ON
← Back to feed
I haven't said the last word yet, Benjamin Verbich said on his return.
Slovenia⚽ Sports4 days ago

I haven't said the last word yet, Benjamin Verbich said on his return.

NK Celje has officially confirmed the return of former Slovenian international Benjamin Verbič, who has signed a four-year contract with the club until June 30, 2030. Verbič expressed his joy at returning to the club where he began his football career, praising the new owners and the progress made under their leadership. He emphasized that he still has much to contribute and highlighted the significance of playing for Slovenia’s national team, particularly the achievement of qualifying for the European Championship. Verbič, who has played for several clubs including Copenhagen, Dynamo Kyiv, and Panathinaikos, brings extensive experience in European competitions. Despite losing some key players during the summer transfer window, Celje has strengthened their squad with new signings.

Benjamin Verbič has officially returned to NK Celje after an 11-year absence, signing a four-year contract with the club until June 30, 2030. The 32-year-old right winger, who once played for Slovenia’s national team, expressed his excitement about returning to the club where he began his professional career. “It's best to return to where you started your football journey,” Verbič said during a press conference. “I have often promised that if I ever come back, it will be to Celje. And I have fulfilled that promise.” He reflected on how the club had changed over the years, crediting new owners and supporters for elevating Celje to European standards. “I am an experienced player, but I have never said my final word. That’s why we signed a slightly longer contract.” Verbič, who made 65 appearances for the Slovenian national team, was a standout performer during his early years at Celje, playing for the youth and senior teams from 2011 to 2015. During those seasons, he scored 26 goals and provided 16 assists, earning him the title of top player in the league. In 2015, he moved to Copenhagen for around one million euros, spending two-and-a-half seasons there and winning double titles twice. In 2018, he joined Dynamo Kyiv, where he appeared in 121 matches, scoring 37 goals and providing 12 assists, while adding five trophies, national championship, two cup wins, and two Super Cup victories. His most recent stint was with Greek clubs Panathinaikos and Levadiakos before his return to Celje. Verbič has accumulated extensive experience in European competitions, participating in 14 matches in the Champions League and 18 in the Europa League. His return comes at a crucial time for Celje, which has remained the sole Slovenian representative in European competitions following the rapid decline of Kopran, Brava, and Aluminija. With a third-round qualification success in the Champions League qualifiers, Celje secured participation in the group stage of the Conference League, marking another European campaign. Despite losing several key players such as Žan Karničnik, Juanjo Nieto, and Nikita Josifov this summer, the club has strengthened its squad with additions including Matic Ivanšek, Veton Tusha, Žiga Frelih, Leonardo Koutas, Pijus Širvys, Yaya Dukuly, and Alpha Diounkou. The club’s president, Valerij Kolotilo, praised Verbič’s return, calling him one of the greatest players in the club’s history. “We’ve been looking forward to his return for a long time,” Kolotilo stated. “He’s a world-class player, and I don’t think anyone can dispute that.” He emphasized that Verbič’s professionalism and dedication would benefit the team significantly. “Benjamin isn’t someone who just plays with one foot on the pitch and the other in the bar, he’s fully committed to his profession,” Kolotilo added. Verbič himself downplayed comparisons to legends, stating, “Legends are discussed years after their careers end. I’m an experienced player, but I haven’t said my final word. That’s why we signed a slightly longer contract.” He also highlighted the significance of representing Slovenia at the Euros, saying that no achievement in his career could match the importance of qualifying for the tournament with the national team. “Every goal I’ve scored means a lot, but nothing compares to the one I’d score for Celje. It’s the same as the pride of being part of the national team at the Euros,” he said. In addition to Verbič’s return, Celje has also confirmed the loan move of Florjan Jevšenak to Mura. The 28-year-old midfielder, who previously played for Celje, has joined Mura on loan until the end of the season. Jevšenak, who made 33 appearances for Celje in the previous season, expressed confidence in his new team. “Everything went very quickly, and the decision wasn’t difficult,” he said. “When the opportunity arose to join Mura, I didn’t hesitate. I heard great things about the club, the coach, and the teammates. In the first two games, Mura looked really good, and I believe we’ll continue in this rhythm. I expect a big crowd in Lendava, and I know the club has massive support and meaning to this environment.” As the 2026/27 season begins, Celje faces off against Maribor in the Styrian derby at the Zdježele stadium. The match, which took place on July 31, saw Maribor take an early lead through a goal by Žiga Repas. Despite efforts from both sides, the game ended with a 1-0 victory for Maribor. Verbič, however, is expected to make an impact in future matches as the club looks to build on its European ambitions and strengthen its position in domestic competition.

