{"id":285460,"first_name":"Milan","last_name":"Badelj","short_name":"M. Badelj","common_name":"Milan Badelj","place_of_birth":"Zagreb","gender":"male","height":186,"weight":76,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T13:40:25.646Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:53:34.021Z","locale":"en","age":35,"stb_id":"milan-badelj","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Milan Badelj","top_position":null,"introduction":"Milan Badelj is a distinguished Croatian professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. Currently, he plays for and captains Serie A club Genoa. Notably, he was a pivotal part of the Croatian national team that emerged as runners-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Badelj's consistent performances have also seen him feature in other major tournaments such as the UEFA Euro editions in 2012, 2016, and 2020.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nMilan Badelj was born on 25 February 1989. There is limited information available about his early family background or his initial interest in football from the provided data. Details about his education or parental influence on his football career are not specified.\n\n## Youth Career\nBadelj began honing his skills at the youth academy of NK Zagreb. He was swiftly recognized for his talents, which led to his signing by city rivals Dinamo Zagreb as a promising 17-year-old in 2007. Seeking first-team experience at a senior level, he was loaned to affiliate club Lokomotiva for the 2007-08 season, where he made a significant impact by playing in 28 matches and scoring seven goals in the Croatian Third League. This period was crucial for Badelj's development, setting the stage for his professional career.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n### Dinamo Zagreb\nMilan Badelj's professional journey took off at Dinamo Zagreb, where he was seen as a potential successor to Luka Modrić. He joined the first team in 2008 and made an immediate impression. Badelj debuted in a Champions League qualifier against Linfield and scored on his domestic debut in a 2–0 victory over Rijeka. His tenure at Dinamo was marked by regular appearances, key goals, and contributions, including helping the team reach the Champions League group stage in the 2011-12 season. He captained the side in various matches and played a crucial role in their domestic success.\n\n### Hamburger SV\nIn 2012, Badelj's career took him to the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV, signing for an undisclosed fee. Here, he quickly became integral to the team's midfield, scoring his first Bundesliga goal against Schalke 04.\n\n### Fiorentina\nMilan signed with the Italian club Fiorentina in August 2014. He was appointed team captain in 2018 following the untimely death of Davide Astori, illustrating his leadership qualities.\n\n### Lazio\nBadelj joined Lazio in August 2018 and scored his debut goal for the club in February 2019 against Genoa. During his loan return to Fiorentina in 2019, he donned the captain's armband in a match against Parma.\n\n### Genoa\nIn September 2020, Badelj signed a three-year contract with Genoa. He scored his first goal for the club in a memorable match against Hellas Verona, dedicating the moment to his late friend Astori.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nMilan Badelj was a prominent figure in Croatia's youth teams, earning a total of 63 caps across various age groups.\n\n### Senior National Team\nBadelj debuted for Croatia in 2011 in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Malta, scoring in the match. He was part of the Croatia squad for UEFA Euro 2012 and later played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His most significant contribution came during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he scored against Iceland and helped Croatia reach the final. Despite missing a penalty in the round of 16, his overall performance was pivotal in Croatia's successful tournament run.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nMilan Badelj is known for his strategic role as a defensive midfielder. Renowned for his deep-lying playmaking abilities, Badelj possesses exceptional tactical understanding, which allows him to dictate play and break down opposition attacks. His physical presence on the pitch complements his technical skills, making him an asset in both defensive duties and transition plays.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThe article does not provide specific performance statistics. However, it notes his consistent presence in top leagues like Bundesliga and Serie A and his appearances in key international tournaments.\n\n## Records\nThe provided information does not list specific records held by Milan Badelj.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- With Dinamo Zagreb, he won multiple Prva HNL titles from 2008 to 2012, as well as Croatian Cups and a Super Cup.\n- With Lazio, he secured the Coppa Italia in the 2018–19 season.\n- Contributed to Croatia's outstanding performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finishing as runners-up.\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Awarded Croatian Football Hope of the Year in 2009.\n\n## Awards and Recognition\n- Milan Badelj received the Order of Duke Branimir in 2018 for his contributions to Croatia's national success.","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nMilan Badelj has made significant contributions to club and country, establishing himself as a reliable midfielder throughout his career. His leadership skills have been acknowledged in various teams, particularly when assuming captaincy roles at Fiorentina and Genoa.\n\n## Off the Field\nThe provided article does not offer detailed insights into his commercial activities, charity work, or public image.\n\n## Personal Life\nDetails regarding Milan Badelj's personal life, including family, interests outside football, or relationships, are not discussed in the provided source.","stb_internal_id":"019306da-d638-7de3-a1ee-1fccafacb369","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"defensive-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Milan Badelj is a distinguished Croatian professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. Currently, he plays for and captains Serie A club Genoa. Notably, he was a pivotal part of the Croatian national team that emerged as runners-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Badelj's consistent performances have also seen him feature in other major tournaments such as the UEFA Euro editions in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Milan Badelj was born on 25 February 1989. There is limited information available about his early family background or his initial interest in football from the provided data. Details about his education or parental influence on his football career are not specified.

