Branko Ilić

2.1. Early Career

Ilić began his football journey in his hometown, joining the youth academy of NK Olimpija Ljubljana. He progressed through the ranks and made his senior debut for the club in 2003 against FC Koper. However, due to significant financial difficulties that led to Olimpija's bankruptcy, Ilić moved to NK Domžale in January 2005. Earlier in his career, he also had a loan spell at Grosuplje.

2.2. European Stints

Ilić's career saw him play for several clubs across Europe, gaining experience in some of the continent's top leagues.

In January 2007, Ilić was loaned to Real Betis in Spain, becoming the first Slovenian player to represent the club. His official debut for Betis came in a Copa del Rey quarter-final match against city rivals Sevilla FC. On 4 February, he made his La Liga debut in a 2-1 away victory against Athletic Bilbao, where he provided an assist for Robert's goal. Following a positive loan spell during the second half of the 2006-07 season, Real Betis completed his permanent transfer for 1.50 M EUR in the summer of 2007. However, his playing time decreased significantly in the 2008-09 season after the signing of Nélson from S.L. Benfica. He only featured in three matches that season, which ultimately ended in Betis's relegation to the Segunda División. Ilić was released by Betis in late January 2010.

On 6 September 2009, while still contracted to Betis, Ilić joined FC Moscow in Russia on a one-year loan. In late January 2010, he was released by Betis, immediately signing with another Moscow-based team, FC Lokomotiv. On 13 August 2010, Ilić was reported to be on trial in England with Premier League's Blackpool, but no contract materialized. His contract with Lokomotiv was mutually terminated on 14 February 2012. Ilić expressed a desire to remain in Russia but was unable to find another club there. In late June 2012, he signed a two-year contract with Anorthosis Famagusta FC in the Cypriot First Division, where he played for one season.

On 5 June 2013, Ilić, along with teammate Jürgen Colin, signed a two-year deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C. from Israel. He then moved to Serbia, agreeing to a two-year deal with FK Partizan on 10 July 2014, fulfilling a long-held desire to play for the club. He wore the number 30 shirt for Partizan.

2.3. Asian and Scandinavian Chapters

Ilić's career also took him to Asia and Scandinavia, expanding his experience across different football cultures.

In the summer of 2015, Ilić moved to Kazakhstan, joining Kazakhstan Premier League champions FC Astana on 6 July. On 6 January 2016, he signed for Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan. Despite being part of the squad, he remained on the substitutes bench for a significant period after the season's opening. He made his first appearance for Urawa on 3 May in the sixth matchday of the AFC Champions League group stage against Pohang Steelers. Although he was initially registered with Urawa in early 2017, his registration was cancelled on 10 February of that year.

On 15 January 2019, Ilić signed with Vejle Boldklub in Denmark.

2.4. Return to Slovenia

Following his stint in Japan, Ilić returned to his homeland. On 5 February 2017, he rejoined NK Olimpija Ljubljana for his second spell with the club, where he remained for three years. His final club engagement was a second spell with NK Domžale.

4.1. Club

4.2. International