Go to the primary sources (3)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

10 reports

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 886 days ago
Confirmed, the whole of the Styrian Derby was captured by Benjamin Verbich.

The Slovenian football club Celje has officially confirmed the return of Benjamin Verbič, a former national team player. Verbič, who previously played for Celje until 2015, has signed a four-year contract with the club until June 30, 2030. He expressed his excitement about returning to the club where he began his football journey, praising the new owners and the efforts that brought the club to European level. Verbič, who has represented Slovenia in 65 matches, had previously played for clubs such as Copenhagen, Dynamo Kyiv, and Panathinaikos, winning multiple titles. His return comes after Celje secured a place in the Conference League, marking their third consecutive European campaign. The club has also strengthened its squad with several new signings.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports-related event involving a football club and player, which is considered apolitical. There is no indication of political bias or framing in the content.

Why factuality (95): The article provides detailed information about Benjamin Verbič joining Celje, including the contract duration, quotes from Verbič, and his career history. It aligns closely with the cross-source consensus. Minor discrepancies include the mention of 'štajerskim derbijem' which may imply an upcoming

Why objectivity (88): The tone is positive and celebratory, focusing on Verbič's return and achievements. While it presents facts neutrally, there is some emotional language around his return to Celje, which slightly reduces objectivity.

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 886 days ago
The Slovenian representative signed for Celje

Slovenski nogometni reprezentant Benjamin Verbič je uradno potrdil prihod v nogometni klub Celje, kjer bo igral do 30. junija 2030. Verbič, ki je zbral 65 nastopov za slovensko reprezentanco, je v svoji karieri že igral za večje ekipa, vključno s Koebenhavnom, Dinamom Kijev in Panathinaikosom. Njegovo vračanje v Celje je ocenjal kot 'vratio se tja, kjer si začel nogometno pot', in poudarjal pomembnost uvrstitve v slovensko reprezentanco na evropsko prvenstvo. Klub Celje je po izpadu nekaterih ključnih igralcev kot so Žan Karničnik in Juanjo Nieto okrepil svojo ekipo z novimi igralci.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports-related event involving a football player returning to his former club. There is no indication of political bias or ideological framing. The content focuses solely on the professional career and contractual details of the player, without any commentary on political or

Why factuality (95): Similar to Article 0, this article confirms Verbič's return to Celje with a four-year contract. It includes direct quotes and career stats. The content matches the cross-source consensus. The only difference is the source attribution, which does not affect factual accuracy.

Why objectivity (88): The article maintains a similar tone to Article 0, emphasizing the significance of Verbič's return. There is a slight bias towards celebrating his return, though it remains within acceptable bounds for sports journalism.

Siol.net logoSiol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 886 days ago
Benjamin Verbich also officially in Celje, Jevshenka to the Wall

Slovenski nogometni klub Celje je uradno potrdil prihod igralca Benjamina Verbiča, ki je podpisal štiriletno pogodbo do junija 2030. Verbič, ki je zbral 65 nastopov za slovensko reprezentanco, se vrnil v Celje, kjer je začel svojo nogometno pot. Klub je tudi posodil vezista Florjana Jevšenaka, ki je prišel v Muro. Verbič je izrazil radost zaradi vračanja v Celje in ocenil, da je njegova kariera nekaj posebnega pomenila, vendar ni lahko primerjati z uvrstitvijo v reprezentanco na evropsko prvenstvo. Jevšenak je v Muro prišel po hitrom odločitvi, ker je menil, da je klub, trener in soigralci dobra izbira.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses sports-related content, specifically football transfers and club activities, which are considered apolitical. There is no indication of political bias or framing related to government, politics, or public policy. The focus remains on athletic performance, club strategies, and转会

Why factuality (95): This article also reports on Verbič's return to Celje, confirming the four-year contract and providing career highlights. It aligns with the other sources and offers additional context about his international experience. No major factual inconsistencies are present.

