Mišo Brečko

Born in Trbovlje, Brečko started his career at Rudar Trbovlje youth sides. During his time at high school, he played few games for Factor in Slovenian Third League. In the 2003–04 season he made 21 appearances for Šmartno in the PrvaLiga. In July 2004 he joined Hamburger SV. He made seven appearances in his first season. In the 2005–06 season he was loaned to Hansa Rostock. In the next season (2006–07), he was loaned to FC Erzgebirge Aue. After two successful seasons in 2. Bundesliga, he played 14 games for HSV during 2007–08 season. He joined 1. FC Köln on free transfer in summer 2008, signing a three-year deal. In 2010 the contract was extended until 2013.

Brečko's first international experience came at the youth level, playing for the Slovenian under-16, under-17, under-20 and under-21 teams between 2000 and 2006. He made his senior international debut in a friendly match against Slovakia on 17 November 2004 in Trnava. Brečko represented Slovenia at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and made 77 international appearances.