Benjamin Sesko: The Slovenian Goalscoring King

Benjamin Sesko, a name increasingly resonating in the football world, has swiftly ascended the ranks to become one of the most promising young talents in European football. Sesko is slowly replacing Jan Oblak as the most popular Slovenian footballer.

His journey from the picturesque landscapes of Slovenia to the high-stakes arenas of international football is a testament to his skill, determination, and unyielding passion for the game.

This comprehensive biography delves into the various phases of Sesko’s career, highlighting his origins, development, and future potential.

Player Profile – Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko is a towering 6’4″ forward who plays for the Slovenian national team and RB Leipzig in Germany. and is known for his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence.

Sesko started his career at NK Radeče and progressing through NK Krško and NK Domžale, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg’s academy in 2019.

Sesko has excelled at both club and international levels, playing a key role in Slovenia’s UEFA Nations League survival and emerging as the top scorer in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. He combines physical strength, technical skill, and tactical intelligence, attracting interest from top European clubs.

Player Profile Overview

Benjamin Sesko’s Early Life and Background

Benjamin Sesko was born on May 31, 2003, in Radeče, Ales Sesko, his father and Sladana Lazic his mother. He has a sister named Zala Sesko. Sesko attended Public Institution Marjan Nemec Radece where he received his primary and elementary education.

Growing up in Radeče, Sesko’s showed his zeal and passion for football displaying his undeniable skills and talent. He often went to the pitch in the company of his mother, father and sister who all supported his dream to become a professional footballer.

Benjamin Sesko’s Career Highlights

Benjamin Sesko began his football journey at his local club Radece while still in the first grade. He later spent a year with Rudar Trbovlje in their under-11 team before returning to Radece.

In 2016, he transferred to Krško, playing for the under-15 and under-17 squads where he impressed and gather a lot of attention. During the 2017–18 season, he impressively netted 59 goals in 23 matches for the under-15s, however, later that year Sesko moved to Domžale.

Sesko’s burgeoning potential led him to NK Domžale, one of Slovenia’s premier football academies. Here, he honed his skills under the tutelage of experienced coaches, rapidly developing into a formidable forward.

The structured training programs and competitive environment at NK Domžale played a pivotal role in refining his technical abilities and tactical intelligence.

At NK Domžale, Sesko’s growth was meteoric. His performances in youth leagues were nothing short of spectacular, regularly outshining older players with his mature play and goal-scoring prowess. It wasn’t long before his name started echoing beyond local circuits, attracting attention from larger European clubs.

Benjamin Sesko’s Move to Red Bull Salzburg’s Academy

In 2019, Sesko’s talent earned him a coveted move to Red Bull Salzburg’s prestigious academy at the age of 16. This transition marked a significant step up, exposing him to a higher level of competition and a more rigorous training regimen.

At Salzburg, Sesko continued to flourish, integrating seamlessly into a system renowned for developing elite football talent. He made his debut for Red Bull Salzburg on January 30, 2021, in a 3–0 victory over TSV Hartberg in the Austrian Football Bundesliga.

Loan to FC Liefering

Benjamin Sesko initially joined Salzburg’s affiliate club, Liefering, on loan for two seasons. During the prolific 2020/21 season, he scored 21 goals in 29 matches, propelling the club to a second-place finish in the Austrian second division.

His outstanding performance earned him a significant opportunity at Salzburg in the 2021/22 season, where he made 37 appearances, including six in the UEFA Champions League.

Benjamin Sesko netted 11 goals, five of which came in five Austrian Cup games, making him the competition’s top scorer. He also provided six assists, contributing to Salzburg’s Austrian double victory.

In the 2022/23 season, he elevated his game further, scoring 16 goals in 30 league appearances, securing a second consecutive league title.

Sesko Moves to the Bundesliga

RB Leipzig announced the signing of Benjamin Sesko, however, he would join them on 1 July 2023. The Slovenian signed a five-year contract extending until 2028, with the transfer fee reportedly around €24 million. He and Xavi Simons represented a good transfer market for RB Leipzig in preparation for the Bundesliga 2023-25 season.

Benjamin Sesko won his first trophy with RB Leipzig as they won the German Supercup in 2023. Sesko made a significant impact by scoring his first goals for RB Leipzig, netting a brace in a 3–0 victory against Union Berlin.

