Žan Kolmanič Bio
Žan Kolmanič is a Slovenian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Major League Soccer club Austin. Born on 3 March 2000 in Murska Sobota, Slovenia, he has built his career across Slovenian football before making the move to North America. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, Kolmanič is recognized for his work along the left flank, where he combines defensive duties with attacking runs.
After progressing through the youth ranks in his home country, Kolmanič joined Maribor’s senior setup and eventually transitioned to Major League Soccer, where he has become a regular contributor. His career path from regional Slovenian football to one of North America’s top leagues reflects steady development and consistent performances at each level.
Early Life and Background
Žan Kolmanič was born on 3 March 2000 in Murska Sobota, a city in the Prekmurje region of northeastern Slovenia. The area is known for its strong football culture, and Kolmanič grew up surrounded by the sport. From a young age, he showed interest in playing football and began training with local youth clubs in the region.
His earliest football education came at Veržej and later Mura 05, two clubs that provided the foundation for his technical and tactical development. These formative years in Slovenian grassroots football allowed him to develop the skills and understanding required for a left-back, a position that demands both defensive awareness and the ability to contribute to attacking play.
Path to Soccer
Kolmanič’s development continued as he advanced through the youth systems in Slovenia, eventually catching the attention of NK Maribor, one of the country’s most successful football clubs. Joining Maribor represented a significant step up in his career, providing access to higher-level coaching, better facilities, and competition in the Slovenian top flight.
At Maribor, Kolmanič worked his way through the youth ranks and into the senior setup, where he gained valuable experience in competitive matches. His performances in Slovenia helped him attract interest from clubs abroad, and in March 2021, the opportunity arose to join Austin, a Major League Soccer expansion side preparing for its inaugural season.
Žan Kolmanič Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Žan Kolmanič began his senior career with Maribor in 2017, joining a club with a strong tradition in Slovenian football. During his time at Maribor, he developed as a left-back and gained experience in competitive domestic matches. The club provided him with a platform to refine his game and showcase his abilities on a consistent basis.
Over several seasons with Maribor, Kolmanič established himself as a reliable defender capable of contributing in both defensive and attacking phases. His performances in Slovenia drew the attention of scouts abroad, ultimately leading to a season-long loan move to Major League Soccer expansion club Austin in March 2021.
Major League Soccer Breakthrough (2021–Present)
In March 2021, Žan Kolmanič joined Major League Soccer expansion club Austin on a season-long loan from Maribor ahead of the 2021 season. The move to a new league and country presented a significant challenge, but Kolmanič adapted quickly to the demands of North American professional football.
During his first season with Austin, Kolmanič made 30 league appearances, demonstrating his durability and importance to the team. His consistent performances at left-back impressed the Austin coaching staff and front office, and in November 2021, the club exercised their loan option to acquire him on a permanent deal through 2024.
Since making his move permanent, Kolmanič has continued to feature regularly for Austin, contributing both defensively and in attacking transitions. His journey from a Slovenian youth academy to a regular starter in Major League Soccer represents a notable rise in his professional career.
Žan Kolmanič Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Žan Kolmanič’s family background is limited, with no widely available details about his parents or extended family. Born and raised in Murska Sobota, Slovenia, he grew up in a region with a strong football tradition, which likely influenced his early involvement in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
As Austin continues its development in Major League Soccer, Žan Kolmanič remains an important part of the squad heading into the 2025 season. Having established himself as a regular at left-back since his arrival in 2021, he is expected to continue providing defensive stability and width in attack for the Texas-based club.
Kolmanič’s familiarity with the league and the Austin system positions him well to contribute consistently throughout the season. His experience from making 30 league appearances in his debut campaign underscores his ability to handle the physical and tactical demands of Major League Soccer across a full season.
With his contract situation and role within the team, Kolmanič will look to build on his previous performances and help Austin achieve its competitive goals in 2025. His journey from Slovenian football to a key role in Major League Soccer continues to develop as he aims to reach new heights in his professional career.
