Josip Iličić went through a long, very public period of struggle, mostly tied to mental health issues and time away from top-level football, but he later made a comeback in Slovenia and even returned to the national team in 2024. He is now generally seen as a player who stepped back from the biggest stage, rebuilt himself, and continued his career more quietly rather than disappearing completely.

Quick scoop

At his peak, Iličić was a star for Atalanta, famous for big Champions League performances. Then in 2020 he suddenly stepped away from football for a while, with reports at the time linking the break to severe depression and personal problems.

What changed

  • He left Atalanta and spent time away from the spotlight.
  • He later returned to football in Slovenia, including Maribor, as part of a gradual comeback.
  • In 2024, he was included back in Slovenia’s national setup, which many fans saw as a symbolic redemption story.

Why people still talk about him

His story is remembered because it was not just a football decline — it was a very human one, with health and mental well-being at the center. That is why discussions about him often mix sports nostalgia with sympathy and curiosity about how he is doing now.

If you want, I can also give you a very short “then vs. now” timeline of his career.