Branko Ilić is a Slovenian former professional footballer known for his defensive skills.
Ilić primarily played as a right-back but was also effective as a central defender.
He made history as the first Slovenian to play for Real Betis Balompié in 2007.
Biography
Early Life
Branko Ilić was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia, during the time of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He began his football journey at a young age, joining NK Olimpija Ljubljana, where he made his senior debut in 2003 against FC Koper. His early career was marked by a significant transition when he moved to NK Domžale in January 2005 after his former club faced bankruptcy.
Career
Ilić's professional career took off as he became the first Slovenian to play for Real Betis Balompié, where he was loaned in January 2007. His debut in La Liga came shortly after, where he made an impact by assisting a goal in a match against Athletic Bilbao. After a successful stint, he was signed permanently by Betis, but his time there was marred by limited appearances due to competition for his position.
In 2009, he joined FC Moscow on loan, and later signed with FC Lokomotiv Moscow. His career continued to flourish as he played for several clubs, including Anorthosis Famagusta FC, Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C., FK Partizan, and Urawa Red Diamonds. Throughout his club career, Ilić was known for his versatility, playing primarily as a right-back but also excelling as a central defender.
International Career
On the international stage, Ilić represented Slovenia at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2004. He was part of the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, although he did not play in the tournament. Over his international career, he earned 63 caps and scored one goal, contributing to Slovenia's efforts in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers. His legacy includes notable achievements with his clubs, including winning the Slovenian PrvaLiga and the Serbian SuperLiga, showcasing his impact on the field throughout his career.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Born in Ljubljana, Socialist Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Ilić started his career at local NK Olimpija, where he made his senior debut in 2003 against FC Koper. He joined NK Domžale in January 2005, after his former club went bankrupt. Ilić was loaned to Real Betis in January 2007, becoming the first Slovenian to play for them. His first official appearance came against city rivals Sevilla FC, in a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash. On 4 February he first appeared in La Liga, providing the assist for Robert's goal in a 2–1 away win at Athletic Bilbao. After a positive spell, the Andalusian side completed the transfer for €1.5 million in the summer of 2007, but Ilić eventually fell out of rotation in 2008–09 after the signing of S.L. Benfica's Nélson, in a relegation-ending season where he only featured in three matches. On 6 September 2009, FC Moscow signed Ilić on loan from Betis, for one year. In late January 2010, however, he was released by the latter, immediately joining another Moscow-based team, FC Lokomotiv. On 13 August 2010, Sky Sports reported that Ilić was on trial in England with Premier League's Blackpool, but nothing came of it. On 5 June 2013, after one season in the Cypriot First Division with Anorthosis Famagusta FC, he and teammate Jürgen Colin signed two-year contracts with Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C. from Israel. Ilić agreed to a two-year deal with Serbian club FK Partizan on 10 July 2014. The following summer he moved teams…
Ilić represented Slovenia at youth level, making his competitive debut for the under-19 team in October 2001 against Greece. He was also capped for the under-21s, playing nine matches in UEFA competitions. Ilić made his debut for the senior side on 18 August 2004 in a friendly with Serbia and Montenegro. He was included in the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but did not leave the substitutes bench in an eventual group-stage exit. Overall, Ilić played 63 games for his country, scoring one goal against San Marino in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers (6–0 home victory).
Club
International
Score and result list Slovenia's goal tally first, score column indicates score after Ilić goal.
- Club
- NK Domžale (2004–2007)
- Club
- FC Lokomotiv Moscow (2010–2011)
- Club
- Anorthosis Famagusta FC (2012–2013)
- Club
- FC Moscow (2009–2009)
- Club
- Real Betis Balompié (2007–2007)
- Club
- NK Olimpija Ljubljana (2001–2004)
- Club
- FK Partizan (2014–2015)
- Club
- Slovenia men's national football team (2004–2015)
- Club
- FC Astana (2015–2015)
- Club
- Real Betis Balompié (2007–2010)
- Club
- Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C. (2013–2014)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds (2016–)
- Club
- Slovenia national under-21 football team (2003–2005)
- Club
- NK Olimpija Ljubljana (2001–2005)
- Club
- FK Partizan (2015–2015)
- National team
- Slovenia
Legacy
Olimpija
Slovenian Football Cup: 2002–03 Domžale
Slovenian PrvaLiga: 2006–07 Partizan
Serbian SuperLiga: 2014–15 Olimpija Ljubljana
Slovenian PrvaLiga: 2017–18 Slovenian Football Cup: 2017–18
Clubs
- Urawa Red Diamonds2016current
- NK Olimpija Ljubljana2001–2005
- NK Olimpija Ljubljana2001–2004
- Slovenia national under-21 football team2003–2005
- NK Domžale2004–2007
- Slovenia men's national football team2004–2015
- Real Betis Balompié2007–2007
- Real Betis Balompié2007–2010
- FC Moscow2009–2009
- FC Lokomotiv Moscow2010–2011
- Anorthosis Famagusta FC2012–2013
- Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C.2013–2014
- FK Partizan2014–2015
- FC Astana2015–2015
- FK Partizan2015–2015
Played together with
Abat AymbetovFC Astana
Abde EzzalzouliReal Betis Balompié · 2023- Aboubakar OumarouFK Partizan · 2015–2016
Achille EmanáReal Betis Balompié · 2008–2011
Aco StojkovFK Partizan · 2006–2006
Adam Gnezda ČerinNK Domžale
Adem LjajićFK Partizan · 2008–2010- Adiel de Oliveira AmorimUrawa Red Diamonds · 2000–2000
Ado OnaiwuUrawa Red Diamonds- Adrian ZeljkovićNK Olimpija Ljubljana · 2020–2021
- Adriano Gerlin da SilvaUrawa Red Diamonds · 2001–2001
AdriánReal Betis Balompié · 2012–2013
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Branko Ilić is a Slovenian former professional footballer. Usually a right-back, he also played as a central defender.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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