Jan Oblak Biography: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Jan Oblak is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world today. As the first-choice keeper for Spanish giants Atlético Madrid and the Slovenian national team, Oblak has established himself as an elite shot-stopper known for his reflexes, leadership, and ability to command his penalty area.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jan Oblak was born on January 7, 1993 in Škofja Loka, Slovenia. From an early age, Oblak displayed an aptitude for sports, particularly soccer and basketball. He began playing soccer for his local youth club before joining Olimpija Ljubljana’s academy at the age of 15.
Oblak rapidly progressed through the club’s youth ranks and signed his first professional contract with Olimpija at age 16. He made his professional debut during the 2009-10 season while still a teenager.
Breakout Years at Benfica
In 2010, Portuguese giants Benfica signed the 17-year-old Oblak to further his development. After initial loans to lower division clubs, Oblak became the backup to Artur Moraes.
The 2013-14 season proved to be Oblak’s breakout year. After Artur suffered an injury, manager Jorge Jesus gave Oblak the starting job. Oblak thrived under the pressure, keeping clean sheets in several crucial games down the stretch. His strong play helped Benfica win the treble of the Portuguese Liga, League Cup and Portuguese Cup.
Oblak’s breakout year sparked interest from elite clubs across Europe. In July 2014, Atlético Madrid activated the €16 million buyout clause in Oblak’s contract to sign him as the long-term replacement for Thibaut Courtois.
Oblak’s Career and Achievements at Atlético Madrid
Still only 21 years old when he joined Atlético, Oblak was thrust into the starting lineup immediately. His first seasons were marked by incredible shot-stopping ability but nervy moments controlling crosses. Over time, Oblak developed the complete package of tools to become arguably the world’s best goalkeeper today.
Individual and Team Honors
In his eight full seasons at Atlético Madrid so far, Oblak has won nearly every major honor possible:
- La Liga title: 2020-21
- Copa del Rey: 2012–13
- UEFA Europa League: 2017–18
- UEFA Super Cup: 2018
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2015–16
On an individual level, Oblak has won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper in La Liga an astonishing five times:
- 2015–16: 36 goals conceded in 38 games
- 2016–17: 29 goals conceded in 37 games
- 2017–18: 22 goals conceded in 37 games
- 2018–19: 27 goals conceded in 37 games
- 2020–21: 25 goals conceded in 38 games
To put those numbers in perspective, Oblak has posted a save percentage over 70% in each of the last five seasons — a mark only the most elite goalkeepers achieve.
Style of Play and Reputation
Standing 6’2″ tall, Oblak uses his frame and positional sense to command the penalty area. His cat-like reflexes and ability to react quickly allow him to produce stunning reaction saves.
Oblak’s technical ability and distribution help launch Atlético’s counterattacks. He has also become a louder communicator and leader, organizing his backline.
For his consistently world-class performances, Oblak is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers of his generation. His trophy cabinet and statistical dominance force comparisons to icons like Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon.
Net Worth, Salary and Endorsements
According to multiple reports, Jan Oblak’s current net worth stands at an estimated $12 million as of 2023. However, at just 30 years old, Oblak’s net worth figure could rise substantially in the coming years.
Contracts and Salary
In 2019, Oblak signed a contract extension with Atlético Madrid through 2023 worth a reported $12.3 million per year in salary. This deal makes Oblak one of the highest-paid goalkeepers in soccer.
If Oblak signs another extension or moves to a new club, he would likely command an even higher salary. Wealth-tracking website Celebrity Net Worth estimates Oblak’s career earnings so far around $50 million total.
Endorsement Deals
As his profile has grown over the years, Oblak has signed several lucrative endorsement deals as well. His portfolio includes deals with companies like Adidas, EA Sports and Mastercard. Conservative estimates place Oblak’s endorsement earnings at $1-3 million per year.
As Oblak continues performing at an elite level into his 30s, his endorsement potential should only increase. Iconic goalkeepers like Buffon and Casillas earned dozens of sponsorship deals over the course of their careers.
Personal Life and Relationships
While intensely focused on his football career, Jan Oblak does find time to enjoy life outside the game as well. He has maintained a long-term relationship with girlfriend Teja Oblak for over five years.
Family and Relationships
Oblak was born to Matjaž Oblak and Sonja Oblak in Slovenia. He has an older sister named Teja Oblak. His uncle is former Slovenian national team goalkeeper Matjaž Oblak.
Since 2017, Oblak has been in a relationship with Teja Došler. The couple had their first child together, a son named Mak, in August 2022. They currently reside together in Madrid.
Charity Work
Oblak has participated in various charitable campaigns over the years. He took part in Common Goal, an initiative encouraging soccer stars to pledge 1% of their salaries to soccer charities. Oblak also auctioned off signed memorabilia to support UNICEF.
Going forward, look for the veteran keeper to increase his community outreach and philanthropic efforts, following the lead of former players like Buffon. Still in his prime, Oblak hopes to serve as a role model for the next generation.
Jan Oblak’s Outlook Moving Forward
Even at 30 years old, Jan Oblak remains one of the working best goalkeepers in the game. While signed at Atlético Madrid through 2023, transfer rumors continue to swirl around Oblak.
Potential Transfer Speculation
As Oblak approaches the final year of his Atlético contract, speculation about the superstar goalkeeper’s next move runs rampant. If he opts to leave Atlético, mega-rich clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United would likely court Oblak.
With Thibaut Courtois hitting his 30s, Real Madrid has emerged as a rumored potential suitor as well. Oblak could easily net a world-record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, surpassing the $100 million mark.
Of course, Atlético hopes to extend Oblak’s deal to retain him long-term as the team’s anchor. Much will depend on whether Oblak wants a new challenge elsewhere.
2026 World Cup Ambitions
On the international stage, Oblak’s primary ambition remains competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Along with stars like Kevin Kampl, Oblak hopes to lead Slovenia through qualifying and into the tournament.
Now Slovenia’s captain and leader, Oblak should earn his 100th cap in the years ahead if healthy. He has publicly stated his intention to backstop Slovenia for the remainder of his career. First Oblak will aim to help his nation qualify for Euro 2024 as well.
Conclusion
Jan Oblak’s incredible journey — from youth prospect at Olimpija Ljubljana to generational talent at Atlético Madrid — makes him one of soccer’s best rags-to-riches stories. Already La Liga’s greatest goalkeeper ever statistically, Oblak burnishes his legacy with each passing clean sheet.
Off the pitch, Oblak has grown into a quiet leader focused on excelling with Atlético and Slovenia. While questions surround what his next move may be, Oblak feels settled continuing his prime years in Madrid challenging for major trophies. Regardless of where Oblak winds up, his next contract will place him firmly among the richest keepers ever.
Oblak has already achieved fantastic success, but much still lies ahead over the next decade. Motivated by team glory and his nation’s dreams, expect Jan Oblak to remain focused on cementing his iconic status in football history. No other current goalkeeper can match Oblak’s numbers and trophy case — a true sign his career will be long remembered.
FAQs About Jan Oblak
What is Jan Oblak’s current 2023 net worth?
According to industry estimates, Jan Oblak’s net worth sits around $12 million as of 2023. At only 30 years old still in his prime, Oblak’s net worth continues rising quickly.
Is Jan Oblak married?
No, as of 2023 Jan Oblak is not currently married. However, he has maintained a long-term relationship with girlfriend Teja Došler since 2017. They had their first child together, a son named Mak, in August 2022.
