Kolašinac started his professional career at Schalke 04, playing first in its reserve team, before joining Arsenal in 2017, who loaned him back to Schalke 04 in 2021. The following year, he moved to Marseille. A year later, he signed with Atalanta.
A former German youth international, Kolašinac made his senior international debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2013, earning 60 caps since. He represented the nation at their first major championship, the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
In June 2013, he extended his deal with the squad until June 2017.[4]
In August 2014, he suffered a severe knee injury, which was diagnosed as an anterior cruciate ligament tear and was ruled out for at least six months. Over seven moths after the injury, on 11 April 2015, he returned to the pitch.[5]
On 13 December, he scored his first professional goal against FC Augsburg.[6]
In June 2017, Kolašinac signed a five-year contract with English side Arsenal.[7]
2017–18 season
He made his official debut for the club in the 2017 FA Community Shield game against Chelsea on 6 August, managed to score a goal and win his first trophy.[8] A week later, he made his league debut against Leicester City.[9]
In September 2017, he was voted Arsenal's Player of the Month for August.[10]
On 28 October, he scored his first league goal for the squad in a triumph over Swansea City.[11]
He was once again voted Arsenal's Player of the Month, this time for October.[12]
2018–19 season
In August 2018, Kolašinac picked up a knee injury during a pre-season clash against Chelsea, which ruled him out for the start of the season.[13] He made his season debut in a UEFA Europa League tie against Qarabağ on 4 October.[14]
2019–20 season
Kolašinac played his first fixture of the campaign in a defeat of Burnley on 17 August 2019.[15]
On 15 July 2020, he played his 100th match for the side against Liverpool.[16]
He won his first piece of major silverware with Arsenal on 1 August, by beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.[17]
In January 2021, he was sent on a six-month loan to his former club Schalke 04 and became its captain.[19] He played his first competitive clash for the team since coming back on 9 January against TSG Hoffenheim.[20] On 27 February, he scored first goal for Schalke 04 since his comeback in a victory over VfB Stuttgart.[21]
2021–22 season
Kolašinac appeared in his first encounter of the season in an EFL Cup fixture against West Bromwich Albion on 25 August.[22]
In November, he suffered an ankle injury, which was diagnosed as a broken ankle and was expected to be sidelined for at least two months.[23]
Marseille
In January 2022, Kolašinac moved to French outfit Marseille on a deal until June 2023.[24] He debuted officially for the squad on 4 February against Angers.[25] On 13 November, he scored his first goal for Marseille against Monaco, which secured the victory for his team.[26]
Atalanta
In July 2023, Kolašinac joined Italian side Atalanta on a two-year contract.[27] He debuted competitively for the outfit against Sassuolo on 20 August.[28] On 8 October, he scored his first goal for Atalanta against Lazio.[29] He won his first title with the club on 22 May 2024, by beating Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final.[30]
In November 2013, his request to change sports citizenship from German to Bosnian was approved by FIFA.[33] Later that month, he received his first senior call-up, for a friendly game against Argentina,[34] and debuted in that game on 18 November.[35]
In June 2014, Kolašinac was named in Bosnia and Herzegovina's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, country's first major competition.[36] He made his tournament debut in the opening group match against Argentina on 15 June.[37]
Style of play
During his career, Kolašinac has been deployed as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, although he spent most of the time playing as a left-back. He possesses very strong body build and strength.[38]
Personal life
Kolašinac married his long-time girlfriend Susubelle in June 2019. Together they have a daughter named Soleil.[39]
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