Jaka Bijol

Early Life and Position Change

Jaka Bijol is a Slovenian professional footballer known for his versatility on the field. Initially starting his career as a defensive midfielder, he made a significant transition to playing as a centre-back during the 2021–22 season, showcasing his adaptability and skill in different roles.

Club Career

Bijol began his professional journey with NK Rudar Velenje, where he played from 2017 to 2018 before moving to PFC CSKA Moscow on a five-year contract. His time at CSKA Moscow was marked by a notable achievement, winning the Russian Super Cup in 2018. In September 2020, he was loaned to Hannover 96 for a year, further developing his experience in international football. After returning to CSKA, he signed with Udinese Calcio in July 2022 for a reported fee of over €4 million. Bijol made a significant impact at Udinese, appearing in 90 league matches and scoring four goals. In June 2025, he transferred to Leeds United for approximately €21 million, making him the second most expensive Slovenian footballer in history.

International Career

On the international stage, Bijol made his debut for the Slovenia national team on 13 October 2018 during the UEFA Nations League. He scored his first international goal in a friendly against Croatia in March 2022, which was crucial in securing a draw. Bijol's performance at UEFA Euro 2024 earned him a spot in the tournament's best eleven, highlighting his growing reputation in international football.