Adam Nemec
Adam Nemec (born 2 September 1985) is a Slovak professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for Liga II club FC Voluntari.[1] Standing at 1.90 metres (6 ft 3 in) tall, he began his senior career in the Slovak Super Liga with Dubnica and MŠK Žilina, where he contributed to the latter's league title win in the 2006–07 season.[2] [1] Nemec's professional journey has taken him across seven countries, including stints in Germany's 2. Bundesliga with clubs like Erzgebirge Aue (2007–08, 10 goals in 29 appearances), 1. FC Kaiserslautern (2009–11, promotion to Bundesliga in 2009–10), and Union Berlin (2012–15, 23 goals in 91 appearances); Belgium's Pro League with Genk (2008–09, Belgian Cup winner); Major League Soccer with New York City FC (2015); the Netherlands' Eredivisie with Willem II (2015–16); Cyprus' First Division with Pafos FC (2018–20); and Romania's Liga I primarily with Dinamo București (2016–18 and 2020–21, Romanian League Cup winner in 2016–17) before joining Voluntari in 2021.[2] [3] [2] Over 413 domestic league appearances (as of November 2025), he has scored 115 goals and provided 44 assists, with standout seasons including 11 goals for Dinamo București in 2016–17 and 10 goals for Voluntari in 2022–23.[4] Internationally, Nemec has earned 43 caps for the Slovakia national team since 2006, scoring 13 goals and ranking as the country's seventh-highest all-time scorer; notable contributions include goals in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying and the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[5] [2]Early life and personal details
Early life
Adam Nemec was born on 2 September 1985 in Banská Bystrica, then part of Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia).[1] The dissolution of Czechoslovakia occurred in 1993.[6] Nemec began his youth football journey with the local club SK Žarnovica, near Banská Bystrica.[1] He later progressed to the youth system of ZTS Dubnica nad Váhom, where he honed his skills as a striker before turning 18.[1]Family and personal life
Adam Nemec was born to Milan Nemec, a former professional footballer who earned two caps for the Czechoslovakia national team as a defender in the late 1970s and early 1980s.[7][8] He also has a younger brother, Andrej Nemec, who plays amateur football in Austria.[1] Nemec married Zuzana Kollárová, a former Miss Universe Slovakia 2016, in June 2018.[9] The couple welcomed a daughter, Ellie, in February 2022.[10] Throughout his career, Nemec and his family have relocated frequently across Europe and North America, including stints in Germany, Belgium, the United States, the Netherlands, Cyprus, and currently Romania, where they have resided in Bucharest since 2021.[11] These moves have shaped their personal life, with Nemec noting the challenges of adapting but appreciating the support from fellow Slovak expatriates, such as families whose children play together, fostering a sense of community abroad.[11] At age 40, Nemec maintains a disciplined, family-centered lifestyle that contributes to his sustained professional involvement in football, emphasizing quality time with his daughter, financial prudence, and enjoyment of urban amenities like Bucharest's parks and pedestrian-friendly environment.[11]Club career
Dubnica
Adam Nemec signed his first professional contract with FK Dubnica nad Váhom in 2002 at the age of 17, transitioning from the club's youth academy to the senior team in the Slovak Super Liga.[2] Over the 2002–2004 period, Nemec established himself as an emerging forward, making 17 league appearances and scoring 8 goals during his debut top-flight season in 2003–04.[12] His physical presence at 190 cm and clinical finishing provided tactical depth to Dubnica's attack, helping the team in their mid-table positioning despite limited resources.[12] In summer 2004, Nemec transferred to MŠK Žilina for an undisclosed fee, drawn by the chance to compete at a higher level after impressing with his goal-scoring form at Dubnica.[12]Žilina
Adam Nemec transferred to MŠK Žilina from MFK Dubnica nad Váhom on 1 July 2004, signing a contract that ran until 2008. This move came after he had gained initial senior experience at Dubnica, where he began his professional career. At Žilina, Nemec quickly established himself as a promising centre-forward, contributing to the club's domestic campaigns during his four-year stint. Over his time at Žilina, Nemec made 65 appearances and scored 18 goals across all competitions.[13] His development was marked by consistent performances in the Slovak Super Liga, where he honed his skills as a target man known for his aerial ability and finishing. Nemec played a significant role in MŠK Žilina's successful 2006–07 season, during which the club clinched the Slovak Super Liga title—their third in the competition's history.[14] As the team's top scorer that year with 13 league goals, he was instrumental in their dominant campaign, which saw Žilina finish with 69 points from 28 matches and advance to the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.[15]Erzgebirge Aue
