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{{short description|Australian footballer}}
{{short description|Australian soccer player (born 1992)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}}
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| name = Eli Babalj
| name = Eli Babalj
| image =
| image =
| fullname = Eli Babalj
| full_name = Eli Babalj
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|2|21|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|2|21|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Sarajevo]], SFR Yugoslavia
| birth_place = [[Sarajevo]], SFR Yugoslavia
| height = 195 cm
| height = 1.95 m
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]
| position = [[Forward (association football)|Striker]]
| currentclub =
| currentclub =
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| nationalgoals2 = 6
| nationalgoals2 = 6
| nationalyears3 = 2012
| nationalyears3 = 2012
| nationalteam3 = [[Australia national association football team|Australia]]
| nationalteam3 = [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]]
| nationalcaps3 = 2
| nationalcaps3 = 2
| nationalgoals3 = 2
| nationalgoals3 = 2
| club-update = 14 April 2022
| club-update = 14 April 2022
| manageryears1 = 2023–
| managerclubs1 = [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]] (Assistant)
}}
}}


'''Eli Babalj''' (born 21 February 1992) is an Australian [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Forward (association football)|striker]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Eli Babalj signs with Jets|url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/eli-babalj-signs-jets|website=a-league.com.au|access-date=12 October 2021}}</ref> Alongside [[Robert Cornthwaite (footballer)|Robert Cornthwaite]] and [[Sasa Ognenovski]], Babalj, at 1.95 m is the joint third tallest player to have represented the [[Australia national association football team]], behind [[Zeljko Kalac]] (2.02 m) and [[Harry Souttar]] (1.98 m).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smithies |first1=Tom |title=World Cup qualifiers: Harry Souttar poised to become second-tallest Socceroo in clash against Kuwait |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/socceroos/world-cup-qualifiers-harry-souttar-poised-to-become-secondtallest-socceroo-in-clash-against-kuwait/news-story/8291321553cca47e9ce84503a5034cb1 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref>
'''Eli Babalj''' (born 21 February 1992) is a [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Forward (association football)|striker]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Eli Babalj signs with Jets|url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/eli-babalj-signs-jets|website=a-league.com.au|access-date=12 October 2021|archive-date=12 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012052236/https://www.a-league.com.au/news/eli-babalj-signs-jets|url-status=live}}</ref> Born in Yugoslavia, he has represented Australia at international level. Alongside [[Robert Cornthwaite (footballer)|Robert Cornthwaite]] and [[Sasa Ognenovski]], Babalj, at 1.95 m is the joint third tallest player to have represented the [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia national association football team]], behind [[Zeljko Kalac]] (2.02 m) and [[Harry Souttar]] (1.98 m).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smithies |first1=Tom |title=World Cup qualifiers: Harry Souttar poised to become second-tallest Socceroo in clash against Kuwait |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/football/socceroos/world-cup-qualifiers-harry-souttar-poised-to-become-secondtallest-socceroo-in-clash-against-kuwait/news-story/8291321553cca47e9ce84503a5034cb1 |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=8 September 2019}}</ref>