This win ended Union Berlin’s 24-match unbeaten streak at home. On 19 September, Sesko scored his first goal in the UEFA Champions League excluding qualifying rounds. RB Leipzig triumphed 3–1 over Young Boys in the first matchday of the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League season.

Benjamin Sesko concluded his first season with 18 goals across all competitions, and he set a record as the youngest player to score in seven consecutive Bundesliga games at 20 years and 353 days old.

Sesko, Dani Olmo, Xavi Simons and Lois Openda helped RB Leipzig qualify for next season’s Champions league with their performances. His goals saw him rank among the top 10 goalscorers in the Bundesliga alongside Harry Kane and Victor Boniface.

Benjamin Sesko’s International Career

Sesko’s exploits at the club level quickly translated to the international stage. He represented Slovenia in various age groups, including U17, U19, and U21. His performances in these categories were marked by a combination of leadership, skill, and an insatiable hunger for goals.

In May 2021, Benjamin Šeško was selected by senior team manager Matjaž Kek for a couple of friendlies scheduled for June. He made his debut for Slovenia on 1 June 2021 in a 1–1 friendly draw against North Macedonia.

At 18 years and 1 day old, he became the youngest player ever to debut for the national team, breaking the record previously held by Petar Stojanović for seven years.

Benjamin Sesko scored his first goal for Slovenia in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Malta, making him Slovenia’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 18 years, 4 months, and 8 days old.

Qualifying for EURO 2024

Benjamin Sesko played a pivotal role in helping Slovenia avoid relegation to League C by scoring two crucial goals during the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League B campaign. On September 24, 2022, he provided an assist and netted the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Norway.

Three days later, he scored in a 1–1 draw against Sweden, with the media hailing his strike as a “wonder goal.” This goal was also nominated by UEFA as one of the best goals of the matchday.

Benjamin Sesko was Slovenia’s top scorer in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. The RB Leipzig striker scored five goals in nine appearances in Group H. Sesko’s performances ultimately helped Slovenia qualify for its first European Championship since 2000.

Playing Style and Strengths

Standing tall at 6’4″, Sesko’s physical presence is one of his most distinguishing features. His height and athleticism make him a formidable aerial threat, while his speed and agility enable him to outmaneuver defenders with ease.

Benjamin Sesko is technically proficient, He possesses a deft touch, excellent dribbling skills, and a keen eye for goal. His ability to control the ball in tight spaces and deliver precise passes under pressure sets him apart from his peers.

Beyond his physical and technical attributes, Sesko’s tactical intelligence is exceptional. He displays a profound understanding of positioning, movement, and game dynamics, often making decisions that belie his young age. His ability to read the game and anticipate plays enhances his effectiveness on the field.

Comparisons with Erling Haaland

Several parallels have been drawn between former Borussia Dortmund star Haaland and Leipzig’s current No. 30 which are striking and difficult to ignore.

Both players are imposing figures, with Benjamin Sesko standing an inch taller than the Norwegian. Despite their impressive physical frames, both players exhibit remarkable speed.

Sesko is a formidable aerial threat, ambidextrous, possesses excellent technique, and has a flair for the extraordinary. It’s no surprise, then, that his teammates in Austria believe he could achieve similar or even greater success than Haaland.

Benjamin Sesko’s Personal Life and Interests

Outside of football, the Slovenian is romantically involved with fellow Slovenian Anita Vidovic. He loves to go skiing and also enjoys frequent visits to the seaside and likes to swim.

Benjamin Sesko also loves to travel during the holidays as he has been seen visiting the desert in Dubai. He leads a healthy lifestyle frequently engaging in running and visiting the gym frequently.

Future Prospects and Potential

The Slovenian has been an impressive and profilic player since he emergence in the European football scene, he has continuously attracted the interests of Europe’s biggest clubs.

After rejecting Manchester United to play for RB Leipzig, it won’t be long before Europe’s elites come asking for his services. It remains to be seen if he will make the step up to the bigger clubs in world football.

Conclusion

Benjamin Sesko’s journey from a small town in Slovenia to the grand stages of international football is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a blend of talent, hard work, and unwavering determination.

As he continues to evolve and achieve new heights, the football world watches with bated breath, eager to see what the future holds for this extraordinary talent.