Marko Arnautović spent just two seasons with West Ham but made his mark not only on the team but became a fan favorite almost immediately. He went from playing the wing on Manuel Pellegrini's squad to a full on striker under David Moyes. In 2018 he was named Hammer of the Year and that led to a new contract extension for a lot more money, until immaturity and misunderstanding led to his departure. He finished his West Ham career with 22 goals in just 2 seasons, but he would go on and win a league title with Inter Milan and while winding down his career, he grew up and found a new role to play: Leader.
After stops in Shanghai, Bologna and Inter Milan, Arnautović, the enigmatic Austrian striker with a career spanning Europe's top leagues, added a poignant chapter to his legacy by joining Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) last summer. This move wasn't driven by lucrative contracts or title pursuits but by a solemn vow made to a dear friend and mentor, the late Sinisa Mihajlovic. Now, at 36, Arnautović is not only fulfilling that promise but also emerging as a key leader for the Serbian giants, inspiring a new generation and delivering on the pitch.
Known for his physical presence, technical flair, and occasional controversy, Arnautović amassed over 150 goals in club competitions and became Austria's all-time leading scorer with 36 international strikes.
Despite his globetrotting career, Arnautović's heart has long been tied to Red Star Belgrade, the club his mother supported and one that resonates deeply with his Serbian heritage. This connection deepened during his time at Bologna from 2021 to 2023, where he played under Sinisa Mihajlovic, the legendary Serbian defender who won the European Cup with Red Star in 1991. Mihajlovic, battling leukemia, shared endless stories of Red Star's glory days, forging a brotherly bond with Arnautović.
"I had promised Sinisa that I would come to Red Star Belgrade, and now I am here," he said, at his first press conference after signing with the team. "[Mihajlovic and I ] used to talk about Red Star every day. Since arriving at the stadium and seeing it all, I’ve cried more in the last two days than in my whole life."
Since joining Red Star, Arnautović has seamlessly integrated into the squad, wearing the number 89 jersey—a nod to the year of his birth and perhaps a subtle tribute to Mihajlovic's era. As of early 2026, he has featured in 10 league matches, netting 4 goals, including crucial strikes that underscore his enduring class. He's added 2 more goald in the Europa tournament, but his impact extends far beyond the scoresheet. Arnautović has embraced a leadership role, mentoring younger players and instilling a winning mentality in a team chasing domestic dominance and European success.
In the recent Eternal Derby against arch-rivals Partizan on February 22, 2026. In front of 42,000 fervent fans at the Rajko Mitić Stadium, Arnautović scored in Red Star's commanding 3-0 victory, helping propel the team to the top of the Serbian SuperLiga. The goal wasn't just a clinical finish; it was a statement of intent, a tribute to his promise, and a spark that ignited the stands.
Arnautović's story at Red Star Belgrade is more than a late-career adventure; it's a testament to friendship, loyalty, and the enduring power of promises. By honoring Mihajlovic, he's not only found personal closure but also become a beacon for Red Star's ambitions. As the club eyes another Serbian title and a strong showing in European competitions, Arnautović's leadership—both emotional and tactical—will continue to be instrumental.