In August 2007, at the age of 21, Adam Nemec secured his first move abroad on a season-long loan from MSK Žilina to FC Erzgebirge Aue in Germany's 2. Bundesliga.[16][17] This opportunity allowed the young Slovak forward, who had shown promise in his domestic league, to test his skills in a more physically demanding and tactically rigorous environment.[18] During the 2007–2008 campaign, Nemec featured prominently for Aue, making 29 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga while accumulating 2,181 minutes on the pitch. He scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists, contributing significantly to the team's attack despite their mid-table finish.[19] As a developing striker, Nemec navigated the challenges of adapting to the faster pace and higher intensity of German football, where physical duels and defensive organization posed hurdles for many young imports; his consistent output, including multiple multi-goal games, underscored his successes in settling into the role and building confidence abroad.[19][20] The loan concluded in June 2008, with Nemec returning to Žilina after a productive stint that bolstered his reputation as a reliable goal-scorer capable of performing in competitive European leagues. This experience marked a pivotal step in his career trajectory, enhancing his maturity and appeal to clubs seeking proven talent from emerging markets.[17][16]Genk
In June 2008, Adam Nemec completed his first permanent transfer abroad, signing a four-year contract with Belgian club KRC Genk from MSK Žilina for a reported fee of €800,000.[21] During the 2008–09 season, Nemec made 21 appearances across all competitions for Genk, scoring 4 goals, often coming off the bench as a centre-forward.[5] His prior loan experience in Germany at Erzgebirge Aue helped with his adaptation to professional football abroad. Nemec played a notable role in Genk's run to the Belgian Cup (Cofidis Cup) title, scoring 3 goals in the competition, including contributions in the quarter-finals against Gent.[22][23] Genk won the cup final 2–0 against KV Mechelen on 23 May 2009, with Nemec named in the starting lineup, securing the club's fourth Belgian Cup triumph and qualification for the UEFA Europa League.[24] Nemec departed Genk after just one season, transferring to German 2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Kaiserslautern on 28 July 2009 for €100,000, reportedly seeking more consistent starting opportunities following limited full matches in Belgium.[25][26][27]Kaiserslautern
In July 2009, Adam Nemec transferred from KRC Genk to 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the 2. Bundesliga, signing a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. His move back to German football followed a season in Belgium, where he gained experience in a competitive league that aided his adaptation to the physical demands of the 2. Bundesliga.[17] During the 2009–10 season, Nemec played a key role in Kaiserslautern's promotion campaign, appearing in 33 matches and scoring 5 goals as the team clinched the 2. Bundesliga title with 76 points, securing automatic promotion to the Bundesliga.[3] His contributions as a centre-forward, including headers and opportunistic finishes, helped the squad finish 13 points ahead of runners-up St. Pauli, marking the club's return to the top flight after three years. In the 2010–11 Bundesliga season, Nemec featured in 24 matches, netting 3 goals amid a challenging campaign where Kaiserslautern battled relegation but ultimately survived with a 15th-place finish and 40 points.[3] The team's inconsistent form, marked by a mid-table position for much of the year but a late slump, highlighted the difficulties of top-flight adjustment, with Nemec's limited starts reflecting squad rotation under manager Theo Bücker and Markus Anfang. Nemec's time at Kaiserslautern ended in January 2012, when he transferred to FC Ingolstadt 04 in the 2. Bundesliga after just 4 appearances and 1 goal in the 2011–12 season, during which the club struggled and ultimately faced relegation. Over his tenure from 2009 to 2012, he made 61 appearances and scored 9 goals across all competitions.[3]Ingolstadt 04
In January 2012, Adam Nemec transferred from 1. FC Kaiserslautern to FC Ingolstadt 04 on a free transfer, signing a contract until the end of the 2011–12 season in the 2. Bundesliga.[17] This move came shortly after a loan spell at Kaiserslautern II, where Nemec had sought to regain form following limited opportunities in the first team during their prior promotion campaign.[1] During his half-season tenure with Ingolstadt, Nemec made 15 appearances across all competitions, scoring 2 goals while accumulating 1,042 minutes on the pitch. His contributions included a goal in a 3–3 draw against Alemannia Aachen and another in league play, but he often started on the bench, reflecting challenges in securing a consistent starting role amid competition in the forward line.[28] Ingolstadt finished 16th in the 2. Bundesliga that season, narrowly avoiding relegation through the promotion/relegation playoff. Nemec's time at the club proved short-lived, as he departed in the summer of 2012 for a free transfer to 1. FC Union Berlin, signing a two-year deal ahead of the 2012–13 campaign.[29]Union Berlin
