FK Mladost Podgorica

History

FK Mladost were formed in Titograd in 1950, before changing their name to OFK Titograd in 1960, which was the name of Podgorica from 1946 until 1992. The club renamed themselves back to Mladost in 1992. Until 2008, and moving to their new stadium at Camp FSCG, Ćemovsko polje, it was the only club from old Podgorica Town (Drač neighbourhood).

Period 1950–2006

FK Mladost, which means Youth in Montenegrin, was founded in 1950 as a second team from Podgorica center (the first was Yugoslav top-tier side FK Budućnost).

Soon after they were formed, FK Mladost gained promotion from Montenegrin Republic League to Yugoslav Second League. Their first season in Second League was 1955/56, where the team spent three consecutive seasons.

In period 1959–1968, the team played only in Montenegrin Republic League (third-tier competition in SFR Yugoslavia) with five champion titles. But, as a champion, team from Podgorica did not succeed in making a comeback to Second League with losing their games in inter-republic playoffs, against the teams from Macedonia and Serbia. Finally, the team under the name OFK Titograd gained promotion to Yugoslav Second League 1968/69.

This time, they played six consecutive seasons in the Second League, from season 1968–69 to 1973–74. At that era, OFK Titograd played first official games against oldest and better-known city rivals from FK Budućnost. Best result at that time OFK Titograd made at season 1971–72, by winning fifth place at Second League table.

After the few promotions and relegations at the second half of the 1970s, OFK Titograd played another four consecutive seasons in Yugoslav Second League from 1979–80 to 1982–83. That was their last biggest successes under the name OFK Titograd.
At 1992, the name of the team was changed and FK Mladost started to play in football system of newly formed FR Yugoslavia. Most of their seasons in period 1992-2006, Mladost spent in FR Yugoslavia Second League.

In September 1997, FK Mladost made a record win in history during a Montenegrin Republic League match against FK Iskra Danilovgrad 15–0.

During the SFR Yugoslavia and FR Yugoslavia times, Mladost spent 24 seasons in the Second League. At the same time, the team won 12 titles of Montenegrin Republic League winner, which is the best score of any team in that competition.

At the same time, Mladost won five Montenegrin Republic Cups, and played in the Yugoslav Cup. Their biggest success in the Yugoslav Cup, came on season 2001-02 – in the 1/16 finals, they won against Napredak Kruševac, but Mladost were eliminated in 1/8 finals, away against Radnički Obrenovac. Same success, Mladost made on season 2005-06. In the first phase of Cup of Serbia and Montenegro, Mladost surprisingly won against the First League member Voždovac (2–1), and in the 1/8 finals, club from Podgorica lost in last minutes against most successful Serbian club Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade (1–2).

Period 2006-

Following the independence of Montenegro, Montenegro's best clubs joined the newly formed Montenegrin First League. Among them was FK Mladost, who previously won the playoff game against Zora Spuž (4–0, 0–2).

Mladost played two consecutive seasons in the First League, but relegated to Second League at summer 2008. A new come-back to top-tier competition Mladost made at season 2010-11. Since then, FK Mladost played more important role in Montenegrin football.

In 2012–13 Montenegrin Cup, Mladost won a game against Pljevlja 10–1, and the striker Luka Rotković scored seven goals, which is a record in all official games played in Montenegro.

First greatest result, Mladost made at season 2012–13, when they gained historical first promotion to UEFA European competitions. Team from Podgorica played in 2013–14 UEFA Europa League and achieved a surprisingly good result. In the First leg, Mladost eliminated Hungarian-side Videoton (1–0; 1–2) and in the Second Leg they were better against Slovak team Senica (2–2; 1–0). In the Round 3, Mladost played against Sevilla FC with defeats in both games (1–6; 0–3).

For the first time, Mladost played in Montenegrin Cup final game at season 2013–14, but defeated against Lovćen (0–1). Next season, Mladost again participated in the Cup finals, but this tame won the trophy, after the extra-time win against Petrovac (2–1). That was the first national trophy in the history of the club.

With that success, Mladost gained another participation in European competitions - 2015–16 UEFA Europa League. In the First round, Mladost made a big surprise, eliminating the Neftchi Baku (1–1; 2–2). At the next phase, Mladost was eliminated by neighbouring side Kukësi (2–4; 1–0).

The most significant result in the club's history, Mladost made at 2015–16 Montenegrin First League. After the hard struggle with city-rivals from FK Budućnost, Mladost won the title of Montenegrin champion, very first in their history. Mladost made great success with winning all three championship derby games against Budućnost (2–0; 3–1; 2–1).

In summer 2016, Mladost played their first season in the UEFA Champions League, but were eliminated at the beginning of qualifiers, against Ludogorets Razgrad (0-3; 0-2).

Talent producing

Since foundation, FK Mladost was known as a talent producing team, with great work with youth teams. In period 1950-1990, Mladost functioned as a youth players 'factory' of First League side FK Budućnost Podgorica. Many notable players started their careers in Mladost youth or first team, and among them are Dejan Savićević, Niša Saveljić, Predrag Mijatović and Stevan Jovetić. Two of them won the UEFA Champions League trophies - Savićević with AC Milan and Mijatović with Real Madrid.

First League Record

For the first time, FK Mladost played in Montenegrin First League on season 2006–07. Below is a list of FK Mladost scores in First League by every single season.

FK Mladost in European competitions

For the first time, FK Mladost played in European competitions on season 2013–14. Until now, they played three seasons in European cups.

Records

Honours and achievements

Current squad

As of 13 July 2016 Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Notable players

For the list of former and current players with Wikipedia article, please see Category:FK Mladost Podgorica players.
Below is the list of players which, during their career, played for FK Mladost and represented their countries at national teams and U-21 teams or foreign players which made an international career.

Stadium

Since 2008, FK Mladost is playing their home games at 'Mladost' stadium, which is a part of Camp FSCG at Stari Aerodrom neighbourhood. Stadium have capacity of 1,250 seats.
Before that, in period 1950-2008, home of FK Mladost was Stadion Cvijetni Brijeg, at the Old Podgorica's neighbourhood Drač. But, because their stadium didn't meet criteria for higher-rank games, until 1998 Mladost played most of their games at Podgorica City Stadium.
At 1998, stadium Cvijetni Brijeg was renovated, with two all-seated terraces with capacity of 1,340 seats, new pitch, modern locker rooms, restaurant and another facilities. Stadium was opened on August 31, 1998, with the game FK Mladost – FK Cetinje 6–1.
During decade (1998–08), on the stadium Cvijetin Brijeg, FK Mladost played more than 200 matches in Montenegrin First League, Yugoslav Second League, Montenegrin Republic League, Yugoslav Cup and Montenegrin Cup. Stadium meet all necessary criteria for the First League, so, on Cvijetin Brijeg, few matches played FK Kom in First League of Serbia and Montenegro (2004–05) and FK Budućnost in Montenegrin First League (2006–07).
At 2008, stadium Cvijetni Brijeg is demolished and on its' place is built an elementary school.

Sponsors