Jaka Bijol

Jaka Bijol is a Slovenian centre-back born in Vuzenica on 5 February 1999. He developed in the youth systems of NK Dravograd and NK Bravo before beginning his senior career with Rudar Velenje in Slovenia. In 2018, he moved to CSKA Moscow, where his versatility saw him play in midfield and later develop into a defender. Bijol also spent the 2020–21 season on loan at Hannover 96 in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga. After returning to CSKA, he established himself more regularly at centre-back before joining Udinese in July 2022. At Udinese, Bijol became a key defender and vice-captain, building a reputation for aerial strength, interceptions and composed distribution from deep. He represented Slovenia at UEFA Euro 2024, playing every minute of the team’s campaign, and later joined Leeds United, where he continues his career in the Premier League.