profiled the top 15-year-old players in the Brommapojkarna system. That early visibility helped accelerate his development and brought him to the attention of larger Swedish clubs.
Path to Professional Soccer
Šabović’s development through Brommapojkarna laid a strong technical foundation, but the next major step came in February 2015, when he signed a three-year under-21 contract with Djurgårdens IF. One of Sweden’s most historic clubs, Djurgårdens IF offered a higher competitive level and access to senior training environments. On 12 January 2016, he was promoted to the first team and signed a four-year contract, marking his official entry into professional football.
His first senior appearance came on 24 April 2016 in a 1–0 away defeat against Malmö, when he entered as a substitute in the 77th minute. From there, Šabović was sent out on a series of loans to gain first-team experience. In March 2017, he returned to Brommapojkarna on a season-long loan in the Superettan. The following year, in March 2019, he joined Dalkurd on another season-long loan, with an option to feature for Djurgården during the spell.
These early loans shaped his tactical understanding and prepared him for a higher level of competition. By the time he committed to a permanent move abroad, Šabović had already experienced top-flight football in Sweden, lower-division battles, and youth international football for both Sweden and North Macedonia.
Besard Šabović Career
Early Career at Djurgårdens IF (2016–2019)
Šabović’s first chapter at Djurgårdens IF was defined by gradual exposure to senior football. After making his Allsvenskan debut against Malmö in April 2016, he spent the next seasons sharpening his game through loans. His move to Superettan side Brommapojkarna in March 2017 gave him regular minutes, and he made his second-tier debut on 1 April 2017 in a 0–0 draw against Dalkurd, coming on as a substitute in the 89th minute.
In March 2019, he was loaned to Dalkurd, also of the Superettan, where he made his debut on 7 April 2019 in a 0–4 home defeat against his former loan club Brommapojkarna. He was named in the starting lineup for that match, signaling a more prominent role. Later that year, on 1 July 2019, he was called up by Djurgården for a league match against Kalmar FF and featured in the closing minutes. These experiences helped him grow into a more complete midfielder ready for the demands of European football abroad.
Mjällby, Kayserispor and Khimki (2020–2022)
Šabović’s first permanent move away from Djurgården came in 2020, when he joined Mjällby in the Allsvenskan. His time at Mjällby allowed him to establish himself as a consistent starter in Sweden’s top flight. In 2021, he made a brief but notable move to Turkish Süper Lig club Kayserispor, adding international experience to his resume.
On 22 June 2021, Šabović signed with Russian Premier League side FC Khimki, taking another step into a demanding European league. He remained with Khimki until 3 June 2022, gaining valuable experience in one of Eastern Europe’s most physical competitions. This stretch across Sweden, Turkey, and Russia broadened his tactical awareness and prepared him for the next major chapter of his career.
Return to Djurgårdens IF (2022–2024)
On 10 August 2022, Šabović returned to Djurgårdens IF, signing a 2.5-year contract that brought him back to Stockholm. The familiar environment, combined with the higher expectations of a club chasing titles, helped him rediscover his form. Over the next two seasons, he became a regular midfield presence for Djurgården, contributing to their campaigns in the Allsvenskan.
His second spell at the club cemented his reputation as a reliable, hard-working central midfielder. By the end of 2024, he had played a significant role in Djurgården’s midfield rotation and was ready to seek a new challenge abroad.
Austin FC Era (2025–Present)
On 21 January 2025, Besard Šabović signed with Major League Soccer side Austin FC on a three-year deal. The move represented his first venture outside European football and his first opportunity to compete in a league with a growing international profile. Austin FC, based in Texas, saw in Šabović a midfielder capable of dictating tempo and providing physicality in the center of the pitch.
Joining a club with ambitions of playoff contention, Šabović quickly became part of the team’s midfield plans. His versatility, experience across multiple leagues, and willingness to adapt made him a valuable addition to the Austin FC squad. As of 2025, he continues to feature for the club, working to establish himself in Major League Soccer.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a centre midfielder, Šabović is recognized for his physical presence, aerial ability, and tactical discipline. His height of 186 cm gives him an edge in duels and set-piece situations, while his time in the Allsvenskan, the Russian Premier League, and the Turkish Süper Lig helped him develop a balanced style suited to various tactical systems. He combines defensive responsibility with the capacity to move the ball forward, making him a dependable link between the back line and the attack.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining early moments of Šabović’s career was his senior debut for Djurgårdens IF against Malmö in April 2016. His move to FC Khimki in June 2021 marked his first sustained spell in a top European league outside Scandinavia. In 2019, he made his debut for the North Macedonia U21 team during the Antalya Cup, further highlighting his international recognition. The January 2025 signing with Austin FC stands as his most significant career milestone to date.
Besard Šabović Career Wins
Across his career in Sweden, Turkey, Russia, and the United States, Besard Šabović has built a steady record as a reliable central midfielder. His appearances in the Allsvenskan with Djurgårdens IF and Mjällby, combined with spells in the Russian Premier League and the Turkish Süper Lig, reflect a player who has consistently competed at high levels. While comprehensive win totals are not fully verifiable, his journey through multiple competitive leagues underscores his durability and adaptability.
Club Career Highlights
Šabović made his professional debut with Djurgårdens IF in 2016 and went on to feature for the club across two separate spells. He gained first-team experience in the Superettan with Brommapojkarna and Dalkurd, and later competed in the Allsvenskan with Mjällby. His international club experience includes stints at Kayserispor in Turkey and FC Khimki in Russia. Since joining Austin FC in January 2025, he has continued to add to his competitive resume in Major League Soccer.
Other Performances
Šabović represented North Macedonia at U21 level, making his debut on 22 March 2019 in a match against Ukraine U21. He has also featured for Sweden at youth international level, reflecting his dual eligibility. His participation in tournaments like the 2019 Antalya Cup highlights his recognition on the international stage.
Besard Šabović Family
Family Background and Heritage
Besard Šabović comes from a multicultural family with deep roots in the Balkans. His father is a Montenegrin Albanian from the town of Plav, while his mother is a Serbian Albanian from Medveđa. This dual heritage connects him to communities across Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania, and has shaped his identity both on and off the pitch.
Through his maternal line, Šabović is the great-grandson of Jakup Ferri, a historical figure associated with the League of Prizren, an Albanian nationalist organization from the late 19th century. This family history is a point of pride for Šabović and adds a meaningful layer to his personal story.
Personal Life
Besard Šabović was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, where he continues to maintain ties despite playing abroad. His diverse cultural background has influenced his choice to represent North Macedonia at youth international level, in addition to his Swedish nationality. Public details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not available from verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Besard Šabović began the 2025 season with a major career move, signing a three-year contract with Austin FC in January. Joining a Major League Soccer side with playoff ambitions, he quickly became part of the club’s midfield rotation. His experience in the Allsvenskan, the Russian Premier League, and the Turkish Süper Lig provided a strong foundation for the demands of MLS competition.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Šabović has contributed as a central midfielder, offering a balance of defensive work, ball distribution, and aerial presence. His adaptation to a new league and country has been a key storyline of his season, with the Austin FC coaching staff relying on his tactical awareness to stabilize the middle of the pitch.
Looking ahead, Šabović’s role at Austin FC is expected to grow as he continues to adjust to the pace and style of Major League Soccer. With a three-year deal in place, the 2025 season represents the first step in what the club hopes will be a long and successful partnership.