Youth Career

Badelj began honing his skills at the youth academy of NK Zagreb. He was swiftly recognized for his talents, which led to his signing by city rivals Dinamo Zagreb as a promising 17-year-old in 2007. Seeking first-team experience at a senior level, he was loaned to affiliate club Lokomotiva for the 2007-08 season, where he made a significant impact by playing in 28 matches and scoring seven goals in the Croatian Third League. This period was crucial for Badelj's development, setting the stage for his professional career.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Dinamo Zagreb

Milan Badelj's professional journey took off at Dinamo Zagreb, where he was seen as a potential successor to Luka Modrić. He joined the first team in 2008 and made an immediate impression. Badelj debuted in a Champions League qualifier against Linfield and scored on his domestic debut in a 2–0 victory over Rijeka. His tenure at Dinamo was marked by regular appearances, key goals, and contributions, including helping the team reach the Champions League group stage in the 2011-12 season. He captained the side in various matches and played a crucial role in their domestic success.

Hamburger SV

In 2012, Badelj's career took him to the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV, signing for an undisclosed fee. Here, he quickly became integral to the team's midfield, scoring his first Bundesliga goal against Schalke 04.

Fiorentina

Milan signed with the Italian club Fiorentina in August 2014. He was appointed team captain in 2018 following the untimely death of Davide Astori, illustrating his leadership qualities.

Lazio

Badelj joined Lazio in August 2018 and scored his debut goal for the club in February 2019 against Genoa. During his loan return to Fiorentina in 2019, he donned the captain's armband in a match against Parma.

Genoa

In September 2020, Badelj signed a three-year contract with Genoa. He scored his first goal for the club in a memorable match against Hellas Verona, dedicating the moment to his late friend Astori.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Milan Badelj was a prominent figure in Croatia's youth teams, earning a total of 63 caps across various age groups.

Senior National Team

Badelj debuted for Croatia in 2011 in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Malta, scoring in the match. He was part of the Croatia squad for UEFA Euro 2012 and later played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His most significant contribution came during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he scored against Iceland and helped Croatia reach the final. Despite missing a penalty in the round of 16, his overall performance was pivotal in Croatia's successful tournament run.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Milan Badelj is known for his strategic role as a defensive midfielder. Renowned for his deep-lying playmaking abilities, Badelj possesses exceptional tactical understanding, which allows him to dictate play and break down opposition attacks. His physical presence on the pitch complements his technical skills, making him an asset in both defensive duties and transition plays.

Performance Statistics

The article does not provide specific performance statistics. However, it notes his consistent presence in top leagues like Bundesliga and Serie A and his appearances in key international tournaments.

Records

The provided information does not list specific records held by Milan Badelj.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

With Dinamo Zagreb, he won multiple Prva HNL titles from 2008 to 2012, as well as Croatian Cups and a Super Cup.
With Lazio, he secured the Coppa Italia in the 2018–19 season.
Contributed to Croatia's outstanding performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finishing as runners-up.

Individual Achievements

Awarded Croatian Football Hope of the Year in 2009.

Awards and Recognition

Milan Badelj received the Order of Duke Branimir in 2018 for his contributions to Croatia's national success.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Milan Badelj has made significant contributions to club and country, establishing himself as a reliable midfielder throughout his career. His leadership skills have been acknowledged in various teams, particularly when assuming captaincy roles at Fiorentina and Genoa.

Off the Field

The provided article does not offer detailed insights into his commercial activities, charity work, or public image.

Personal Life

Details regarding Milan Badelj's personal life, including family, interests outside football, or relationships, are not discussed in the provided source.

\n","photo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/Photo_of_Milan_Badelj_a5a287a776.jpeg","mime":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo: Shutterstock","formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_avif_Photo_of_Milan_Badelj_a5a287a776.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_webp_Photo_of_Milan_Badelj_a5a287a776.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_avif_Photo_of_Milan_Badelj_a5a287a776.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_webp_Photo_of_Milan_Badelj_a5a287a776.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_avif_Photo_of_Milan_Badelj_a5a287a776.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_webp_Photo_of_Milan_Badelj_a5a287a776.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"traits":[],"social_media":{"id":426666,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":null,"faceit":null,"instagram":null,"reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":null,"website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10490,"name":"Croatia","country_code":"HRV","iso_code":"HR","createdAt":"2024-11-04T11:59:48.309Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:30.413Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70b-a3ea-704d-a236-2b060de4d9b7","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Croatia_HR_fbf6b587e6.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[],"footballExtra":{"id":323694,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Midfielder","foot":"both"},"membership":{"id":1009621,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2020-09-16","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2024-11-14T09:58:30.868Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T13:53:33.968Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"01932a1c-2dc0-7b99-88cb-e49ffbace851","overrides":null,"team":{"id":49992,"name":"Genoa CFC","short_name":"Genoa","tla_name":"GEN","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Genoa Cricket and Football Club","founded":1893,"colors":"Red,Navy Blue","nicknames":"Grifone,Grifo,Zena","createdAt":"2024-11-05T10:35:54.855Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-13T19:59:24.506Z","website":"http://www.genoacfc.it","address":"Via Ronchi 67","address_city":"Genova","address_zip":"16155","locale":"en","stb_id":"genoa-cfc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":null,"sporting_achievements":null,"club_identity":null,"current_status_and_future":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fbe5-2def-7bc2-81ba-08b57488380e","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"","sporting_achievements_html":"","club_identity_html":"","current_status_and_future_html":"","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/803_93378e6dfb.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_803_93378e6dfb.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_803_93378e6dfb.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_803_93378e6dfb.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_803_93378e6dfb.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_803_93378e6dfb.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_803_93378e6dfb.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2024-2025"}}},"rating":7.1}

Milan Badelj: Career