==Club career==
==Club career==
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===Melbourne Heart===
===Melbourne Heart===
On 26 December it was announced that [[A-League]] expansion club [[Melbourne Heart]] had signed the then 17-year-old for their inaugural [[A-League 2010–11]] season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/giant-striker-babalj-has-plenty-of-heart/1713642.aspx |title=Giant striker Babalj has plenty of heart |date=26 December 2010 |work=Canberra Times|access-date=15 July 2010 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He made his debut for the club in a friendly against Geelong All Stars XI and also scored his first goal in that match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.melbourneheartfc.com.au/default.aspx?s=aleague_newsdisplay&id=33953 |title=Heart Overcome Energetic Eagles To Wrap Up Westpac Festival |date=18 June 2010 |publisher=Melbourne Heart FC |access-date=15 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220222743/http://www.melbourneheartfc.com.au/default.aspx?s=aleague_newsdisplay&id=33953 |archive-date=20 February 2011}}</ref> He also took part in the friendly against [[Everton FC]] in which Heart lost 2–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/everton-leads-melbourne-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225891801389|title=Melbourne Heart show plenty of ticker in 2–0 loss to Everton|date=14 July 2010|publisher=Herald Sun|access-date=15 July 2010}}</ref> He made his debut for [[Melbourne Heart]] in the opening round of the [[2010–11 A-League]] season against [[Central Coast Mariners]] at [[AAMI Park]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/central-coast-mariners-deny-melbourne-heart-house-warming-party/story-e6frg7mf-1225901863291|title=Central Coast Mariners deny Melbourne Heart house-warming party|date=6 August 2010|publisher=The Australian|access-date=6 August 2010|first=Stephen|last=Rielly}}</ref> During May 2012 it was announced that Serbian side [[Red Star Belgrade]] was scouting him.<ref>[http://www.kurir-info.rs/ilija-babalj-pred-marakanom-clanak-250816 Ilija Babalj pred Marakanom] at [[Kurir]], retrieved 30-5-2012 {{in lang|sr}}</ref>
On 26 December it was announced that [[A-League]] expansion club [[Melbourne Heart]] had signed the then 17-year-old for their inaugural [[A-League 2010–11]] season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/giant-striker-babalj-has-plenty-of-heart/1713642.aspx |title=Giant striker Babalj has plenty of heart |date=26 December 2010 |work=Canberra Times|access-date=15 July 2010 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He made his debut for the club in a friendly against Geelong All Stars XI and also scored his first goal in that match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.melbourneheartfc.com.au/default.aspx?s=aleague_newsdisplay&id=33953 |title=Heart Overcome Energetic Eagles To Wrap Up Westpac Festival |date=18 June 2010 |publisher=Melbourne Heart FC |access-date=15 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220222743/http://www.melbourneheartfc.com.au/default.aspx?s=aleague_newsdisplay&id=33953 |archive-date=20 February 2011}}</ref> He also took part in the friendly against [[Everton FC]] in which Heart lost 2–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/everton-leads-melbourne-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225891801389|title=Melbourne Heart show plenty of ticker in 2–0 loss to Everton|date=14 July 2010|publisher=Herald Sun|access-date=15 July 2010}}</ref> He made his debut for [[Melbourne Heart]] in the opening round of the [[2010–11 A-League]] season against [[Central Coast Mariners]] at [[AAMI Park]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/central-coast-mariners-deny-melbourne-heart-house-warming-party/story-e6frg7mf-1225901863291|title=Central Coast Mariners deny Melbourne Heart house-warming party|date=6 August 2010|publisher=The Australian|access-date=6 August 2010|first=Stephen|last=Rielly|archive-date=7 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007103710/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/central-coast-mariners-deny-melbourne-heart-house-warming-party/story-e6frg7mf-1225901863291|url-status=live}}</ref> During May 2012 it was announced that Serbian side [[Red Star Belgrade]] was scouting him.<ref>[http://www.kurir-info.rs/ilija-babalj-pred-marakanom-clanak-250816 Ilija Babalj pred Marakanom] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525233947/http://www.kurir-info.rs/ilija-babalj-pred-marakanom-clanak-250816 |date=25 May 2014 }} at [[Kurir]], retrieved 30-5-2012 {{in lang|sr}}</ref>


