Žan Benedičič
Benedičič with the Slovenia U21 in 2015
Personal information
Date of birth (1995-10-03) 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
Youth career
0000–2009 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 0 (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 9 January 2024

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.

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.

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

  1. 1 2 3 "Žan Benedičič" (in Slovenian). Football Association of Slovenia. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
  2. ↑ Colm Mulcahy (22 July 2014). "AC Milan Announce Squad for US Tour". Forza Italian Football. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  3. ↑ Phil Hay (29 July 2014). "Leeds United: Whites look set to complete Benedicic loan". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  4. ↑ Pete O'Rourke (27 July 2014). "Transfer news: Leeds close in on AC Milan youngster Zan Benedicic". Sky Sports. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  5. ↑ "AC Milan youngster Zan Benedicic confirms Leeds United switch is close". Sky Sports. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  6. ↑ "Benedicic signs up for season". Leeds United official website. 4 August 2014. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  7. ↑ "Leeds United v Accrington Stanley". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
  8. ↑ "Leeds Vs Bolton Wanderers". Leeds United official website. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
  9. ↑ "Benedicic likely to be out until the new year after knee surgery". Yorkshire Evening Post. 20 November 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  10. ↑ "NEWS: Duo leave the O's". Leyton Orient F.C. 3 January 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2017.
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