What Happened to Josip Ilicic? Who is Josip Ilicic?
by Sangamithra | Updated Oct 27, 2023
What Happened to Josip Ilicic?
Josip Ilicic, a former player for Atalanta, left the club in August 2022 due to a mutual agreement after struggling with mental health issues. Recently, Atalanta fans on their way to watch their team play in the Europa League took a detour to visit him in Maribor, Slovenia. Ilicic spent five years with Atalanta and remains beloved by the club's supporters.
Over a year after his departure, the fans surprised him at the training ground with handshakes, hugs, and chants. They also gave him a banner from his farewell night in Bergamo. Ilicic, visibly emotional and happy, confirmed he would attend Atalanta's game against Sturm Graz. This heartwarming gesture shows the lasting bond between the player and the fans, emphasizing the importance of mental health and support in sports.
Currently, Josip Ilicic plays as a forward for Slovenian PrvaLiga club Maribor.
At Fresherslive, our mission is to bridge the gap between news and readers, making current events and trending stories easily digestible for your convenience. We strive to provide you with the latest scoop on global happenings.
Who is Josip Ilicic?
Josip Ilicic is a Slovenian professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Maribor in the Slovenian PrvaLiga. He began his career in Slovenia, playing for clubs like Bonifika, Interblock, and Maribor, before moving to Italy in 2010 with Palermo. In 2013, he joined Fiorentina and later moved to Atalanta in 2017, where he had his most successful years, scoring at least eleven league goals in his first three seasons and earning a place in the 2018-19 Serie A Team of the Year.
A remarkable achievement in his career was being the first player to score four away goals in a Champions League knockout match, as well as being the oldest player to achieve this feat. On the international stage, Iličić made his debut for the Slovenian national team in 2010 and scored his first international goal in 2013. Throughout his eleven-year career, he earned 79 caps for the national team.
Name
Date of Birth
January 29, 1988
Place of Birth
Prijedor, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yugoslavia
Nationality
Slovenian
Height
1.90 meters (6 feet 3 inches)
Position
Forward, Second Striker, Winger
Current Team
NK Maribor (Slovenian PrvaLiga)
Number
72
Josip Ilicic
Josip Ilicic Early Life
Josip Iličić, born on January 29, 1988, had a remarkable journey to becoming a professional footballer. He began his youth career with Triglav Kranj and later played for Britof. At the age of 19, he joined SC Bonifika in the Slovenian Second League. His talents were recognized by Interblock, where he played in the top Slovenian division. However, his team got relegated, and he considered leaving football at 21.
But a turning point came when he received a call from Zlatko Zahovič, the football director at Maribor, who offered him a contract. Iličić accepted the offer, and this decision transformed his life. He made a significant impact by scoring goals for Maribor in European competitions. His success led to a transfer to Palermo, Italy, where he continued his professional career, marking the beginning of his journey to becoming a well-known footballer.
Josip Ilicic Career
Josip Iličić's career has been a remarkable journey. He was born in Prijedor, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, and started his youth football with Triglav Kranj and later Britof. At 19, he played for SC Bonifika in the Slovenian Second League, where his talent caught the eye of Interblock, and he spent two seasons in the Slovenian top division. In 2010, he moved to Maribor after Interblock got relegated.
His career took off when he impressed in the UEFA Europa League, earning him a move to Palermo in Italy. He scored goals against top Italian clubs, including Inter and Juventus, making a name for himself. He continued his journey in Serie A with Fiorentina, then joined Atalanta in 2017. His time at Atalanta was highly successful, earning him a place in the 2018-19 Serie A Team of the Year.
He made history in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first player to score four away goals in a knockout match. After spending five years with Atalanta, he returned to Maribor in 2022. On the international stage, he represented Slovenia, making his senior debut in 2010 and scoring his first international goal in 2013. Iličić's career has been filled with memorable moments and achievements in both club and international football.
Josip Ilicic Age
Josip Iličić was born on January 29, 1988. As of 2023, he is 35 years old. Iličić, a professional footballer from Slovenia, has had a successful career in various clubs, including Palermo, Fiorentina, Atalanta, and Maribor.
Throughout his career, he has made a significant impact, especially during his time with Atalanta, where he earned recognition for his outstanding performances in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Despite the challenges and experiences in his career, Iličić continues to contribute to the world of football, showcasing his skills and passion for the game.
Josip Ilicic Net Worth
Josip Iličić, the soccer player, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million (approx). This impressive financial figure reflects his earnings from his professional soccer career, including contracts with clubs like Palermo, Fiorentina, and Atalanta. Additionally, endorsements and other financial ventures have contributed to his wealth.
His success in the world of soccer and his skills on the field have not only earned him recognition but also a substantial net worth, making him a well-off individual in the sports industry.
Josip Ilicic Family
Josip Iličić's family includes his wife, Tina Polovina, and their two daughters, Victoria and Sofia. Tina, a former athlete from Slovenia, works at the Education Ministry in Slovenia while Josip plays professional soccer in Italy.
Despite living in different countries due to his soccer career, Josip and Tina have been married for 13 years, and they remain together. They are a private family, and Tina keeps a low profile on social media. They share a loving bond, and Josip often dedicates his goal celebrations to his wife, expressing his deep affection for their family.
What Happened to Josip Ilicic - FAQs
Josip Iličić, formerly of Atalanta, left the club in August 2022 due to mental health struggles. Atalanta fans recently showed their support by surprising him with heartwarming gestures at the training ground.
Josip Iličić currently plays for Maribor in the Slovenian PrvaLiga.
As of 2023, Josip Iličić is 35 years old.
Josip Iličić left Atalanta in August 2022 due to mutual agreement after struggling with mental health issues.
Josip Iličić's net worth is estimated to be $20 million.