David Babunski is a professional footballer from North Macedonia, known for his role as an attacking midfielder.
He joined FC Barcelona's La Masia academy at just 12 years old, showcasing his early talent in football.
Babunski made his professional debut for FC Barcelona Atlètic in August 2013, scoring his first goal in May 2014.
Biography
Early Life
David Babunski was born in Skopje, North Macedonia, into a family with a rich football heritage. His father, Boban Babunski, was a professional footballer who played in various countries, instilling a passion for the sport in David from a young age. He began his football journey at UDA Gramenet, where his talent quickly became evident, leading him to join FC Barcelona's famed La Masia academy at the age of 12 in 2006.
Career
Babunski's career took off at FC Barcelona, where he was promoted to the reserves in June 2013. He made his professional debut on August 24, 2013, and scored his first goal for the team in a thrilling match against AD Alcorcón in May 2014. After three years with Barcelona, he moved to FK Crvena zvezda in January 2016, contributing to the team's success in the Serbian SuperLiga.
In 2017, Babunski transitioned to Japan, signing with Yokohama F. Marinos, where he made an immediate impact by scoring in his debut match. His career continued with stints at RB Omiya Ardija, FC Botoșani, and FC Viitorul Constanța, showcasing his versatility as an attacking midfielder. Babunski has also been a key player for the North Macedonia national teams across various age levels, making his senior debut in 2013.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Babunski is known for his humanitarian efforts, particularly in advocating for the rights of refugees. He and his brother, Dorian, spent Christmas 2015 volunteering at a refugee camp in Gevgelija, demonstrating their commitment to social issues. David takes pride in his heritage, being a descendant of Jovan Babunski, a historical figure in Macedonia, and he continues to inspire young athletes with his dedication both on and off the pitch.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Barcelona
Born in Skopje, Babunski joined FC Barcelona's La Masia in 2006, aged 12, after starring at UDA Gramenet. In December 2011, he was elected Macedonian Young Sportsperson of the Year, ahead of karatekas Aziz Ismail and Berat Jakupi. Babunski was promoted to the reserves in June 2013, and made his professional debut on 24 August, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 home win against CD Lugo in the Segunda División championship. He scored his first goal on 31 May 2014, netting a last-minute winner in a 4–3 home success over AD Alcorcón. He played 16 games in 2014–15, a campaign which ended with relegation to Segunda División B. On 28 February 2015, as a half-time substitute for Juan Cámara, he received a straight red card in a 2–4 loss to RCD Mallorca at the Mini Estadi. After a decade in the ranks of Barcelona, Babunski left by mutual consent in January 2016.
Red Star Belgrade
Babunski signed a 2+1⁄2-year deal with Red Star Belgrade on 28 January 2016. He made his Serbian SuperLiga debut on 20 February, replacing Aleksandar Katai for the final 11 minutes of a 2–1 home win over FK Mladost Lučani, and played five more matches as the team won their 27th title.
Japan
On 30 January 2017, Babunski signed for Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, as their second purchase from Red Star that month after that of Hugo Vieira. He made his debut in the J1 League on 25 February, scoring the first goal of a 3–2 home win over Urawa Red Diamonds in…
A regular in all of Macedonia's youth squads, Babunski scored his first goal for the under-21 team on 25 May 2012, netting his side's second in a 2–2 friendly draw against Albania. In August 2013 he was called up by the main squad for a friendly against Bulgaria. Babunski made his debut for the side on the 14th, playing the last 31 minutes of the 2–0 home win in Skopje.
Club
As of match played 16 March 2025
International
As of match played 20 November 2022
- Club
- FC Barcelona Atlètic (2013–2016)
- Club
- FC Barcelona Atlètic (2013–2016)
- Club
- FK Crvena zvezda (2016–2017)
- Club
- North Macedonia national under-17 football team (2010–2011)
- Club
- North Macedonia national under-19 football team (2011–2012)
- Club
- North Macedonia national under-21 football team (2012–2017)
- Club
- North Macedonia men's national football team (2013–)
- Club
- Yokohama F. Marinos (2017–2018)
- Club
- RB Omiya Ardija (2018–2020)
- Club
- FC Botoșani (2020–2020)
- Club
- FC Viitorul Constanța (2021–2021)
- National team
- North Macedonia
Personal
Babunski's father, Boban, was also a footballer, and played in several countries including Spain. His younger brother, Dorian, is also a footballer who plays as a forward, and the pair played together at Debrecen. Babunski's great-great-grandfather was Jovan Babunski, a vojvoda, while he has stated that he is proud of being Jovan Babunski's descendant. Babunski is a vocal supporter of the human rights of refugees. He, his brother, and four friends spent Christmas 2015 at a refugee camp in Gevgelija, a Macedonian town on the Greek border and part of the Balkan route for displaced people seeking accommodation in the West.
Clubs
- North Macedonia men's national football team2013current
- North Macedonia national under-17 football team2010–2011
- North Macedonia national under-19 football team2011–2012
- North Macedonia national under-21 football team2012–2017
- FC Barcelona Atlètic2013–2016
- FC Barcelona Atlètic2013–2016
- FK Crvena zvezda2016–2017
- Yokohama F. Marinos2017–2018
- RB Omiya Ardija2018–2020
- FC Botoșani2020–2020
- FC Viitorul Constanța2021–2021
Played together with
Abde EzzalzouliFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2021–2022- Abdeljalil HaddaYokohama F. Marinos · 2000–2000
- Abraham González CasanovaFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2007–2009
Abraham MineroFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2010–2011
Aco StojkovFC Botoșani · 2014–2014
Adama TraoréFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2013–2015
Ademilson Braga Bispo JuniorYokohama F. Marinos · 2015–2015- Adhemar Ferreira de Camargo NetoYokohama F. Marinos · 2005–2005
Ado OnaiwuYokohama F. Marinos
Adrián OrtoláFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2013
Ahn Jung-hwanYokohama F. Marinos · 2004–2005
Aitor CantalapiedraFC Barcelona Atlètic · 2015–2016
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
David Babunski is a Macedonian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Macedonian First League club Vardar.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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