===Red Star Belgrade===
===Red Star Belgrade===
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====Loan to PEC Zwolle====
====Loan to PEC Zwolle====
On 2 February 2015, Babalj was sent on loan at [[PEC Zwolle]] for the rest of the season.<ref>[http://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/420218/pec-zwolle-strikt-bij-az-overbodige-aanvaller-komst-necid-uitgesloten.html PEC Zwolle strikt bij AZ overbodige aanvaller, komst Necid uitgesloten] (Dutch). Voetbalprimeur. 2 February 2015.</ref>
On 2 February 2015, Babalj was sent on loan at [[PEC Zwolle]] for the rest of the season.<ref>[http://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/420218/pec-zwolle-strikt-bij-az-overbodige-aanvaller-komst-necid-uitgesloten.html PEC Zwolle strikt bij AZ overbodige aanvaller, komst Necid uitgesloten] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203000934/http://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/420218/pec-zwolle-strikt-bij-az-overbodige-aanvaller-komst-necid-uitgesloten.html |date=3 February 2015 }} (Dutch). Voetbalprimeur. 2 February 2015.</ref>
Eli Babalj made his Eredivisie debut for PEC Zwolle at home to the Go Ahead Eagles on 15 February 2015 as a 70th-minute substitute for Maikel van der Werff.
Eli Babalj made his Eredivisie debut for PEC Zwolle at home to the Go Ahead Eagles on 15 February 2015 as a 70th-minute substitute for Maikel van der Werff.


====Loan to Adelaide United====
====Loan to Adelaide United====
On 24 July 2015, Alkmaar confirmed that they would allow Babalj to go out on [[loan (sports)|loan]] back to [[Australia]] to [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]] for the [[2015–16 A-League|2015–16 A-League season]]. This would be [[Guillermo Amor|Guillermo Amor's]] first signing for Adelaide as the new manager.<ref>{{cite news | title = Reds secure Babalj on season long loan | date = 26 July 2015 | publisher = Adelaide United FC | url = http://www.adelaideunited.com.au/article/reds-secure-babalj-on-season-long-loan/1a2u2276oi19q19a6wco8me3ig}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = AZ verhuurt Babalj aan Adelaide United | date = 24 July 2015 | publisher = AZ | url = http://www.az.nl/nieuws/az-verhuurt-babalj-aan-adelaide-united/1}}</ref> Babalj made his debut for Adelaide United as a substitute in the 2015 FFA Cup in [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] against [[Darwin Olympic SC|Darwin Olympic]]. He also scored his first goal to help Adelaide to a 6–1 win.
On 24 July 2015, Alkmaar confirmed that they would allow Babalj to go out on [[loan (sports)|loan]] back to [[Australia]] to [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]] for the [[2015–16 A-League|2015–16 A-League season]]. This would be [[Guillermo Amor|Guillermo Amor's]] first signing for Adelaide as the new manager.<ref>{{cite news | title = Reds secure Babalj on season long loan | date = 26 July 2015 | publisher = Adelaide United FC | url = http://www.adelaideunited.com.au/article/reds-secure-babalj-on-season-long-loan/1a2u2276oi19q19a6wco8me3ig | access-date = 26 July 2015 | archive-date = 5 February 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160205152806/http://www.adelaideunited.com.au/article/reds-secure-babalj-on-season-long-loan/1a2u2276oi19q19a6wco8me3ig | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = AZ verhuurt Babalj aan Adelaide United | date = 24 July 2015 | publisher = AZ | url = http://www.az.nl/nieuws/az-verhuurt-babalj-aan-adelaide-united/1 | access-date = 26 July 2015 | archive-date = 24 July 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150724211239/http://www.az.nl/nieuws/az-verhuurt-babalj-aan-adelaide-united/1 | url-status = live }}</ref> Babalj made his debut for Adelaide United as a substitute in the 2015 FFA Cup in [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] against [[Darwin Olympic SC|Darwin Olympic]]. He also scored his first goal to help Adelaide to a 6–1 win.


