PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Wednesday it had signed Serbian defender Aleksandar Vukovic to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

A native of Nova Pazova, Serbia, Vukovic moved to the United States at the age of 20 to play college soccer, beginning his career at Louisiana State University at Eunice before moving into Division I soccer. He recorded 10 goal contributions (6G, 4A) in 84 appearances (68 starts) across four different schools, including stops at UC Riverside and Marshall University before completing his college career at Duke University.

During his college career, Vukovic helped UC Riverside secure its second Big West Conference postseason title and individually earned 2022 All-Big West First Team honors. He then played a role on a Marshall University team that reached the 2024 NCAA College Cup Final, recording one goal and two assists in 21 appearances.

In the past campaign, the 6-foot-4 center back made 14 appearances for the Blue Devils, logging 1,032 minutes.

“[Vukovic] is an ambitious player with strong determination, passion and hunger for the game,” said Rising Head Coach Pa-Modou Kah. “I love his mentality and I’m looking forward to seeing him in our environment, bringing the intensity every day.”

Drafted by Real Salt Lake in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft following Marshall’s postseason run, Vukovic elected to return for one more season of college soccer.

“I take pride in organizing the back line, winning duels and sacrificing everything for my team,” said Vukovic. “Above all, I want to be someone my teammates can rely on every time I step onto the field.”