Benjamin Šeško Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 28, 2025
Benjamin Šeško has evolved from a promising talent in the Alps to one of Europe’s most feared forwards, a key figure for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, and the undisputed leader of the Slovenian national team.
With a rare blend of pace, power, technical finesse, and aerial dominance, Šeško has emerged as a symbol of a new generation of hybrid strikers—deadly in the box, creative in build-up, and relentless in pressing.
Then: The Boy from Maribor – A Talent Born in the Shadows (2003–2021)
1. Early Life and Roots in Slovenia
Born on May 31, 2003, in Šmartno ob Paki, a small village in northern Slovenia, Benjamin Šeško grew up in a quiet, close-knit community. Standing out from an early age—not just for his football skills but for his unusual height even as a teenager—Šeško joined the youth academy of NK Domžale, one of Slovenia’s top developmental clubs.
His physical attributes—6’4″ (1.93 m) with explosive speed—made him a unique challenge for defenders. By 16, he was already training with the senior team.
2. Breakthrough at Red Bull Salzburg (2021)
In January 2021, Šeško made a pivotal move to Red Bull Salzburg, joining their famed youth development system. Though initially a fringe player, his potential was undeniable.
By the 2021–22 season, he broke into the first team, scoring 11 goals in 31 appearances and helping Salzburg win the Austrian Bundesliga. His performances in the UEFA Youth League and UEFA Europa League showcased his ability to perform on the continental stage.
He quickly earned comparisons to Erling Haaland and Zlatan Ibrahimović—not just for his physique, but for his clinical finishing and confidence beyond his years.
3. International Debut and Rising National Hope
Šeško made his senior debut for Slovenia in 2021 at just 18—the youngest player in the nation’s history to score in a competitive match. By 2022, he was a regular starter, shouldering the hopes of a country seeking to return to the international spotlight.
Related: Dominik Szoboszlai Then and Now
The Rise: A Statement Move to RB Leipzig (2022–2024)
1. Transfer to RB Leipzig – The Making of a Star
In July 2022, RB Leipzig signed Šeško for a then-club-record €24 million, signaling their belief in his potential to become a world-class striker.
The first season (2022–23) was transitional:
- Adjusted to the physicality and pace of the Bundesliga
- Scored 7 goals in 28 appearances
- Showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency
However, under manager Marco Rose, Šeško refined his game—working on movement, pressing, and link-up play.
2. Breakout Season: 2023–24
The 2023–24 season marked Šeško’s true arrival as a top-tier striker:
- 19 goals and 8 assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances
- Key goals against Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen
- Became Leipzig’s primary attacking threat and penalty taker
- Played a crucial role in securing Champions League qualification
His style evolved into that of a modern number 9:
- Dominant in the air
- Capable of dropping deep to create
- Blistering pace for a player his size
- Intelligent off-the-ball movement
He also shined in Europe, scoring 5 goals in the UEFA Champions League group stage, including a stunning solo goal against Porto.
3. Ballon d’Or Watch and Global Recognition
By early 2024, Šeško had entered Ballon d’Or conversations as one of the top young contenders. He was named:
- Bundesliga Rookie of the Year (2023)
- **Slovenian Footballer of the Year (2023,
2024)**
- Included in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe (Sports, 2024)
Media outlets like The Guardian, ESPN, and Kicker hailed him as “the most complete young striker in Europe.”
Related: Giovanni Reyna Then and Now
Now: The Face of Slovenian Football (2025 Outlook)
1. National Team Captain and Euro 2024 Hero
As of 2025, Šeško is not just Slovenia’s best player—he is its captain, leader, and symbol of resurgence.
At UEFA Euro 2024, he led Slovenia to a historic Round of 16 appearance—their first major tournament knockout stage since 2000. His performances were sensational:
- 3 goals and 2 assists in 4 games
- Scored a last-minute winner against Denmark
- Earned Man of the Match in two games
Though Slovenia fell to Portugal in the Round of 16, Šeško’s composure, work rate, and leadership earned praise from fans and pundits alike. He was named to the UEFA Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament—a rare honor for a player from a smaller nation.
2. RB Leipzig’s Crown Jewel
In the 2024–25 Bundesliga season, Šeško has cemented his status as one of Europe’s elite forwards:
- Already 12 goals in 18 games by January 2025
- Forming a lethal partnership with Xavi Simons and Lukman Haruna
- Key to Leipzig’s push for a first-ever Bundesliga title
His game has matured:
- Improved decision-making in the final third
- Greater defensive contribution
- Leadership on and off the pitch
Rumors of interest from Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid have intensified, but Šeško has publicly stated:
“I’m focused on Leipzig. This is where I’m growing. This is my home for now.”
3. Style of Play: The Complete Striker
What sets Šeško apart in 2025 is his versatility:
- Aerial Threat: 60% of his goals come from headers—highest among top European strikers
- Pace and Power: Can outrun defenders despite his height
- Technical Ability: Comfortable with both feet, capable of flicks, lobs, and through balls
- Pressing Intensity: Embodies Leipzig’s high-pressing philosophy
He’s no longer just a “target man”—he’s a complete, modern center-forward.
Related: Moussa Diaby Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Šeško remains grounded despite his fame. He lives modestly in Leipzig, often visiting family in Slovenia. He is in a long-term relationship with Tina Zeljko, a Slovenian model and psychology student, and is known for his charity work, particularly in youth sports development in rural Slovenia.
He speaks Slovenian, English, German, and basic Croatian, and is admired for his humility, discipline, and maturity.
Off the pitch, he’s active on social media (over 3.2 million Instagram followers), where he shares training clips, family moments, and motivational messages for young athletes.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Benjamin Šeško has become a national hero in Slovenia, where his image adorns murals, school walls, and even a postage stamp issued in 2024 to commemorate Euro 2024.
He represents:
- The rise of smaller footballing nations
- The success of Red Bull’s global development model
- A new archetype of the hybrid striker
His journey—from a village academy to the heart of European football—inspires a generation of young athletes across the Balkans and beyond.
Related: Sofyan Amrabat Then and Now
Conclusion: Benjamin Šeško – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A lanky teenager from a Slovenian village, doubted for being “too tall, too raw,” fighting for minutes at Red Bull Salzburg.
- Now: A 22-year-old global star, Euro 2024 standout, Bundesliga powerhouse, and future Ballon d’Or contender.
Benjamin Šeško’s story is one of vision, patience, and relentless improvement. He didn’t just rely on his physical gifts—he refined them, mastered his craft, and earned every minute on the pitch.
As the football world looks ahead to 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond, one name stands tall—literally and figuratively:
Benjamin Šeško.
And if his trajectory continues?
The sky—like his leap—is the only limit.
⚽ “I don’t want to be just tall. I want to be complete. And I’m just getting started.” – Benjamin Šeško
Related: Édouard Mendy Then and Now