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Young hopefuls – Nik Belovič (Brinje Grosuplje): Why football? Because of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar!

Published on 23. March 2024 23. March 2024

Photo: NK Brinje Grosuplje

Although the perennial critics continue to lash out at Slovenian football without real arguments, the results tell a completely different story. Perhaps we will never be like the English, Italians, Spaniards, Germans, and others, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be good. The fact that Slovenian football is currently experiencing a very positive period holds true.

The senior national team has qualified for the European Championship, the young national team leads in its qualifying group, the youth team is in the decisive round for a breakthrough to the European competition, the same goes for the cadets who played alongside the best European national teams last year. And we could go on. There is no need to fear for the future of football in our country, and what is especially encouraging is the fact that more and more high-quality footballers are being raised in various environments. Many clubs have realized that working with young players is the only right path in a country like Slovenia.

That they are not only doing well with young players in traditional and the biggest football centers in our country is evidenced by the fact that Ilirija won the youth championship title last year, and this year the honor is also being contested by NK Brinje Grosuplje. Our guest in the “Young Talents” section is somehow connected with both clubs. Nik Belovič comes from Domžale, but until recently, he played in the jersey of Ilirija, and since the winter transfer window, he has been earning his bread in Dolenjska.

Nik Belovič: Senior debut at 15 years and 212 days

The barely 15-year-old attacking midfielder signed for NK Brinje Grosuplje at the beginning of this year, and immediately made his debut in the senior team. It was in February when Nik Belovič also played for NK Brinje Grosuplje in a friendly match against Domžale, making his senior debut in an unofficial match at just 15 years and 212 days old. Interestingly, he achieved this against his former club; as mentioned, the boy born in 2008, who shows promise, comes from the “richest” Slovenian municipality, so it is logical that he took his first football steps with the “yellow” family.

His decision to join NK Brinje Grosuplje in winter is undoubtedly recognition to the latter that they are doing well with young players, and Nik Belovič will, of course, have the opportunity to quickly draw attention to himself in a new environment, where it is most important – on the senior stage. For now, he primarily plays among the cadets, in the U17 league, he scored a total of 9 goals in 26 matches, but he is also not unfamiliar with the junior Eon NextGen league (4 matches). However, Nik Belovič is a promising boy, and such players certainly find their place on our website. What did the promising footballer say as the guest of this edition of the Young Talents section? Read on!

1. Where and when did you start playing football?

I started playing football in the first grade of elementary school, and in the second grade, my career began at NK Domžale.

2. Who inspired you to play football and who has had the most influence on you in football?

I was inspired by the former Barcelona team and their famous attacking trio MSN. When I watched their matches and videos, I also tried to imitate the things I saw. I also looked up to Xavi and Iniesta; I was always impressed by their play in tight spaces.

3. What do you like most about football?

What I like most about football is that there are always good and bad moments. Every match has positive and negative aspects. No one is perfect; everyone can improve. Despite everything, you meet many new people, friends, and create unforgettable memories.

4. Your favorite football moment so far?

My favorite football moment so far was definitely my debut for the senior team of NK Brinje Grosuplje.

5. Why do you think football is the best sport in the world?

Football is the best sport because it’s different from others, it’s the most-watched sport worldwide, the competition is endless, and people live for this sport. Everyone dreams that maybe one day they’ll succeed. I don’t think other sports offer that.

6. Who is your football idol – domestic and foreign?

My foreign football idol has always been Lionel Messi, and in Slovenian football, I look up to Benjamin Šeško.

7. Who is your biggest and toughest opponent and why?

My biggest and toughest opponent was the senior team of the Ukrainian Premier League club Rukh Lviv, against which I recently played in Čatež. It’s tough because the senior level of play and physical fitness are on a significantly higher level, and at 15 years old, I’m competing with opponents more than 10 years older.

8. What do you think is the most important quality of a successful footballer?

We all know that without talent, will, and hard work, you won’t get anywhere. However, despite that, I think the most important thing is to remain “normal” or grounded and always continue with the right motivation.

9. What is the hardest part of achieving your football dreams?

The hardest part is sacrifice, which is crucial in football. Sometimes it’s tough when friends go out, but you have to stay home because you have a match the next day. Waking up early for morning training isn’t always easy either, not to mention the hard work put into it. But in the end, I love playing football the most, and all of this is worth it, and I enjoy it all.

10. How do you deal with disappointment after losses?

Losses are not pleasant. After a lost match, I try to forget about the negative result as soon as possible and maybe find some positive aspect or learn something from it. I also review and analyze my game after every match.

11. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself in professional football. I hope I can say that I’ll be playing in one of the top 5 leagues in the world.

12. For which of your teammates (current and former) are you convinced will succeed in football and why?

I played with many individuals with great potential, but it’s still too early to be convinced of anything. Many things have to align on your football journey to succeed, which isn’t guaranteed for anyone. So, I can’t answer that question, but I can wish them luck and hope that they might succeed.