Why objectivity (88): The tone is largely neutral, but there is a focus on the importance of Verbič's return to Celje, which can be seen as slightly biased toward the club's perspective. However, this is typical in sports coverage.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 886 days ago
Benjamin Verbich is also officially back in the saddle

Benjamin Verbič, 32-letni slovenski nogometni igralec, je po 11 letih zunaj domače zadebe vrnjen v Celje, kjer je začel svojo uspešno kariero. Klub mu je ponudil štiriletno pogodbo. Verbič je za Slovensko reprezentanco zbral 65 nastopov in imel izrazito uspešno pot med 2013/14 in 2014/15, kjer je postal najboljši nogometaš lige. Po tem je igral za København, Dinamo Kijev, Legii Varšava in Panathinaikos v Grčiji, pri čemer je zbral več naslovov. Celje je osvojilo mesto v Evropski konferenčni ligi, kar pomeni evropsko jesen, in je okrepilo ekipo z novimi igralci.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports-related event involving a football player returning to his former club. There is no political controversy or ideological framing involved. The content focuses solely on athletic achievements, career moves, and team dynamics, which are non-political by nature.

Why factuality (95): Article 3 repeats the core facts from previous articles about Verbič's return to Celje. It includes quotes and career details, maintaining consistency with the cross-source consensus. The article is factually sound and aligned with other reports.

Why objectivity (88): While the content is factual, the article has a slightly more emotional tone when discussing Verbič's return, especially in the quote section. This adds a layer of subjectivity that is common in sports reporting.

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 806 days ago
"No trophy could compare to the one I would have won with the Whole".

Benjamin Verbič, 31-leti slovenski nogometaš, je po več kot desetletju vrnil svojo pot v nogometni klup Celje. Klub je uradno potrdil njegovo vračilo in objavil pogodbo, ki jo bo veljavno do 30. junija 2030. Verbič je izrazil radost zaradi vračila v domačo zemljo in ocenjal spremembe v klubu v zadnjih 11 letih. Njegov prejšnji klub, NK Celje, je menil, da je njegova lovorika v karieri manj pomembna kot uvrstitev v slovensko reprezentanco na evropsko prvenstvo. Verbič je imel uspešno kariero v različnih ekipah, medtem ko je bil v zadnjem času v Grčiji. Celje je po hitrom izpadu nekaterih ključnih igralcev obnovilo svojo ekipo z novimi igralci.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports-related content, specifically football player Benjamin Verbič returning to his former club Celje. As this is a sports story and not related to politics, government, or public policy, it has a political charge of 0. The framing of the article remains neutral, presenting

Why factuality (90): The article continues to highlight Verbič’s return and includes quotes from him, consistent with other reports. However, it also includes some incomplete sentences and lacks full contextualization of his career, making it slightly less thorough.

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains positive and celebratory, with a focus on Verbič’s personal statements and his significance to the club. This contributes to a less neutral tone than seen in other articles.

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 805 days ago
The big comeback and the big words:

Predsednik Celja Valerij Kolotilo je objavil, da je Benjamin Verbič, produkt celjske nogometne šole, novi igralec kluba. Verbič je igral za Celje med letoma 2011 in 2015 pred prestopom v København. Kolotilo je poudaril, da je Verbič najboljši igralec v Sloveniji in da bo svojo kakovost hitro dokazal na igrišču. Pogovor o njem je trajal več let, zdaj pa se je zgodilo. Verbič ne gre nazaj v kněžje mesto zato, da bi se sprostil, temveč da bi se potrudil za slovenske prvakove.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a sports-related event involving a football club and player, which is considered apolitical. The content focuses on the transfer of a player and does not involve political figures, policies, or contentious social issues. Therefore, the framing is neutral and balanced.

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about Benjamin Verbič's return to Celje, including quotes from the club president and his personal statements. These details are consistent with other sources and are well-supported. The article also discusses his career and impact on the team, which is fact

Why objectivity (80): The tone is informative and respectful, focusing on Verbič's professional achievements and his return to Celje. While there is some enthusiasm expressed, it does not detract from the objectivity of the report.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 756 days ago
I haven't said the last word yet, Benjamin Verbich said on his return.

NK Celje has officially confirmed the return of former Slovenian international Benjamin Verbič, who has signed a four-year contract with the club until June 30, 2030. Verbič expressed his joy at returning to the club where he began his football career, praising the new owners and the progress made under their leadership. He emphasized that he still has much to contribute and highlighted the significance of playing for Slovenia’s national team, particularly the achievement of qualifying for the European Championship. Verbič, who has played for several clubs including Copenhagen, Dynamo Kyiv, and Panathinaikos, brings extensive experience in European competitions. Despite losing some key players during the summer transfer window, Celje has strengthened their squad with new signings.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports-related content, specifically, the signing of a professional football player, and does not involve any political figures, policies, or contentious issues. The framing is neutral, focusing on the athlete's career and club developments without bias.

