Ivanović's Professional Football Journey: From Serbia to the NWSL
The career of Ivanović is a testament to resilience and steady progression. From her early days in Serbian football to becoming a record-breaking transfer in the United States, her journey through Europe's top leagues highlights a consistent ability to score goals and adapt to new tactical environments.
Early Career and Overcoming Adversity
Ivanović began her professional path with Vojvodina in Serbia. In February 2019, she sought to expand her horizons by signing with IFK Kalmar, a club in the Elitettan (the second tier of Swedish women's football). However, her transition to Sweden was met with a significant setback when the 18-year-old suffered a tear to her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—a severe knee injury—during the preseason.
Showing determination, she returned to Serbia to regain her fitness with ŽFK Mašinac, laying the groundwork for her return to international competition.
Rising Through the Toppserien
In May 2021, Ivanović moved to Norway to join Arna-Bjørnar in the Toppserien, the highest division of Norwegian women's football. Over the course of two-and-a-half seasons, she established herself as a reliable offensive threat, netting 11 goals across 45 league appearances.
Her success at Arna-Bjørnar led to a midseason transfer in August 2023 to fellow Toppserien side LSK Kvinner. Signing a four-year contract, she continued her scoring form by recording 9 goals in 22 league games during her first year with the club.
Record Transfers and Global Expansion
By July 2024, Ivanović's value had risen significantly. LSK Kvinner sold her for a club record fee to the London City Lionesses in the Women's Championship. During her tenure there, she scored one goal in eight league appearances and contributed to the team winning the league, which secured their promotion to the Women's Super League (WSL), the top flight of English football.
Her journey then took her back to Sweden in July 2025, where she signed a three-year contract with Damallsvenskan club Malmö FF. She enjoyed a productive year in Sweden, scoring 9 goals in 23 league matches.
The pinnacle of her transfer history occurred in June 2026. Ivanović became a record sale for Malmö FF when she signed a three-year contract with the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States.
Key Facts
- Career Start: Began with Vojvodina in Serbia.
- Major Injury: Suffered an ACL tear in 2019 while with IFK Kalmar.
- Norwegian Success: Scored 20 total league goals across stints with Arna-Bjørnar and LSK Kvinner.
- English Achievement: Helped London City Lionesses earn promotion to the Women's Super League.
- Record Moves: Was a record sale for both LSK Kvinner and Malmö FF.
- Current Destination: Signed with Houston Dash (NWSL) in June 2026.
| Club | League/Country | League Goals | League Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arna-Bjørnar | Toppserien (Norway) | 11 | 45 |
| LSK Kvinner | Toppserien (Norway) | 9 | 22 |
| London City Lionesses | Championship (England) | 1 | 8 |
| Malmö FF | Damallsvenskan (Sweden) | 9 | 23 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Ivanović suffer early in her career?
In February 2019, while in preseason with IFK Kalmar, Ivanović tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Which clubs did Ivanović play for in Norway?
She played for two Toppserien clubs: Arna-Bjørnar and LSK Kvinner.
Did Ivanović win any titles in England?
Yes, she was part of the London City Lionesses squad that won the league, earning promotion to the Women's Super League.
How many goals did she score during her time at Malmö FF?
Ivanović scored 9 goals in 23 league games during her year with the Swedish club.
Where is Ivanović playing as of June 2026?
She is playing for the Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) after a record transfer from Malmö FF.