The Incredible Rise of Jan Oblak to Become One of the World’s Best Goalkeepers
Jan Oblak has rapidly become one of the top goalkeepers in soccer over the last decade. Oblak’s supreme shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence in the box, and trophy-laden success have made him a superstar for both Atletico Madrid and the Slovenian national team.
Jan Oblak was born on January 7, 1993 in Skofja Loka, Slovenia. He began playing youth soccer for his local club before joining Olimpija Ljubljana’s academy in 2007. After progressing through the club’s youth ranks, Oblak signed his first professional contract with them at age 17 in 2010.
The young keeper immediately impressed for Olimpija and became their starting goalkeeper. His breakthrough performances caught the attention of Portuguese giant Benfica who signed Jan Oblak in 2012. He honed his skills with Benfica’s reserve squad for a season before becoming their first-choice keeper in 2013 at just 20 years old.
Jan Oblak thrived on the big stage for Benfica as he helped them claim the Portuguese league title in 2014. His reputation as an up-and-coming goalkeeping phenom grew. This led to La Liga side Atletico Madrid acquiring Oblak’s services in 2014 as a long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.
Still only 21, Jan Oblak adapted seamlessly to being Atletico’s number one keeper. He exhibited concentration, reflexes and consistency between the sticks well beyond his years. Oblak proved instrumental in Atletico conceding the fewest goals in La Liga for four consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2019.
His individual brilliance was recognized as Oblak claimed the Zamora Trophy for La Liga’s best goalkeeper for four straight years as well. On the biggest European stage, he helped Atletico reach two Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016.
Jan Oblak further demonstrated his world-class shot-stopping skills for Slovenia too. He became their first-choice keeper starting in 2012, earning over 40 caps so far. Oblak backstopped Slovenia to qualify for their second-ever World Cup in 2018.
Now in his prime at age 31, Oblak remains one of soccer’s preeminent keepers. His lightning-quick reactions and leadership in organizing Atletico’s defense continue making him a vital cog in their successes. Still in his playing prime, Oblak will likely continue racking up accolades and trophies as he cements his legacy as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.