Kyle Benedictus

Kyle Benedictus (born 7 December 1991) is a Scottish footballer and coach who plays as a centre back for side Dunfermline Athletic, while also serving as a development coach for the club.

He started his career with Douglas Lads, then moving to Lincraig Boys Club from where he joined Dundee, and had loan spells at Montrose in 2011 and Alloa Athletic in the 2014–15 season. He would then have a lengthy stint with Raith Rovers, during which he would captain the side.

Career Dundee-born Benedictus made his début for Dundee on 1 November 2008 against Airdrie United at Dens Park, playing the full match. He later signed a contract extension after breaking into the first team.

On 28 January 2011 he joined Montrose on loan for a month.

On 1 September 2014, Benedictus signed for Scottish Championship club Alloa Athletic on a season-long loan deal. At the end of the season Alloa finished second bottom of the 2014–15 Scottish Championship meaning they faced play-offs to avoid relegation. Having not scored all season Benedictus scored twice in the play-offs and Alloa survived.

On 10 June 2015, it was confirmed that Benedictus had signed for Raith Rovers. During his lengthy 7-year stint in Kirkcaldy, Benedictus would quickly be named the club captain in his first season, experience a shock relegation to the Scottish League One in 2017, see a return to the Championship after winning the League One title in 2020, lead a strong push to the Premiership play-offs the following season, and winning two Scottish Challenge Cup titles.

On 6 June 2022, Benedictus would sign a two-year deal with Raith's Fife rivals and Scottish League One side Dunfermline Athletic. Benedictus scored his first goal for the Pars from the penalty spot in September, against league rivals Falkirk. On 15 April 2023, after an exemplary season as club captain, Benedictus led Dunfermline to the Scottish League One title which was confirmed after a 5-0 rout of Queen of the South.

On 18 June 2026, Benedictus signed a new contract extension with Dunfermline which would keep him as a registered player, but this would become a secondary role to his new title of development coach.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals Apps!!Goals Apps!!Goals Apps!!Goals Apps!!Goals

2008–09

2009–10

2010–11

2011–12

Premier League

2013–14 Championship

Premiership

84!!2!!3!!0!!4!!0!!3!!0!!94!!2 Montrose (loan)

2015–16

2016–17

2017–18

2018–19

2019–20

2021–22

League One

2024–25

17 0 1 0 4 0 1 Raith Rovers Scottish League One: 2019–20 Scottish Challenge Cup (2): 2019–20, 2021–22 Dunfermline Athletic

Scottish League One: 2022–23

Individual November 2008 – Young Player of the Month PFA Scotland Team of the Year (Scottish League One): 2022–23