Željko Brkić

Early career in Serbia

Brkić, playing in the goalkeeper position, started his career as a professional began at the club Indeks Novi Sad and Vojvodina, before playing professionally at Vojvodina. Brkić loaned him to Proleter Novi Sad in 2005, where he stayed for the club about two years. At Proleter Novi Sad, Brkić made thirty-one appearances. After his return from loan, Brkić made his debut for the club, in a 1–0 win over Napredak Kruševac on 2 September 2007. Since then, Brkić soon became a first-choice goalkeeper and soon became the club's captain. At the club, Brkić made a total of 117 appearances.

Siena

In the summer of 2011, Brkić left Serbia to join Italian side Udinese. Because Udinese ran out of non-EU registration quota for international signing (which Udinese had to buy one from other club) as well as the performance of Slovenian internationals Samir Handanović, Brkić was signed by Serie A club Siena in definitive deal from Vojvodina, which he would transfer back to Udine in a later time. (which just cost Siena for €20,000 as other fee.). On 11 September 2011, Brkić made his debut in a 0–0 draw against Catania, keeping his first clean sheet on his debut in Serie A. In October, following impressive performances with Siena, Brkić was linked with a move to English side Tottenham Hotspur. In response of a transfer speculation, however, Brkić told Serbian daily Sport that he is aware of the transfer rumour, but insists he is focusing at Siena. Brkić…

Brkić started participating in the national team, playing for Serbia U-21 and was even in the U21 squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship despite being age twenty-two. In the European U21 Football Championship, Brkić played three match, all in group-stage. Brkić also managed to keep two clean sheet in the tournament. On 3 March 2010, Brkić made his senior debut for the national team, coming on for Vladimir Stojković as a substitute in the 81st minute after Stojković suffered an injury during a match, in a 3–0 win over Algeria. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Brkić was named for the national team squad ahead of the World Cup. Unfortunately, Brkić was dropped from the squad after manager Radomir Antić trimmed the squad from 24 to 23. Years on, Brkić was the national first choice goalkeeper, beating competition from Vladimir Stojković in the World Cup qualifier. He earned a total of 11 caps and his final international was a June 2015 friendly match against Azerbaijan.

Club

International

Vojvodina Serbian SuperLiga runner-up: 2008–09 Serbian Cup runner-up (3): 2006–07, 2009–10, 2010–11 PAOK Super League Greece runner-up: 2016–17 Greek Football Cup: 2016–17