KickAIMatches
Žan Karničnik
NK Celje

Žan Karničnik

Defender at NK Celje

🌍 SIDefender#23🎂 31 years📏 178cm👟 Right

Current Team: NK Celje

Market Value
€0.8M
SofaScore Rating
6.90

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Žan Karničnik Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
25/26PrvaLiga16006.90
2026World Cup Qual. UEFA6006.83
25/26UEFA Conference League4107.53
24/25PrvaLiga22016.91
24/25UEFA Conference League10016.83
24/25UEFA Nations League4016.90
23/24PrvaLiga34457.30
2024EURO4107.08
2024EURO, Qualification-00-
22/23PrvaLiga-00-
📅 Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📋 Match Log

Last 15 matches
Žan Karničnik Recent Match Performance Log
DateCompetitionRating
Feb 1, 2025PrvaLiga6.7
Feb 8, 2025PrvaLiga6.9
Feb 13, 2025UEFA Conference League6.7
Feb 16, 2025PrvaLiga7.0
Feb 20, 2025UEFA Conference League7.8
Mar 2, 2025PrvaLiga6.1
Mar 6, 2025UEFA Conference League7.2
Mar 13, 2025UEFA Conference League7.1
Mar 20, 2025UEFA Nations League7.5
Mar 23, 2025UEFA Nations League7.0
Mar 29, 2025PrvaLiga7.1
Apr 6, 2025PrvaLiga6.0
Apr 10, 2025UEFA Conference League6.5
Apr 13, 2025PrvaLiga6.8
Apr 17, 2025UEFA Conference League7.0
⚽ Performance ratings tracked per match. Data sourced from official match statistics.

⚡ Player Characteristics

Strengths

✓ Stamina

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 22 seasons, 8 competitions
6
Career Goals
8
Career Assists
100
Total Apps
95
Full Games

👥 Teammates at NK Celje

Full Squad →
Franko Kovačević
Franko Kovačević
F
Armandas Kučys
Armandas Kučys
F
Vitaliy Lisakovich
Vitaliy Lisakovich
F
Matej Poplatnik
Matej Poplatnik
F
Andrej Kotnik
Andrej Kotnik
F
Faris Dzevahiric
Faris Dzevahiric
F
Svit Sešlar
Svit Sešlar
M
Nikita Iosifov
Nikita Iosifov
M
Papa Daniel
Papa Daniel
M

📊 Season Statistics

PrvaLiga 25/26
16 appearances
0
Goals
0
Assists
6.90
Rating
1338
Minutes
10
Shots
17
Key Passes
0
Tackles
0
Interceptions

🏳️ International Career

Slovenia|44 caps2 goals

📝 About Žan Karničnik

Žan Karničnik is a 31-year-old SI professional footballer who plays as a defender. Currently representing NK Celje, Žan Karničnik stands at 178cm and is predominantly right-footed. With a market valuation of €825K, Žan Karničnik represents a developing talent in today's transfer market.

Žan Karničnik's professional career began at NK Dravograd. Over their career, Žan Karničnik has made 8 transfers. The most recent move saw Žan Karničnik join NK Celje in 2024 for €0.5M.

This season, Žan Karničnik has contributed to the team in 16 appearances. Accumulating 1338 minutes, averaging 84 per game.

On the international stage, Žan Karničnik represents Slovenia with 44 caps and 2 goals. International debut came in 2021.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Žan Karničnik has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Žan Karničnik's role as a defender at NK Celje, examining their SI playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Destroyer

Žan Karničnik profiles as a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line. Elite qualities include stamina, which make them a threat in various scenarios. At 31, experience now matches physical capability – peak performance window.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-4-2 (in a back four)3-5-2 (as a center-back with freedom)

✅ Key Strengths

  • stamina

⚠️ Development Areas

  • No significant weaknesses identified

**Playing Style**: Žan Karničnik fits the profile of a modern Destroyer – a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line.

✨ What Makes Them Special

What sets Žan Karničnik apart from other defenders? It's the combination of stamina that creates a unique profile.

🔄 Career Turning Point

The Defining Move: Žan Karničnik's career trajectory changed in 2024 when Ludogorets agreed to let them join NK Celje. The €0.5M move represented a significant investment and a vote of confidence in Žan Karničnik's abilities. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

🔮 Future Outlook

Future Outlook: At 31, Žan Karničnik has 3-4 seasons of top-level football remaining. Experience is now the key asset – expect a leadership role at NK Celje and potentially a move to MLS, Saudi Pro League, or a return home to SI.

📊 PrvaLiga 25/26 Analysis

In the current season, Žan Karničnik has made 16 appearances in their competition. With an average rating of 6.90, Žan Karničnik has been consistent. Accumulating 1338 minutes, Žan Karničnik averages 84 minutes per game.

🔥 Recent Form

Over the last 5 matches, Žan Karničnik has maintained strong form with an average rating of 7.02. Performance ratings ranged from 6.7 to 7.8, demonstrating typical variation.

📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)

OldestLatest

📊 Performance Statistics

How Žan Karničnik compares to league average this season

📅 Appearances16
0Avg: 1538
⭐ Average Rating6.9
0Avg: 6.510
⏱️ Minutes Played1338
0Avg: 9003420
🎯 Shots on Target1
0Avg: 1060

Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

🩺 Player Status & Availability

Fitness Status

Available

No reported injuries

📋Contract Status

Under Contract

Current club: NK Celje

🔄Transfer Rumors

No Active Rumors

Last updated: 1/14/2026

📈Market Trend

€0.8M

SofaScore estimate

💹 Career Value Trajectory

Transfer fee history and market value trend

2024
Ludogorets→NK Celje
€0.50M
2023
NK Celje→Ludogorets
-
2023
Ludogorets→NK Celje
-
2022
NŠ Mura→Ludogorets
Unknown
2017
NK Maribor B→NŠ Mura
Free
2017
NK Maribor→NŠ Mura
-
2015
Radlje→NK Maribor B
Unknown
2013
NK Dravograd→Radlje
Free

🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)

Avg Rating: 69990.80
2/1/2025PrvaLiga
6.7
2/8/2025PrvaLiga
6.9
2/13/2025UEFA Conference League
6.7
2/16/2025PrvaLiga
7.0
2/20/2025UEFA Conference League
7.8
3/2/2025PrvaLiga
6.1
3/6/2025UEFA Conference League
7.2
3/13/2025UEFA Conference League
7.1
3/20/2025UEFA Nations League
7.5
3/23/2025UEFA Nations League
7.0
3/29/2025PrvaLiga
7.1
4/6/2025PrvaLiga
6.0
4/10/2025UEFA Conference League
6.5
4/13/2025PrvaLiga
6.8
4/17/2025UEFA Conference League
7.0

Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.

💰 Transfer History

8 transfers

Transfer Fee Progression

2024
€0.50M
DateFromToFee
1/1/2024LudogoretsNK Celje500k €
12/31/2023NK CeljeLudogorets-
1/1/2023LudogoretsNK Celje-
1/15/2022NŠ MuraLudogoretsUnknown
7/26/2017NK Maribor BNŠ MuraFree
7/1/2017NK MariborNŠ Mura-
7/1/2015RadljeNK Maribor BUnknown
7/1/2013NK DravogradRadljeFree

📅 Career Progression & Journey

Žan Karničnik's professional football journey began at NK Dravograd, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Žan Karničnik developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

The career path of Žan Karničnik has taken them through 5 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer. The most significant transfer came when Žan Karničnik moved from Ludogorets to NK Celje for €0.5M, marking a pivotal moment in their career trajectory.

Currently, Žan Karničnik represents NK Celje, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2024, Žan Karničnik continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Žan Karničnik into the player they are today.

📈 Performance Analysis & Context

When evaluating Žan Karničnik's performance in context, their average rating of 6.90 positions them among solid contributors to their team. Averaging 84 minutes per appearance indicates regular starting status and coach confidence. For a defender at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Žan Karničnik's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

🔗 Related Content & Categories

Explore more content related to Žan Karničnik, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

NK Celje(Current club)SI footballers(Players from SI)Top defenders(Best players in this position)Ludogorets(Former club)NK Celje(Former club)Ludogorets(Former club)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Žan Karničnik

What position does Žan Karničnik play?▼
Žan Karničnik is a professional defender who currently plays for NK Celje. As a defender, Žan Karničnik is primarily responsible for defensive duties, aerial challenges, and building play from the back.
How old is Žan Karničnik?▼
Žan Karničnik is 31 years old, born on September 18, 1994. At 31, Žan Karničnik is an experienced veteran bringing valuable leadership to their team.
What team does Žan Karničnik play for in 2026?▼
Žan Karničnik currently plays for NK Celje. They joined the club in 2024.
How tall is Žan Karničnik?▼
Žan Karničnik stands at 178cm (5'10") tall. This height is requires compensation through positioning for a defender.
What is Žan Karničnik's market value in 2026?▼
Žan Karničnik's current estimated transfer market value is €825K according to professional football valuation metrics. Market values fluctuate based on form, age, and contract situation.
What nationality is Žan Karničnik?▼
Žan Karničnik is a SI footballer. They represent the SI national team with 44 international caps.
What are Žan Karničnik's career statistics?▼
This season, Žan Karničnik has made 16 appearances, scored 0 goals, and provided 0 assists. Their average match rating is 6.90.
Where did Žan Karničnik start their career?▼
Žan Karničnik's professional career began at NK Dravograd. Since then, they have made 8 career moves across various clubs.
What is Žan Karničnik's preferred foot?▼
Žan Karničnik is predominantly right-footed. This conventional preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
What are Žan Karničnik's main strengths as a player?▼
Žan Karničnik's primary strengths include stamina. These attributes make them particularly effective in various scenarios.
How many international caps does Žan Karničnik have?▼
Žan Karničnik has earned 44 international caps for Slovenia, scoring 2 goals at international level. Their international debut came in 2021.
What was Žan Karničnik's highest transfer fee?▼
Žan Karničnik's highest recorded transfer fee was €0.5M when moving from Ludogorets to NK Celje.
What is Žan Karničnik's current form like?▼
Based on their average rating of 6.90 this season, Žan Karničnik's current form can be described as consistent. in 16 appearances.
What shirt number does Žan Karničnik wear?▼
Žan Karničnik wears the number 23 shirt for NK Celje. A squad number reflecting their role within the team.
What is Žan Karničnik's playing style?▼
As a defender, Žan Karničnik brings stamina to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a dl or dr.
K

✓ KickAI Analysis Team

Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

📅 Last Updated:

Verify data from official sources:

📊 SofaScore💰 Transfermarkt📚 Wikipedia

📋 Quick Facts

Full Name
Žan Karničnik
Nationality
SI
Age
31 years
Height
178 cm
Position
Defender
Foot
Right
Shirt
#23

📅 Season Stats

0
Goals
0
Assists
16
Apps
6.90
Rating

🔗 Explore