Milos Kerkez, born on November 7, 2003, in Vrbas, Serbia, is a dynamic left-back who has quickly risen to prominence in the world of football. At just 21 years old, the Hungarian international has already carved out an impressive career, playing for Premier League club AFC Bournemouth and earning accolades for his performances on both the domestic and international stages. With a blend of athleticism, technical skill, and fierce determination, Kerkez is establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.
Early Life and Footballing Roots
Milos Kerkez grew up in Vrbas, Serbia, where football was more than just a pastime—it was a way of life. Raised by his parents, Sebastijan and Tijana Kerkez, alongside his two older brothers, Rade and Marko, Milos was immersed in the sport from a young age. The Kerkez brothers’ street football matches in Vrbas were legendary, often turning their neighborhood into an impromptu pitch where cars hesitated to pass. These intense, competitive games against his brothers and local players shaped Milos into a fearless and resilient competitor. His boundless energy and love for the game were evident early on, as he tackled older opponents and honed his skills with makeshift goalposts made of stone.
Kerkez’s journey began at local club OFK Vrbas before he moved to Austria in 2014 to join Rapid Wien’s youth academy, where he spent five years developing his craft. His talent was undeniable, and by 2019, he had joined Hungarian side Hódmezővásárhely FC, followed by a stint at Győri ETO FC in 2020. It was during his time in Hungary that Kerkez made the pivotal decision to represent the Hungarian national team, influenced by the support and encouragement he received from his coaches and teammates at Győr.
Club Career: A Meteoric Rise
AC Milan and AZ Alkmaar
In February 2021, Kerkez’s career took a significant leap when he was signed by Serie A giants AC Milan, with none other than club legend Paolo Maldini personally persuading him to join. In an interview with Nemzeti Sport, Kerkez famously remarked, “You cannot say no when Maldini calls you.” Despite training with Milan’s first team, he never made a senior appearance, spending his time with the youth squad. A year later, in January 2022, he moved to Dutch Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar, where his career began to flourish.
Kerkez made his AZ debut on May 19, 2022, against SC Heerenveen, coming off the bench in a 3–2 loss. Just months later, on August 14, 2022, he scored his first Eredivisie goal, a match-winner against Sparta Rotterdam in a 3–2 victory. His performances caught the eye of top clubs, with Portuguese giants Benfica reportedly showing interest, though they balked at AZ’s €20 million valuation.
AFC Bournemouth: Premier League Breakthrough
In July 2023, Kerkez made a £15.5 million move to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, a transfer that marked his arrival on one of football’s biggest stages. He quickly impressed manager Andoni Iraola in pre-season friendlies against Southampton, Atalanta, and Lorient, earning a spot in the starting lineup. Kerkez made his Premier League debut on August 12, 2023, in a 1–1 draw against West Ham United. Despite a red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers that led to a three-match suspension, he bounced back strongly, earning Bournemouth’s Player of the Month award for August and later for March.
The 2024–25 season has been a breakout campaign for Kerkez. He started every one of Bournemouth’s 29 league games, contributing two goals and five assists in 38 domestic matches. Notable highlights include his two assists in a 2–1 victory over Manchester City on November 3, 2024, and his first Premier League goal in a 4–2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on November 30, 2024, which was voted Bournemouth’s Goal of the Month. On January 18, 2025, he scored a stunning 96th-minute goal in a 4–1 rout of Newcastle United at St James’ Park. His performances have helped Bournemouth achieve their best-ever Premier League campaign, sitting just three points behind fifth-placed Manchester City with a chance at European qualification.
Kerkez’s aggressive yet disciplined style, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair, has made him a standout. As he told The Athletic, “I like to be aggressive but in a sporting way—in a football way, I like to compete a lot.” His ability to adapt to the Premier League’s pace and physicality has drawn praise, with the league now “adjusting to him” rather than the other way around.
International Career: Hungary’s Young Star
Eligible to represent both Serbia and Hungary due to his birthplace and heritage, Kerkez chose Hungary, a decision influenced by his Hungarian grandmother and the support he received from Győri ETO FC. He debuted for Hungary’s senior team on September 23, 2022, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 UEFA Nations League victory over Germany in Leipzig. At UEFA Euro 2024, Kerkez became Hungary’s youngest-ever player at a European Championship, starting against Switzerland, Germany, and Scotland. Despite a red card in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria, his contributions helped Hungary qualify for the tournament.
Hungarian captain Dominik Szoboszlai has praised Kerkez’s potential while humorously noting his fiery nature, recalling an instance where Kerkez was “told in three distinct languages not to do anything stupid” during the Bulgaria match. Kerkez’s commitment to Hungary reflects his gratitude to the country that embraced him, and he continues to be a key figure in their international setup.
Playing Style and Attributes
At 180 cm (5’11”), Kerkez is a versatile left-back who can also play as a left wing-back or midfielder. His left-footedness, combined with a 4-star weak foot and 4-star skill moves in EA FC 25, makes him a dual threat in attack and defense. His high work rate, speed, and physicality allow him to compete against the Premier League’s best wingers while contributing offensively with precise crosses and occasional goals. With a market value of €45 million and a weekly wage of £30,000 (contract until June 2028), Kerkez is a valuable asset for Bournemouth.
Interest from Top Clubs
Kerkez’s performances have not gone unnoticed. Clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Real Madrid have been linked with the young defender, with transfer rumors intensifying in the summer of 2025. Posts on X suggest Liverpool are particularly keen, with reports indicating Kerkez could be a “fantastic signing” for manager Arne Slot. His agent, Fali Ramadani of Lian Sports, is reportedly fielding interest from multiple top clubs, signaling a potential big-money move in the near future.
Personal Life and Future Ambitions
Off the pitch, Kerkez remains grounded, crediting his parents and brothers for instilling a love for football. His childhood passion for Ninja Turtles and parkour hints at his playful, energetic personality, but his focus is firmly on achieving greatness. As he told The Athletic, his dream is to “play at the highest level, win trophies, and be on the best teams.” With his current trajectory, those ambitions seem well within reach.
Milos Kerkez Net Worth
As of 2025, Milos Kerkez’s estimated net worth is approximately £3 million. He earns an annual salary of £1,560,000 at AFC Bournemouth, equivalent to £30,000 per week, with his contract set to expire in June 2028. Beyond his football earnings, Kerkez’s growing profile has opened doors for commercial opportunities and endorsement deals, contributing to his financial portfolio. His market value is estimated between €45 million and €67.6 million, reflecting his rising prominence in European football.
Conclusion
Milos Kerkez’s journey from the streets of Vrbas to the Premier League is a testament to his talent, resilience, and determination. At 21, he is already a key player for Bournemouth and Hungary, with the potential to become one of the world’s elite left-backs. As interest from Europe’s top clubs grows, the footballing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the career of this Hungarian powerhouse.