On 22 January 2016, Babalj ruptured his [[anterior cruciate ligament]] against [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]], ruling him out for the remainder of the A-League season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Injury blow: Reds striker suffers ruptured ACL|url=http://www.a-league.com.au/article/adelaide-united-striker-eli-babalj-suffers-ruptured-acl/1iksjycaut5so1qml5w7hegemw|access-date=31 January 2016}}</ref>
On 22 January 2016, Babalj ruptured his [[anterior cruciate ligament]] against [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]], ruling him out for the remainder of the A-League season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Injury blow: Reds striker suffers ruptured ACL|url=http://www.a-league.com.au/article/adelaide-united-striker-eli-babalj-suffers-ruptured-acl/1iksjycaut5so1qml5w7hegemw|access-date=31 January 2016|archive-date=14 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214205738/http://www.a-league.com.au/article/adelaide-united-striker-eli-babalj-suffers-ruptured-acl/1iksjycaut5so1qml5w7hegemw|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Adelaide United===
===Adelaide United===
On 7 February 2017, after training with [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]] since late January, Babalj joined Adelaide United once more until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/reds-sign-former-korean-international-450273|title=Reds sign former Korean international|newspaper=[[FourFourTwo]]|date=7 February 2017}}</ref>
On 7 February 2017, after training with [[Adelaide United FC|Adelaide United]] since late January, Babalj joined Adelaide United once more until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/reds-sign-former-korean-international-450273|title=Reds sign former Korean international|newspaper=[[FourFourTwo]]|date=7 February 2017|access-date=7 February 2017|archive-date=7 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207194416/http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/reds-sign-former-korean-international-450273|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Mladá Boleslav===
===Mladá Boleslav===
On 7 August 2017, Babalj signed with Czech club [[FK Mladá Boleslav|Mladá Boleslav]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/babalj-deal-done-could-debut-tonight-470301|title=Babalj deal done, could debut tonight|first=Ben|last=Somerford|newspaper=[[FourFourTwo]]|date=7 August 2017}}</ref>
On 7 August 2017, Babalj signed with Czech club [[FK Mladá Boleslav|Mladá Boleslav]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/babalj-deal-done-could-debut-tonight-470301|title=Babalj deal done, could debut tonight|first=Ben|last=Somerford|newspaper=[[FourFourTwo]]|date=7 August 2017|access-date=7 August 2017|archive-date=7 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807155745/https://www.fourfourtwo.com.au/news/babalj-deal-done-could-debut-tonight-470301|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== ATK ===
=== ATK ===
Babalj signed with [[Indian Super League]] club [[ATK (football club)|ATK]] for the [[2018–19 Indian Super League season|2018–19]] season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2018-19-mumbai-city-fc-atk-steve-coppell/1vrrho33kcpm21rjbeq5oscn4p|title=ISL 2018–19: Steve Coppell – ATK relishing the challenge to break down Mumbai City's defence {{!}} Goal.com|access-date=2018-11-28|language=en}}</ref> He made his first appearance on 28 November 2018 against [[FC Goa]], coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute. The match ended 0–0.
Babalj signed with [[Indian Super League]] club [[ATK (football club)|ATK]] for the [[2018–19 Indian Super League season|2018–19]] season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2018-19-mumbai-city-fc-atk-steve-coppell/1vrrho33kcpm21rjbeq5oscn4p|title=ISL 2018–19: Steve Coppell – ATK relishing the challenge to break down Mumbai City's defence {{!}} Goal.com|access-date=2018-11-28|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128212307/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-2018-19-mumbai-city-fc-atk-steve-coppell/1vrrho33kcpm21rjbeq5oscn4p|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his first appearance on 28 November 2018 against [[FC Goa]], coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute. The match ended 0–0.


===Newcastle Jets===
===Newcastle Jets===


On 12 October 2021, after stint's with [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]] and [[Chainat Hornbill F.C.|Chainat Hornbill]] Babalj returned to Australia and signed with [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]] for the [[2021-22 A-League Men]] season after a successful trial at the club.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/eli-babalj-signs-jets|title=Eli Babalj signs with Jets {{!}} A-League|access-date=2021-10-13|language=en}}</ref>
On 12 October 2021, after stint's with [[Brisbane Roar FC|Brisbane Roar]] and [[Chainat Hornbill F.C.|Chainat Hornbill]] Babalj returned to Australia and signed with [[Newcastle Jets FC|Newcastle Jets]] for the [[2021-22 A-League Men]] season after a successful trial at the club.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.a-league.com.au/news/eli-babalj-signs-jets|title=Eli Babalj signs with Jets {{!}} A-League|access-date=2021-10-13|language=en|archive-date=12 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012052236/https://www.a-league.com.au/news/eli-babalj-signs-jets|url-status=live}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
He has represented Australia at U-20 level during the [[2010 AFC U-19 Championship qualification]] for the [[2010 AFC U-19 Championship]]. He played in 4 qualification games, scoring 3 goals, against Singapore, and two against [[Chinese Taipei national under-20 football team|Chinese Taipei]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Asia/default.aspx?s=asia_news_feat_press_releases_item&id=30620 |title=Qantas Young Socceroos defeat Chinese Taipei |date=10 November 2009 |publisher=Football Federation Australia |access-date=6 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011063339/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Asia/default.aspx?s=asia_news_feat_press_releases_item&id=30620 |archive-date=11 October 2012}}</ref>
He has represented Australia at U-20 level during the [[2010 AFC U-19 Championship qualification]] for the [[2010 AFC U-19 Championship]]. He played in 4 qualification games, scoring 3 goals, against Singapore, and two against [[Chinese Taipei national under-20 football team|Chinese Taipei]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Asia/default.aspx?s=asia_news_feat_press_releases_item&id=30620 |title=Qantas Young Socceroos defeat Chinese Taipei |date=10 November 2009 |publisher=Football Federation Australia |access-date=6 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011063339/http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Asia/default.aspx?s=asia_news_feat_press_releases_item&id=30620 |archive-date=11 October 2012}}</ref>
Babalj also represented Australia at the [[AFF U-19 Youth Championship]]. He scored against [[Vietnam national under-20 football team|Vietnam]] and the winning goal in the final of the [[AFF U-19 Youth Championship]] against [[Thailand national under-20 football team|Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/173302,young-socceroos-clinch-aff-title.aspx|title=Young Socceroos Clinch AFF Title|date=31 July 2010|publisher=Four Four Two|access-date=6 August 2010}}</ref> He made his debut for [[Australia national football team|Australia's senior team]] on 14 November 2012 in a friendly against [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]].<ref>[http://www.zurnal.rs/2012/11/14/babalj-umalo-strelac-za-kengure-na-debiju/index.html] Zurnal (Serbian): Бабаљ умало стрелац за Кенгуре на дебију – 14 November 2012.</ref> Babalj was selected in the Socceroo's squad for the East Asian Cup qualification round. He started his first game for Australia against Guam in a 9–0 win, scoring a double before being substituted.<ref>[http://www.sportske.net/vest/domaci-fudbal/babalj-dva-puta-u-metu-106792.html Sportske (Serbian) – Babalj dva puta u metu...] 8 December 2012</ref>
Babalj also represented Australia at the [[AFF U-19 Youth Championship]]. He scored against [[Vietnam national under-20 football team|Vietnam]] and the winning goal in the final of the [[AFF U-19 Youth Championship]] against [[Thailand national under-20 football team|Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/173302,young-socceroos-clinch-aff-title.aspx|title=Young Socceroos Clinch AFF Title|date=31 July 2010|publisher=Four Four Two|access-date=6 August 2010|archive-date=5 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805094157/http://au.fourfourtwo.com/news/173302,young-socceroos-clinch-aff-title.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his debut for [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia's senior team]] on 14 November 2012 in a friendly against [[South Korea national football team|South Korea]].<ref>[http://www.zurnal.rs/2012/11/14/babalj-umalo-strelac-za-kengure-na-debiju/index.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118003901/http://www.zurnal.rs/2012/11/14/babalj-umalo-strelac-za-kengure-na-debiju/index.html |date=18 November 2012 }} Zurnal (Serbian): Бабаљ умало стрелац за Кенгуре на дебију – 14 November 2012.</ref> Babalj was selected in the Socceroos squad for the East Asian Cup qualification round. He started his first game for Australia against Guam in a 9–0 win, scoring a double before being substituted.<ref>[http://www.sportske.net/vest/domaci-fudbal/babalj-dva-puta-u-metu-106792.html Sportske (Serbian) – Babalj dva puta u metu...] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210234940/http://www.sportske.net/vest/domaci-fudbal/babalj-dva-puta-u-metu-106792.html |date=10 December 2012 }} 8 December 2012</ref>


===International goals===
===International goals===
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=== Country ===
=== Country ===


;[[Australia national football (soccer) team|Australia]]
;[[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]]
* [[AFC U-19 Championship]]: [[2010 AFC U-19 Championship|2010]] (Runners-Up)
* [[AFC U-19 Championship]]: [[2010 AFC U-19 Championship|2010]] (runners-up)
* [[AFF U-19 Youth Championship]]: [[2010 AFF U-19 Youth Championship|2010]]
* [[AFF U-19 Youth Championship]]: [[2010 AFF U-19 Youth Championship|2010]]


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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Footballers from Sarajevo]]
[[Category:Footballers from Sarajevo]]
[[Category:Australian soccer players]]
[[Category:Australian men's soccer players]]
[[Category:Australia international soccer players]]
[[Category:Australia men's international soccer players]]
[[Category:Association football forwards]]
[[Category:Men's association football forwards]]
[[Category:Melbourne City FC players]]
[[Category:Melbourne City FC players]]
[[Category:Red Star Belgrade footballers]]
[[Category:Red Star Belgrade footballers]]
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[[Category:ATK (football club) players]]
[[Category:ATK (football club) players]]
[[Category:Newcastle Jets FC players]]
[[Category:Newcastle Jets FC players]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Serbia]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Serbia]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in India]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in India]]
[[Category:Australian people of Bosnia and Herzegovina descent]]
[[Category:Australian people of Bosnia and Herzegovina descent]]
[[Category:Australian people of Serbian descent]]<!-- <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.smh.com.au/world-cup-2010/world-cup-news/australia-has-a-host-of-talent-waiting-in-wings-20100626-zazn.html | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=27 June 2010}}</ref> -->
[[Category:Australian people of Serbian descent]]<!-- <ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.smh.com.au/world-cup-2010/world-cup-news/australia-has-a-host-of-talent-waiting-in-wings-20100626-zazn.html | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=27 June 2010}}</ref> -->
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[[Category:Australian Institute of Sport soccer players]]
[[Category:Australian Institute of Sport soccer players]]
[[Category:Yugoslav Wars refugees]]
[[Category:Yugoslav Wars refugees]]
[[Category:Soccer players from Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in India]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Serbia]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate men's soccer players]]

Latest revision as of 14:29, 17 June 2024

Eli Babalj
Personal information
Full name Eli Babalj
Date of birth (1992-02-21) 21 February 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth Sarajevo, SFR Yugoslavia
Height 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
Position(s) Striker
Youth career
2007–2008 FW NTC
2008–2009 Perth Glory
2009–2010 AIS
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2010–2012 Melbourne Heart 35 (11)
2012–2013 Red Star Belgrade 6 (1)
2013 Melbourne Heart 9 (1)
2013–2016 AZ Alkmaar 0 (0)
2015 → PEC Zwolle (loan) 4 (0)
2015–2016 → Adelaide United (loan) 5 (0)
2017 Adelaide United 4 (0)
2017–2018 Mladá Boleslav 2 (0)
2018 ATK 3 (0)
2019 Brisbane Roar 4 (0)
2019 Chainat Hornbill 7 (1)
2021–2022 Newcastle Jets 10 (1)
International career
2007–2009 Australia U17 8 (2)
2009–2011 Australia U20 11 (6)
2012 Australia 2 (2)
Managerial career
2023– Newcastle Jets (Assistant)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14 April 2022

Eli Babalj (born 21 February 1992) is a footballer who plays as a striker.[1] Born in Yugoslavia, he has represented Australia at international level. Alongside Robert Cornthwaite and Sasa Ognenovski, Babalj, at 1.95 m is the joint third tallest player to have represented the Australia national association football team, behind Zeljko Kalac (2.02 m) and Harry Souttar (1.98 m).[2]

Club career

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Born in Sarajevo, SFR Yugoslavia, Babalj has spent the majority of his life in Australia and started off playing with Perth SC. In 2008, he was signed by Perth Glory for their Youth League team. However, he was signed by the AIS for the 2009–10 season in which the AIS came last, however Babalj managed to find the net 9 times.

Melbourne Heart

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On 26 December it was announced that A-League expansion club Melbourne Heart had signed the then 17-year-old for their inaugural A-League 2010–11 season.[3] He made his debut for the club in a friendly against Geelong All Stars XI and also scored his first goal in that match.[4] He also took part in the friendly against Everton FC in which Heart lost 2–0.[5] He made his debut for Melbourne Heart in the opening round of the 2010–11 A-League season against Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park.[6] During May 2012 it was announced that Serbian side Red Star Belgrade was scouting him.[7]

Red Star Belgrade

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On 7 June 2012 it was announced he had signed with Serbian Superliga contender Red Star Belgrade.[8][9] He made his debut on 31 August 2012, against Bordeaux in the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League play-off round. He scored his first goal on his league debut against FK Smederevo on 29 September 2012.

Melbourne Heart

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Eli Babalj made his return appearance to the A-League for the Melbourne Heart away to the Western Sydney Wanderers on Australia Day, 26 January 2013 as a 2nd half substitution.

AZ

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On 19 April 2013, Dutch club AZ Alkmaar completed the signing of Eli for a fee believed to be in the region of $200,000.[10]

Loan to PEC Zwolle

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On 2 February 2015, Babalj was sent on loan at PEC Zwolle for the rest of the season.[11] Eli Babalj made his Eredivisie debut for PEC Zwolle at home to the Go Ahead Eagles on 15 February 2015 as a 70th-minute substitute for Maikel van der Werff.

Loan to Adelaide United

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On 24 July 2015, Alkmaar confirmed that they would allow Babalj to go out on loan back to Australia to Adelaide United for the 2015–16 A-League season. This would be Guillermo Amor's first signing for Adelaide as the new manager.[12][13] Babalj made his debut for Adelaide United as a substitute in the 2015 FFA Cup in Darwin against Darwin Olympic. He also scored his first goal to help Adelaide to a 6–1 win.

On 22 January 2016, Babalj ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Brisbane Roar, ruling him out for the remainder of the A-League season.[14]

Adelaide United

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On 7 February 2017, after training with Adelaide United since late January, Babalj joined Adelaide United once more until the end of the season.[15]

Mladá Boleslav

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On 7 August 2017, Babalj signed with Czech club Mladá Boleslav.[16]

ATK

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Babalj signed with Indian Super League club ATK for the 2018–19 season.[17] He made his first appearance on 28 November 2018 against FC Goa, coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute. The match ended 0–0.

Newcastle Jets

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On 12 October 2021, after stint's with Brisbane Roar and Chainat Hornbill Babalj returned to Australia and signed with Newcastle Jets for the 2021-22 A-League Men season after a successful trial at the club.[18]

International career

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He has represented Australia at U-20 level during the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship qualification for the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship. He played in 4 qualification games, scoring 3 goals, against Singapore, and two against Chinese Taipei.[19] Babalj also represented Australia at the AFF U-19 Youth Championship. He scored against Vietnam and the winning goal in the final of the AFF U-19 Youth Championship against Thailand.[20] He made his debut for Australia's senior team on 14 November 2012 in a friendly against South Korea.[21] Babalj was selected in the Socceroos squad for the East Asian Cup qualification round. He started his first game for Australia against Guam in a 9–0 win, scoring a double before being substituted.[22]

International goals

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# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 8 December 2012 Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong  Guam 2–0 9–0 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup
2. 8 December 2012 Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong  Guam 4–0 9–0 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup

Career statistics

[edit]
As of 12 May 2022
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Melbourne Heart 2010–11 A-League 13 2 0 0 0 0 13 2
2011–12 22 9 0 0 0 0 22 9
Melbourne Heart total 35 11 0 0 0 0 35 11
Red Star Belgrade 2012–13 SuperLiga 6 1 1 0 1 0 8 1
Melbourne Heart 2012–13 A-League 9 1 0 0 0 0 9 1
AZ Alkmaar 2013–14 Eredivisie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2014–15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
PEC Zwolle (loan) 2014–15 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Adelaide United (loan) 2015–16 A-League 5 0 3 1 0 0 8 1
Adelaide United 2016–17 4 0 0 0 4 1 8 1
Adelaide total 9 0 3 1 4 1 16 2
Mladá Boleslav 2017–18 Czech First League 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
ATK 2018–19 Indian Super League 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Brisbane Roar 2018–19 A-League 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
Chainat Hornbill 2019 Thai League 1 7 1 1 0 0 0 8 1
Newcastle Jets 2021–22 A-League Men 10 1 1 0 0 0 11 1
Career total 89 15 7 1 5 1 101 17

Honours

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Club

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Adelaide United

Country

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Australia

References

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  1. ^ "Eli Babalj signs with Jets". a-league.com.au. Archived from the original on 12 October 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  2. ^ Smithies, Tom. "World Cup qualifiers: Harry Souttar poised to become second-tallest Socceroo in clash against Kuwait". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  3. ^ "Giant striker Babalj has plenty of heart". Canberra Times. 26 December 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Heart Overcome Energetic Eagles To Wrap Up Westpac Festival". Melbourne Heart FC. 18 June 2010. Archived from the original on 20 February 2011. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  5. ^ "Melbourne Heart show plenty of ticker in 2–0 loss to Everton". Herald Sun. 14 July 2010. Retrieved 15 July 2010.
  6. ^ Rielly, Stephen (6 August 2010). "Central Coast Mariners deny Melbourne Heart house-warming party". The Australian. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  7. ^ Ilija Babalj pred Marakanom Archived 25 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine at Kurir, retrieved 30-5-2012 (in Serbian)
  8. ^ http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/melbourneheart/news-display/Heart-Confirms-Babalj-To-Red-Star-Transfer/47661 [dead link]
  9. ^ Red Star sign Australian hope Eli Babalj Archived 10 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine; Footballcracy, 8 June 2012
  10. ^ "Topics | Daily Telegraph".
  11. ^ PEC Zwolle strikt bij AZ overbodige aanvaller, komst Necid uitgesloten Archived 3 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine (Dutch). Voetbalprimeur. 2 February 2015.
  12. ^ "Reds secure Babalj on season long loan". Adelaide United FC. 26 July 2015. Archived from the original on 5 February 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  13. ^ "AZ verhuurt Babalj aan Adelaide United". AZ. 24 July 2015. Archived from the original on 24 July 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  14. ^ "Injury blow: Reds striker suffers ruptured ACL". Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  15. ^ "Reds sign former Korean international". FourFourTwo. 7 February 2017. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  16. ^ Somerford, Ben (7 August 2017). "Babalj deal done, could debut tonight". FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 7 August 2017. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
  17. ^ "ISL 2018–19: Steve Coppell – ATK relishing the challenge to break down Mumbai City's defence | Goal.com". Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  18. ^ "Eli Babalj signs with Jets | A-League". Archived from the original on 12 October 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  19. ^ "Qantas Young Socceroos defeat Chinese Taipei". Football Federation Australia. 10 November 2009. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  20. ^ "Young Socceroos Clinch AFF Title". Four Four Two. 31 July 2010. Archived from the original on 5 August 2010. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  21. ^ [1] Archived 18 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine Zurnal (Serbian): Бабаљ умало стрелац за Кенгуре на дебију – 14 November 2012.
  22. ^ Sportske (Serbian) – Babalj dva puta u metu... Archived 10 December 2012 at the Wayback Machine 8 December 2012
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