Adam Nemec joined 1. FC Union Berlin on July 24, 2012, signing a two-year contract with the German second-division club after a limited role at FC Ingolstadt 04.[30] During his tenure from late 2012 to 2015, Nemec established himself as a consistent contributor in the 2. Bundesliga, making 60 appearances and scoring 14 goals across all competitions.[31] His debut season in 2012–13 was particularly productive, with 9 league goals that helped Union Berlin finish fifth and qualify for the promotion playoffs, where they ultimately fell short against 1. FC Kaiserslautern.[32] Nemec's scoring highlights included a header in the Berlin derby against Hertha BSC on February 11, 2013, putting Union 2–0 up at halftime in a 2–2 draw, and a brace in a 2–1 victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf on August 19, 2013, contributing to early momentum in the 2013–14 campaign.[33][32] These moments, along with his physical presence as a target man, endeared him to supporters during the club's promotion aspirations. In December 2013, Nemec extended his contract until 2016, reflecting his growing importance to the squad.[34] However, his playing time diminished in the 2014–15 season amid increased competition, leading to his departure in early 2015 as he sought new opportunities to diversify his career.[34]New York City FC
Adam Nemec joined New York City FC as one of the club's inaugural signings ahead of its expansion into Major League Soccer in 2015, transferring from Union Berlin where he had scored 14 goals in 64 appearances in Germany's second division.[35] The 29-year-old Slovakian international was acquired on a free transfer to provide a physical presence up front, complementing the arrival of David Villa by serving as a target man capable of holding up play and linking with creative attackers.[35] Sporting director Claudio Reyna highlighted Nemec's "strong and powerful" attributes as adding a "different dimension" to the forward line, with expectations that he would make an immediate impact in the team's debut season.[35] Despite starting eight of the nine matches he appeared in, totaling 588 minutes, Nemec struggled to adapt to the MLS's pace and physicality, failing to score or assist in any league game.[3] Head coach Jason Kreis praised Nemec's work rate, passing, and decision-making early on but noted the challenges of integrating into a new squad still gelling amid injuries and the unique demands of the league, where Nemec's traditional target-man style occasionally faltered against faster defenses.[36] A hamstring injury sustained in a May 2015 loss to Seattle Sounders sidelined him briefly, contributing to just one substitute appearance after mid-May and limiting his opportunities to build chemistry with Villa. Overall, Nemec's tenure was hampered by these adaptation hurdles and team dynamics in a transitional expansion side, where he was unable to replicate his European scoring form.[37] In late August 2015, New York City FC and Nemec mutually terminated his contract, allowing the forward to depart after less than seven months with the club as both parties sought a fresh start.[38] Kreis described the decision as beneficial for Nemec's career progression, acknowledging the Slovakian's efforts despite the lack of end product.[37]Willem II
Following a challenging stint in Major League Soccer with New York City FC, where opportunities were scarce, Adam Nemec returned to European football by signing a one-year contract with Dutch Eredivisie club Willem II on 31 August 2015, just before the transfer window closed, on a free transfer.[39] In the 2015–16 season, Nemec made 10 appearances in the Eredivisie for Willem II, all without scoring a goal or providing an assist, primarily coming off the bench. His impact was limited by intense competition for forward positions from players like Bartholomew Ogbeche and Asumah Abubakar, leading him to lose his starting spot after December 2015 and feature only sporadically thereafter.[40][41] Nemec's contract expired on 30 June 2016, after which he was released as a free agent, prompting a shift in his career toward clubs in Eastern Europe.[16]Dinamo București
