Jaka Bijol (born 5 February 1999) is a Slovenian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Italian club Udinese and the Slovenia national team. Initially a defensive midfielder, he switched to his current position in the 2021–22 season.
On 22 June 2018, CSKA Moscow announced the signing of Bijol on a five-year contract from Rudar Velenje. On 18 September 2020, Bijol was loaned out to Hannover 96 for one year.
On 14 July 2022, Bijol was signed by Serie A club Udinese on a five-year contract for a reported transfer fee of over €4 million. In November 2023, he suffered a foot injury and was sidelined for over two months.
On 13 October 2018, Bijol debuted with the Slovenia senior team in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League match against Norway, which Slovenia lost 1–0. He scored his first goal in a friendly match against Croatia on 26 March 2022, scoring a stoppage-time goal to secure a 1–1 draw. |