Jure Balkovec

Jure Balkovec is a Slovenian defender who primarily plays at left-back. Born in Novo Mesto on 9 September 1994, he developed in Slovenia and joined NK Domzale in 2011 after early spells with NK Bela Krajina and NK Krka. At Domzale, Balkovec won the Slovenian Super Cup and later the Slovenian Cup in 2016/17. He then continued his career in Italy with Bari, Hellas Verona and Empoli before moving to Turkey, where he played for Fatih Karagümrük and Alanyaspor. His time at Alanyaspor established him as a regular left-sided defender capable of contributing in attack. Balkovec has represented Slovenia, including at UEFA Euro 2024, and has also featured in the country’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. In January 2026, he joined Omonia Nicosia, adding experience and the ability to cover at centre-back or left midfield.