Adam Nemec joined FC Dinamo București on 6 September 2016, signing a two-year contract as a free agent after his release from Willem II.[42] During his first stint from 2016 to 2018, he made 64 appearances and scored 20 goals across all competitions, becoming a key striker for the team.[43] A standout moment came in the 2016–17 Cupa Ligii final on 20 May 2017, where Nemec netted both goals—a left-footed shot and a tap-in—in a 2–0 victory over ACS Poli Timișoara, securing Dinamo's first trophy in five years.[44] His contributions helped stabilize the attack amid the club's competitive push in Liga I. With his contract expiring in June 2018, Nemec left on a free transfer to join Pafos FC in Cyprus, seeking new opportunities abroad.[1] On 29 August 2020, Nemec returned to Dinamo București on a one-year deal with an option for extension, drawn back by his prior success and familiarity with the environment.[45] In his second spell through June 2021, he reintegrated quickly, appearing in 34 matches and scoring 5 goals despite the club's deepening financial crisis, which included unpaid debts to players and a near disqualification from the league.[43][46] These challenges limited resources and squad depth, testing Nemec's experience as a veteran forward. His departure in 2021 followed the contract's end, leading him to FC Voluntari amid Dinamo's ongoing instability.[1] Across both stints, Nemec totaled 98 matches and 25 goals for Dinamo București, marking a significant chapter in his career revival after earlier barren spells in the Netherlands.[4]Pafos FC
In August 2018, Adam Nemec joined Pafos FC on a free transfer from Dinamo București, marking his move to the Cypriot First Division after two seasons in Romania.[47] As a centre-forward, Nemec quickly established himself as the team's primary striker, leveraging his aerial prowess and finishing ability to lead the attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation commonly employed by Pafos during this period.[18][1] Over two seasons with Pafos FC, Nemec made 42 appearances and scored 17 goals in the Cypriot First Division, contributing significantly to the team's mid-table stability.[18] His standout performance came in the 2018–19 season, where he netted 16 league goals to claim the top scorer honor, edging out competitors like Berat Sadik by one goal and helping Pafos finish 10th despite a six-point deduction.[48][49] This accolade highlighted his clinical positioning and hold-up play, often drawing defenders to create space for teammates. Nemec's form dipped slightly in the abbreviated 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he added just one goal before departing. In August 2020, he returned to Romania on another free transfer to Dinamo București, seeking to revive his career in a familiar league after a productive stint abroad.[18]FC Voluntari
Adam Nemec joined FC Voluntari on a free transfer from Dinamo București on July 28, 2021, marking his return to Romanian football after a brief stint abroad.[1] His initial contract was extended on June 9, 2022, and further prolonged until June 30, 2026, in July 2025, allowing him to enter his fifth consecutive season with the club at age 39.[1][50] This commitment underscores Nemec's role as a veteran leader, drawing on his prior achievements in Romania, including a prolific spell at Dinamo where he scored 25 goals in 98 appearances.[51] Over his tenure with Voluntari through November 2025, Nemec has made 151 appearances across all competitions, contributing 35 goals and 14 assists, establishing himself as a reliable target man in the forward line.[4] His contributions were pivotal in the club's efforts to maintain Liga I status during the 2024–25 season, where he featured regularly in the relegation group and scored crucial goals to keep Voluntari competitive.[52] In the decisive promotion/relegation play-offs against Unirea Slobozia, Nemec netted the winner in a 2–1 first-leg victory on May 26, 2025, though Voluntari ultimately fell 4–3 on penalties after a 1–0 second-leg loss, resulting in relegation to Liga II.[53][54] In the 2025–26 Liga II season, Nemec has adapted seamlessly to the second tier, appearing in 13 matches and scoring 2 goals as of November 13, 2025, while providing 4 assists to support Voluntari's promotion push.[1] At 40 years old, his physical presence and experience continue to anchor the attack, with his contract extension signaling confidence in his ability to guide the team back to the top flight amid ongoing squad rebuilding.[52] Nemec's longevity highlights his tactical intelligence and durability, positioning him as a key figure for Voluntari's future ambitions in Romanian football.[16]International career
Senior debut and early years
Adam Nemec earned his first senior call-up to the Slovakia national team in December 2006, largely due to his strong form at MŠK Žilina, where he had emerged as a key forward in the Slovak Super Liga during the 2006–07 season.[1] He made his debut on 10 December 2006, starting in a friendly match against the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi, which Slovakia won 2–1. At age 21, Nemec played the full 90 minutes alongside teammates like Stanislav Šesták but did not contribute a goal or assist in the victory.[55][56] Between 2006 and 2010, Nemec accumulated just one cap for Slovakia, primarily focusing on his developing club career abroad with teams like Erzgebirge Aue and KRC Genk. Although Slovakia participated in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying (finishing third in their group) and the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying (where they secured a playoff spot and eventual qualification), Nemec did not feature in any of those competitive matches or additional friendlies during this formative period.[57][58] This early phase of his international career yielded no goals or assists, with the debut serving as the sole key match to build his national team experience before a hiatus until 2011.[58]Peak years and retirement
