For many fans, it’s surprising that Jan Oblak, widely regarded by football pundits as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, is often left out of the GOAT debate. Despite this underappreciation, his story is one of dedication, talent, and a deep love for the game.
Jan Oblak was born into a sports-loving family, with his mother, Stonjanka Oblak, and his father, Matjaz Oblak, playing significant roles in shaping his career. His mother was an amateur handball player, while his father was a former goalkeeper for Sencur, a team in Slovenia’s third division. Growing up in this athletic environment, it was natural for Jan to develop a passion for sports.
Exploring Jan Oblak’s Background: A Goalkeeper Born from a Sporting Family
Adding to the sporting pedigree, Jan’s older sister, Teja Oblak, is a professional basketball player. She plays for Angels Kosice and is a key member of the Slovenia women’s national team. With such a strong sporting influence around him, it would have been surprising if Jan had chosen a career that didn’t involve the use of his hands.
From a young age, Jan Oblak demonstrated the qualities of a modern goalkeeper: agility, quick reflexes, and a calm demeanour. His maturity stood out early on, and despite his youth, he made it into the first team at Olimpija. His willingness to learn and follow instructions set him apart from his peers.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the full story of Jan Oblak’s journey from his early days to becoming a goalkeeping icon.
Jan Oblak Childhood Story – Early and Family Life:
For Biography starters, Jan Oblak was born on the 7th day of January 1993. His birthplace is Skofja Loka, a quaint mountain town in Slovenia. He was born to his mother, Stonjanka Oblak and to his father, Matjaz Oblak.
Growing up in his hometown, Skofja Loka (pictured below), which is best known for its historical and cultural significance, young Oblak was surrounded with love from his sports-loving family, who helped set him on his career path early in life.
The place Jan Oblak’s family comes from (Škofja Loka) is 115.6 km from Benjamin Sesko‘s hometown of Radeče.
Oblak’s mother used to play handball at an amateur level, while his father was a former goalkeeper for Sencur, a team in Slovenia’s third division.
Rounding out the family’s athletic talent, Jan Oblak’s older sister, Teja Oblak, has made a name for herself in basketball. She plays professionally for Angels Kosice and is also a key player for the Slovenia women’s national team. With both siblings excelling in their respective sports, it’s clear that the Oblak family has a deep-rooted passion for athletics, making their household one filled with competitive spirit and a commitment to excellence.
It would only be an anomaly if Oblak chose a career path that doesn’t require good use of his hands. At the tender age of 6, he carved a niche for his hands by getting enrolled (with the help of his parents) into a neighbourhood team, Locan FC, where he learnt the basics of professional goalkeeping.
Career Buildup:
While Oblak was at Locan Football Club, he put up impressive performances that caught the attention of Zoran Matovic, the goalkeeper coach of Olimpija NK, who invited him over when he was only 10.
It wasn’t long before Oblak signed his first professional contract with Olimpija in January 2009 and became the youngest player to ever play in the Slovenian league when he made his debut at the age of 16.
He pulled a lot of top saves and was highly respected by Janez Pate, who was the coach of Olimpija at that time. Commenting on Oblak’s top form, Janez noted that:
“He possesses all the qualities of a modern goalkeeper. I was always impressed by his maturity. Despite being young, he quickly earned a spot on the first team at Olimpija. He was always eager to learn and followed every instruction given to him.”
Subsequent career buildups saw Oblak represented Slovenia U21 and accepted a move to Portuguese giants Benfica in the year 2010.
Jan Oblak Biography – Rise To Fame:
Oblak remained relatively unknown until the 16th of July 2014, when he signed for Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid for a record fee of £16 million.
Thus, he completed a perfect transition from being a goalkeeper for his neighbourhood team to wearing the gloves for Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League finals of 2014 and 2016.
Jan did not make the high price tag placed on him affect his play as he fitted well into the big gloves left by former Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who departed back to Chelsea after a loan spell.
Like a fish on the water, he adapted quickly to life in Spain, commanding his box very well and making unbelievable saves to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world today. The rest, as they say, is history.
Jan Oblak Biography – Soccer Ball:
While a lady is yet to catch the eye of the handsome shot-stopper, a rather familiar “object” has stolen his heart. He posted this picture below on his Instagram page and captioned it:
“This ball is my girlfriend, nobody can take her away from me”
What Jan Oblak thinks about the ball.
Role Model:
Jan believes he was born to be a goalkeeper and to walk in his father’s steps. From his childhood till date, he has always looked up to his father, who was also a goalkeeper.
“I definitely became a goalkeeper because of my father. He has been playing football all his life as a goalkeeper.
I remember imitating him behind the goal while he was training and tried to throw myself like he did.”
Jan Oblak Biography – Reason Behind Nickname:
Oblak was nicknamed “jump jump” by the Slovenian press because of his high jumping ability whenever he was on the field. This nickname has followed him all through his career.
Whenever Jan leaps to make spectacular saves, from his time with Olimpija to Atletico Madrid, his fans explode with excitement, chanting “Jump Jump”.
This is the reason he holds the nickname “jump jump”.
Personal Life:
Oblak is like fellow goalkeepers Dominik Livakovic and Djordje Petrovic, who strike many with his calm personality. This trait is rare for goalkeepers who have to make decisive moves at every second of each football match.
Similar to Marc-André ter Stegen, he does not like making self-satisfaction talks about himself as he leaves fans to figure out his personality while he focuses on doing what he does best.
well, I think I’m calm, but I’ve also never really liked talking about myself. I know me and I know how I am, I guess everyone else sees me the same way.
Above all, the goal-stopper is confident, cheerful and determined.
Jan Oblak Facts:
He is the highest-bought goalkeeper in La Liga history. Oblak, the multi-time shot-stopping and shootout hero, achieved a rare honour. He made the name list of the Champions League (UCL) Team of the Season in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017.
Jan Oblak: La Liga’s record-breaking goalkeeper and a two-time Champions League Team of the Season honoree.
He won the Zamora Award three times in a row – in the 2015/2016, the 2016/2017 and the memorable 2017/2018. The Zamora Award is given to the goalkeeper with the lowest “goals-to-games” ratio. The award is hosted by La Liga. Oblak’s closest buddies in Atletico Madrid are Koke and Diego Godin.
Jan Oblak: Three-time Zamora Award victor for his unmatched goalkeeping prowess, sharing camaraderie with Atletico’s Koke and Diego Godin.
Appreciation Note:
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