Why factuality (85): This article provides detailed information about Benjamin Verbič's return to Celje, including his contract terms and quotes from him. These details are consistent with other sources. The article also discusses his career history and impact on the national team, which is well-supported by available d

Why objectivity (75): The tone is informative and focuses on Verbič's personal statement and career highlights. While there is some emotional language around his return, it does not significantly skew the report.

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 806 days ago
'The best thing is to go back to where you started your football career'

Benjamin Verbič, 33-letni slovenski nogometaš, je podpisal štiriletno pogodbo z NK Celje, kjer se vrača tja, kjer je začel svojo nogometno pot. Verbič je leta 2015 zapustil Celje in igral za več klubov v Evropi, vključno z Dinamom Kijev, Legijo Varšava in Panathinaikos ter Levadiakos. Njegova vračanja v Celje je ocenjal kot pomembno za kakovost na krilnem položaju, kjer trenutno ni dovolj konkretnih izkušenj. Verbič je izrazil radost zaradi razvoja kluba in zahvalil novim lastnikom. Kljub priznanju kot legendi kluba je ostal skromen in poudaril, da še ni rekel zadnje besede. Verbič meni, da bo v prihodnosti spet oblekel dres reprezentance in da se bo magična meja za nastope v reprezentanci 70 prebila.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports and does not involve politically charged topics such as government, elections, or public policy. The content is purely about a football player's career move and his personal reflections, which are not influenced by political ideologies or partisan perspectives.

Why factuality (75): The article discusses the standings in the league after three rounds and mentions the competition between Celje and Maribor. It references other sources regarding the current form of teams and future prospects, which aligns with the cross-source consensus. Some predictions are made, but they are fra

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the discussion in a balanced manner, quoting different perspectives on who might be the favorite. It avoids taking a clear stance and keeps the focus on analysis rather than advocacy.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 70Objective 706 days ago
"Something beautiful when you go back to where you started"

Benjamin Verbič, 32-letni slovenski nogometni igralec, je po 11 letih zunaj domače zemlje vrnjen v Celje, svoj prvotni klub, kjer je začel uspešno kariero. Klub mu je ponudil štiriletno pogodbo, kar je pripravilo njegovo povratno pot. Verbič je imel večji udobje v zunanjih državah, kot so Danska, Ukrajina, Poljska in Grčija, kjer je igral za različne klube, vključno z København, Dinamom Kijev, Legijo Varšava in Panathinaikos. Celje je zdaj edini slovenski klub v evropskih tekmovanjih in si zagotovil udeležbo v Konferenčni ligi. Klub je novih igralcev dodal, medtem ko je izgubil nekaj ključnih igralcev.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports news regarding a football player returning to his former club, which does not involve political topics or contentious issues. The framing remains neutral, presenting facts about Verbič’s career and club developments without overt ideological slant.

Why factuality (70): This article focuses on Maribor's preparation for their game against Celje and mentions Verbič's potential return. It lacks specific details about Verbič's contract or return, making it less reliable as a source. It is more about the broader context of the derby rather than Verbič's situation.

Why objectivity (70): The article is more focused on Maribor and the derby, with less emphasis on Verbič. It doesn't provide enough information to assess objectivity regarding Verbič's return, but it remains neutral in its discussion of the teams.

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒CenterFactual 65Objective 704 days ago
The Count shakes the goal frame twice.

The article reports on a football match between Celje and Maribor, which ended in a 0-1 victory for Maribor. The goal was scored by Žiga Repas in the third minute. Key players such as Žan Karničnik and Claude Goncalves were highlighted for Maribor, while Benjamin Verbič returned to Celje after eleven years. The match took place at the Celje stadium, with referee Rade Obrenović. The article provides detailed lineups, player movements, and highlights key moments during the game.

Bias read (Center): The article is purely about a sports event and does not involve any politically charged topics. It focuses solely on the match outcome, player performances, and team strategies without any ideological or partisan framing.

Why factuality (65): The article reports on a football match between Celje and Maribor, providing details about player lineups, goals, and team strategies. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that the game ended in a draw. However, some specific details like the exact timing of events and player performances may n

Why objectivity (70): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the match outcome and player movements without overt bias. There is some emphasis on the significance of the match and the potential implications for both teams, but overall the reporting stays objective and avoids strong emotional language.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories