Žan Benedičič (born 3 October 1995) is a Slovenian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Lithuanian club Kauno Žalgiris. He represented Slovenia at various youth levels.
 Benedičič with the Slovenia U21 in 2015 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 3 October 1995 | ||
| Place of birth | Kranj, Slovenia | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[1] | ||
| Position(s) | Attacking midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Kauno Žalgiris | ||
| Number | 21 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2009 | Triglav Kranj | ||
| 2011–2013 | AC Milan | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2013–2015 | AC Milan | 0 | (0) |
| 2014 | → Leeds United (loan) | 1 | (0) |
| 2015–2016 | Como | 9 | (0) |
| 2016 | Ascoli | 9 | (0) |
| 2016–2017 | Leyton Orient | 1 | (0) |
| 2017 | Olbia | 8 | (0) |
| 2018–2022 | Celje | 81 | (6) |
| 2022–2023 | Koper | 29 | (4) |
| 2023–2024 | Rogaška | 17 | (0) |
| 2024– | Kauno Žalgiris | 10 | (0) |
| International career | |||
| 2009–2010 | Slovenia U16 | 3 | (0) |
| 2010 | Slovenia U17 | 2 | (1) |
| 2013 | Slovenia U18 | 5 | (1) |
| 2013–2016 | Slovenia U21 | 13 | (1) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20 May 2024 | |||
Club career
AC Milan
After progressing through the youth ranks at AC Milan, Benedičič broke into the Milan Primavera side. In the 2013–14 season, Benedičič made 35 appearances for the Primavera side in all competitions, and also scored 6 goals.[citation needed]
During the 2014–15 pre-season, he was called up to the Milan senior team for the tour of the United States by new Milan manager and his former youth coach Filippo Inzaghi,[2] but on 29 July 2014, he flew home from the tour, strengthening speculation that he was preparing to sign on loan for Leeds United.[3][4] On 30 July his agent Amir Ružnić confirmed Benedičič was close to a move to Leeds.[5]
Loan to Leeds United
On 4 August 2014, it was confirmed that he had signed for Leeds United on a one-year loan deal, with the option for Leeds to buy at the end of the loan. Leeds head coach David Hockaday described Benedičič as "a versatile, strong and technical midfield player".[6] He made his début for Leeds on 12 August when he came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute in a League Cup game against Accrington Stanley.[7] Benedičič made his league début for Leeds United on 30 August in a 1–0 victory against Bolton Wanderers at Elland Road.[8]
Shortly after making his debut, Benedičič picked up a knee injury with would rule him out for the season after he required knee surgery.[9]
Return to Italy
After his loan spell expired at Leeds during the summer of 2015, he returned to Italy, signing for Como where he made nine appearances before signing for Ascoli, also making nine appearances.
Leyton Orient
On 19 September 2016, Benedičič joined Leyton Orient on a free transfer until January 2017. He left Orient in January after his contract was not renewed.[10]
International career
Benedičič was capped for the Slovenia national under-21 football team, making his debut on 6 September 2013 against Russia U21.[1] He scored his first goal on 19 November 2013 when he scored a goal in Slovenia U21s' 5–1 victory against Bulgaria U21.[1]
Honours
Celje
References
External links
- Žan Benedičič at Soccerway
- Žan Benedičič at Soccerbase
- Žan Benedičič at NZS (in Slovene)
