(foto: //)
The 2025/26 campaign in the English Championship is turning into a historic one for Slovenian football. Today, the league officially announced the shortlists for its most prestigious individual honors, and two familiar names from the Slovenian Prva Liga are leading the charge for the trophies.
Žan Vipotnik is currently enjoying a dream debut season in England. With 20 goals to his name, the former Maribor striker remains the league’s top scorer. His lethal form recently earned him a lucrative new contract with Swansea City, but the accolades aren't stopping there.
The league has officially named Žan Vipotnik as one of the four finalists for the Championship Player of the Season. The Slovenian international faces stiff competition from Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), Carl Rushworth (Coventry City), and Femi Azeez (Millwall). Given his goal-scoring exploits, Vipotnik is considered a frontrunner to take home the award.
Sergej Jakirović: From Ljudski Vrt to Manager of the Year Contender
It isn't just the players making waves; the managerial tactical battle also has a strong regional flavor. Sergej Jakirović, the former coach of Maribor and Dinamo Zagreb, has performed wonders since taking over at Hull City.
Jakirović has been nominated for Championship Manager of the Season after a campaign that saw him transform Hull City into one of the league's most tactically disciplined sides. He is joined on the shortlist by legendary figure Frank Lampard (Coventry City), Alex Neil (Millwall), and Kim Hellberg (Middlesbrough).
The winners of these prestigious awards will be officially announced at a gala ceremony on April 19th.