Filip Benković

Filip Benković (born 13 July 1997) is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Chinese Super League club Shenzhen Peng City.

Early life Benković was born in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and joined the Dinamo Zagreb academy in 2008.

Club career Dinamo Zagreb 2015–16 season On 19 July 2015, Benković made his debut for the club in a 1–1 draw with Osijek. On 22 July, Benković made his European debut in a 3–0 win over Fola Esch in the second leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League; playing twelve minutes after coming off the bench as a substitute in the 78th minute. He went on to make a total of 18 competitive appearances for the club in the 2015–16 season.

2016–17 season On 29 July 2016, in the league match against Slaven Belupo, after Dinamo went 0–1 in the 92nd minute, Benković scored a last-minute equalizing goal in the 94th minute, to make it 1–1. On 10 August, Benković played the full 90 minutes in a 4–0 away win over Hajduk Split. On 23 September, Benković scored the winning goal in a 1–0 win over Lokomotiva. In the mid-phase of the 2016–17 season, Benković was reportedly suffering from injury which would force him to miss the majority of the season.

2017–18 season On 15 July 2017, Benković scored in a 2–0 win over Istra 1961. On 9 September, Benković scored in a 3–2 win over Rudeš. On 21 October, Benković scored in a 2–2 draw with Hajduk Split. On 4 May 2018, Benković scored a last-minute equalizing goal in a 2–2 draw with Slaven Belupo. On 23 May, Benković came on as a 90th minute substitute in the Croatian Cup Final, as Dinamo won 1–0.

Leicester City On 9 August 2018, Leicester City confirmed via their official website that Benković signed for the club on a five-year contract, for a fee in the region of £13m. He left the club after mutually agreeing to cancel the remaining term of his contract on 12 January 2022.

Loan to Celtic On 31 August 2018, Benković joined Celtic on a season-long loan deal. On 14 September 2018, Benković made his debut in a 0–0 draw with St Mirren, playing 60 minutes. Benković scored his first goal for Celtic in a 5–0 victory over Heart of Midlothian on 3 November 2018.

Loan to Bristol City Benković signed for Bristol City until the end of the season on 31 January 2020. He scored his first goal for Bristol City in a 3–2 win over Derby County on 12 February 2020.

Loan to Cardiff City In October 2020, Benković joined Cardiff City on a one-year loan. On 6 January 2021, Benković was recalled by his parent club Leicester City, having only played one game for Cardiff City.

Loan to OH Leuven Just a few days after being recalled from Cardiff City, Benković was announced by Oud-Heverlee Leuven, arriving on loan from Leicester City until the end of the season.

Udinese Following his release from Leicester City the previous day, Benković was confirmed as a new signing for Udinese on 13 January 2022.

Loan to Eintracht Braunschweig On 1 September 2022, Benković moved on loan to Eintracht Braunschweig in Germany.

Loan to Trabzonspor On 10 July 2023, Benković was loaned to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Release by Udinese On 30 August 2024, his contract with Udinese was terminated by mutual consent.

International career Benković made his Croatia debut on 11 June 2019 in a friendly 2–1 loss to Tunisia, as a starter.

Career statistics

Honours Dinamo Zagreb Prva HNL: 2015–16, 2017–18 Croatian Cup: 2015–16, 2017–18

Celtic Scottish Premiership: 2018–19 Scottish Cup: 2018–19 Scottish League Cup: 2018–19

Leicester City FA Community Shield: 2021