
Who is Benjamin Sesko? Born on May 31, 2003, in Radeče, Slovenia, Benjamin Sesko is a young football sensation making headlines. Known for his speed and agility, he has been compared to top players like Erling Haaland. Sesko's journey began at age seven, and he quickly rose through the ranks, breaking records and earning accolades. From scoring 59 goals in 23 matches at NK Krško to becoming Slovenia's youngest-ever goalscorer, his achievements are remarkable. Now playing for RB Leipzig, Sesko continues to impress with his goal-scoring prowess and potential. Dive into these 30 facts to learn more about this rising star.
Key Takeaways:
- Benjamin Sesko's journey from a small town in Slovenia to becoming the youngest player to score for the senior national team is a testament to hard work and dedication, inspiring young athletes worldwide.
- With his lightning speed and impressive goal-scoring record, Sesko's rise to stardom has put Radeče on the map and continues to attract attention from top clubs like RB Leipzig and Arsenal.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Sesko's journey from a small town in Slovenia to the big leagues is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into the early years that shaped this football prodigy.
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Birth and Early Life: Born on May 31, 2003, in Radeče, Slovenia, Sesko's passion for football was evident from a young age. His parents and the local community played a significant role in nurturing his talent.
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Ethnic Background: Sesko identifies with the Slovene ethnic group from his father's side. His mother's side may have Bosniak, Serb, or Croat ancestry, adding to his rich cultural heritage.
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Early Football Development: At just seven years old, Sesko began playing for the local team in Radeče. His parents and the community helped develop the soccer field where he first showcased his skills.
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First Coach: Marjan Ključevšek, Sesko's first coach, was instrumental in transforming him from a casual fan to a competitive player.
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Positional Switch: Initially, Sesko didn't play as a forward. Coach Matej Kirbiš recognized his potential and switched him to the striker position, which became his natural role.
Rising Through the Ranks
As Sesko's talent became more apparent, he began to make significant strides in his football career. Here are some key moments from his early achievements.
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Radeče Academy: During his under-9 days with the Radeče Academy, Sesko excelled in various competitions, winning several trophies.
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Recognition by Local Authorities: Simon Žnidar, the then-president of the academy, and later Simon Bolte, saw Sesko as Radeče's most valuable asset, recognizing his talent early on.
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Move to NK Rudar: In the 2013/2014 season, Sesko decided to gain experience with NK Rudar for a year before returning to Radeče.
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Joining NK Krško: After two seasons with his foundation club, Sesko moved to NK Krško, where he passed the trials and played for the under-15s and under-17s academy teams.
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Record-Breaking Goal Scoring: At NK Krško, Sesko set a rare record by scoring an impressive 59 goals in 23 matches during the 2017-2018 season.
Professional Career Takes Off
Sesko's professional career began to take shape as he signed with major clubs and made his mark on the international stage.
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Professional Agent: Sesko’s father, Aleš Šeško, sought professional support for his son’s career. Elvis Bašanović from Pro Transfer Agency became the right person to represent Benjamin.
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Signing with Red Bull Salzburg: In 2019, at just 16, Sesko signed professional terms with Red Bull Salzburg after spending one season with NK Domzale.
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Loan Spell at FC Liefering: Initially, Sesko joined Salzburg's partner club, Liefering, on loan for two seasons. He scored 22 goals in 44 games in the second tier of Austrian football.
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First-Team Debut: Sesko made his first-team debut for Red Bull Salzburg in January 2021, winning three Austrian Bundesliga titles and one Austrian Cup.
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International Debut: Sesko made his full international debut for Slovenia against North Macedonia on June 1, 2021, becoming the youngest player to appear for the senior national team at 18 years and one day.
Making History and Breaking Records
Sesko's talent and hard work have led him to break several records and achieve significant milestones in his career.
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Youngest Goalscorer: Sesko made history by becoming Slovenia's youngest-ever goalscorer when he scored his first goal in a 4-0 win over Malta during World Cup qualifying on October 8, 2021.
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UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying: Sesko played a crucial role in Slovenia’s qualification for the UEFA Euro 2024, scoring five goals in the qualifying campaign.
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UEFA Nations League Hat-Trick: In September 2024, Sesko smashed his first international hat-trick in a 3-0 UEFA Nations League win over Kazakhstan.
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Speed and Agility: Despite being a robust figure, Sesko is very quick. He clocked a speed of 35.9 km/h at Euro 2024, similar to Gabriel Martinelli’s speed in the Premier League.
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Basketball Background: Before focusing on football, Sesko had a strong interest in basketball. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Mavericks and even considered playing for Slovenia’s national basketball team until the age of 15.
Current Club and Future Prospects
Sesko's journey continues as he plays for RB Leipzig and attracts attention from top clubs around the world.
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Current Club: Sesko currently plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, where he has been thriving since joining in 2023.
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Goalscoring Record: As of December 2024, Sesko has scored 13 goals in all competitions for RB Leipzig, adding to his tally of 29 goals for Red Bull Salzburg and 22 goals for FC Liefering.
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Comparisons to Erling Haaland: Sesko’s profile has seen him compared to Manchester City star Erling Haaland. His teammates at RB Leipzig even tell him that he is better than Haaland in terms of speed.
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Transfer Links: Arsenal have been linked to Sesko as Mikel Arteta aims to bolster his attack. The Gunners have invited Sesko’s representatives to the Emirates amid transfer links.
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Speed Comparison with Gabriel Martinelli: Sesko’s speed is comparable to that of Gabriel Martinelli, who clocked 35.6 km/h in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.
Impressive Performances and Key Stats
Sesko's performances on the field have been nothing short of spectacular, earning him recognition and accolades.
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Impressive Goalscoring Form: In his second season at RB Leipzig, Sesko has been in fine scoring form. He scored in seven successive matches at the end of the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign and turned on the style again with back-to-back braces against Augsburg and Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
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Key Stats: As of December 2024, Sesko boasts five goals and one assist in the current campaign, with strikes in successive Bundesliga wins over Kiel and direct rivals Frankfurt on Matchdays 13 and 14.
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DFB Cup Performance: Sesko also scored as Leipzig knocked the Eagles out of the DFB Cup 3-0 in the Round of 16.
Community Recognition and Future Prospects
Sesko's rise to stardom has not only brought him personal success but also recognition for his hometown.
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Community Recognition: Sesko’s ascent to stardom has put Radeče on the popularity map. The town where he was born is now famous for producing one of the most promising young footballers in Europe.
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Future Prospects: With his impressive form and potential, Benjamin Sesko is expected to continue making waves in the football world. His journey from a small town in Slovenia to becoming one of the most exciting young forwards in world football is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Benjamin Sesko: A Star on the Rise
Benjamin Sesko's journey from a small town in Slovenia to the big leagues of European football is nothing short of inspiring. Born on May 31, 2003, in Radeče, he quickly showed a knack for scoring goals, setting records at NK Krško with 59 goals in 23 matches. His move to Red Bull Salzburg at 16 and subsequent loan to FC Liefering showcased his talent, leading to a successful stint at RB Leipzig. Sesko's speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, and his international debut for Slovenia at just 18 years old set him on a path to stardom. With impressive performances in the Bundesliga and UEFA competitions, Sesko's future looks incredibly bright. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the support of a community that believed in his potential.
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