Nemec's peak international years spanned from 2011 to 2019, during which he accumulated the majority of his 43 caps and all 13 of his goals for Slovakia.[1] This period marked his emergence as a reliable target man for the national team, contributing significantly to qualification efforts and competitive fixtures. His goal-scoring rate improved notably after 2014, with key strikes helping Slovakia secure vital points in major campaigns.[5] A highlight was Slovakia's successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, where Nemec scored three goals across the matches, including a goal in the 29th minute against Luxembourg in a 4–2 victory that clinched their qualification.[59] He also featured prominently at the tournament itself, starting in group stage games against Wales and Russia, though without adding to his tally. Later, in the 2018 King's Cup, Nemec played in both semi-final and final matches as Slovakia defeated the United Arab Emirates 2–1 in the semi-final and Thailand 3–2 after extra time in the final to win the invitational trophy.[60] Among his notable strikes against stronger opponents was an early header to open the scoring in a 2018 friendly against Denmark, showcasing his aerial prowess in high-stakes encounters. (Note: Using as secondary reference for match detail, primary via transfermarkt stats.) On 22 February 2019, at the age of 33, Nemec announced his retirement from international football alongside teammates Martin Škrtel and Tomáš Hubočan, citing a desire to focus on club commitments after 13 years with the national team.[61] The trio, who collectively earned over 200 caps, received a farewell match in October 2019 against Paraguay, allowing Nemec to bow out on home soil in Bratislava.[62]Career statistics
Club statistics
Adam Nemec has made 586 appearances in all club competitions throughout his professional career, scoring 139 goals and providing 46 assists as of November 2025.[4] These figures encompass domestic leagues, cups, and European qualifiers across multiple countries, including Slovakia, Germany, Belgium, the United States, the Netherlands, Cyprus, and Romania. In the ongoing 2025–26 season with FC Voluntari in Liga II, he has appeared in 13 matches, scoring 2 goals and assisting 4.[63] The following table summarizes his club statistics aggregated by club, including the primary seasons played and totals for appearances, goals, and assists in all competitions (domestic leagues, cups, and continental matches where applicable). Reserve team appearances are included only if significant.| Club | Seasons | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FK Dubnica nad Váhom | 2003–2004 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| MSK Žilina | 2004–2007 | 65 | 18 | 2 |
| FC Erzgebirge Aue | 2007–2008 | 29 | 10 | 7 |
| 1. FC Kaiserslautern II | 2011–2012 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1. FC Kaiserslautern | 2009–2011 | 39 | 1 | 0 |
| KRC Genk | 2008–2009 | 22 | 5 | 2 |
| FC Ingolstadt 04 | 2011–2012 | 15 | 2 | 1 |
| 1. FC Union Berlin II | 2014–2015 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1. FC Union Berlin | 2012–2015 | 64 | 14 | 5 |
| New York City FC | 2015 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Willem II Tilburg U21 | 2015–2016 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Willem II Tilburg | 2015–2016 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| FC Dinamo București | 2016–2021 | 98 | 25 | 10 |
| Pafos FC | 2018–2020 | 42 | 17 | 5 |
| FC Voluntari | 2021–present | 143 | 35 | 14 |
| Career Total | 2003–present | 586 | 139 | 46 |
International statistics
Adam Nemec represented the Slovakia national team from 2006 to 2019, accumulating 43 caps and scoring 13 goals.[64] The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by year:[64]| Year | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | 5 | 1 |
| 2014 | 7 | 3 |
| 2015 | 6 | 3 |
| 2016 | 6 | 3 |
| 2017 | 8 | 2 |
| 2018 | 7 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 43 | 13 |
| Competition | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| International Friendlies | 21 | 5 |
| World Cup Qualification | 10 | 5 |
| European Qualifiers | 7 | 3 |
| UEFA Nations League | 3 | 0 |
| UEFA Euro | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 43 | 13 |
| Date | Opponent | Score (Slovakia first) |
|---|---|---|
| 10/09/2013 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1–2 |
| 04/09/2014 | Malta | 1–0 |
| 12/10/2014 | Belarus | 1–3 |
| 15/11/2014 | North Macedonia | 0–2 |
| 27/03/2015 | Luxembourg | 3–0 |
| 12/10/2015 | Luxembourg | 2–4 |
| 17/11/2015 | Iceland | 3–1 |
| 27/05/2016 | Georgia | 1–3 |
| 11/10/2016 | Scotland | 3–0 |
| 11/11/2016 | Lithuania | 4–0 |
| 26/03/2017 | Malta | 1–3 |
| 08/10/2017 | Malta | 3–0 |
| 31/05/2018 | Netherlands | 1–1 |