Luka Majcen
Luka Majcen (born 25 July 1989) is a Slovenian professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for I-League club Diamond Harbour FC.[1][2] Majcen began his senior career in Slovenia, where he represented youth teams and earned two caps for the Slovenia U21 national team, scoring one goal.[3] In 2016–17, he played for ND Triglav Kranj in the Slovenian second division (2. SNL), contributing to their league title win that season.[4] He also won the Slovenian Cup during his time in the country.[5] Seeking opportunities abroad, Majcen moved to India in 2020, joining I-League side Churchill Brothers.[6] He later played for Bengaluru United before signing with Gokulam Kerala FC in January 2022, where he helped the team win the title in 2021–22, scoring prolifically with 13 goals in 13 appearances that season.[4][5] In 2022, Majcen transferred to Punjab FC (then RoundGlass Punjab), becoming a key player and captain in the Indian Super League (ISL); he scored over 50 goals across Indian leagues, including 10 in the 2024–25 ISL season amid a successful comeback from injury.[6][7][8] After three seasons with Punjab, he joined Diamond Harbour FC on a permanent 10-month contract in July 2025, marking his return to the I-League; on debut, he scored a 100th-minute winner in the Durand Cup against Mohammedan Sporting on 28 July 2025.[2][9] Throughout his career, Majcen has amassed 295 club appearances and 113 goals, known for his clinical finishing and leadership in lower-tier competitions.[10]Club career
Early career
Luka Majcen was born on 25 July 1989 in Slovenia and began his involvement in football through the youth ranks of NK Interblock in Ljubljana, progressing to the senior team where he made his professional debut in 2008.[1] During his time with Interblock from 2008 to 2011, he contributed to the club's campaigns in the PrvaLiga, lower divisions, and won the Slovenian Cup in 2008–09. As a promising forward, he featured regularly, making 89 appearances and scoring 13 goals. Majcen also had a brief loan spell to NK Livar in 2008 to gain experience, though specific performance details from that stint remain limited.[1][11] Majcen's early senior career saw him move to NK Rudar Velenje for the 2011–2012 season, where he established himself as a reliable goal scorer with 33 appearances and 11 goals across competitions.[12] He then joined FC Koper in 2012–2013, playing 25 matches but managing only 1 goal amid a challenging adaptation. Returning to familiar territory, Majcen signed with NK Triglav Kranj for the 2013–2014 season and rejoined the club for extended spells from 2017 to 2020, totaling 131 appearances and 41 goals, which highlighted his consistency as a key attacker. In between, he spent the 2014–2015 campaign at ND Gorica (35 appearances, 10 goals) and played for NK Krka in 2016–2017 (14 appearances, 2 goals), navigating spells in both top-flight and second-division football.[12] Across his Slovenian clubs, Majcen amassed over 300 appearances and more than 75 goals before 2020, with notable contributions in the PrvaLiga where he recorded 147 outings.[12] By the late 2010s, however, his career stagnated due to persistent injuries, limited playing opportunities, and personal doubts, bringing him close to retirement prior to his revitalizing move to Indian football in 2020.[13] Throughout this phase, Majcen developed into a centre-forward defined by his sharp goal-scoring instinct and physical presence in the box.[1]Churchill Brothers
In October 2020, Luka Majcen joined Churchill Brothers on loan from Slovenian second-division side NK Triglav Kranj, marking his entry into Indian football as a career revival opportunity following a period of injuries and inconsistent play in Slovenia.[14] The 31-year-old Slovenian forward, who had previously represented his country at youth levels, signed ahead of the 2020–21 I-League season, bringing aerial prowess and finishing ability to a team aiming for promotion contention. This move came after Majcen had struggled to regain form in Europe, where limited opportunities had left him contemplating an early retirement from professional football.[13] During the 2020–21 I-League season, Majcen made an immediate impact, appearing in 15 matches and scoring 11 goals while providing 3 assists, helping Churchill Brothers secure second place in the league table. His goal tally made him the second-highest scorer in the competition, behind only TRAU FC's Vidyasagar Singh, and he led the league with 4 penalties converted, showcasing his composure under pressure.[15] Majcen's contributions were pivotal in Churchill's campaign, where the team amassed 29 points from 15 games but ultimately lost the title to TRAU on goal difference, with his goals accounting for nearly half of the side's 22 total strikes.[16] He formed a potent partnership with Honduran striker Clayvin Zúñiga, combining for key moments in attack and helping the team maintain an unbeaten run early in the season.[17] Majcen quickly adapted to the demands of Indian football, praising the physical intensity and fast-paced style that suited his robust playing approach, while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 bio-bubble and humid climate in Kolkata, where most matches were held.[17] Teammates' welcoming attitude eased his transition from Europe, allowing him to focus on integration and performance, as he noted the league's emphasis on endurance and tactical discipline revived his passion for the game.[13] Notable performances included a brace in a 3–2 victory over Gokulam Kerala on March 1, 2021, with goals in the 26th and 87th minutes that secured three crucial points and extended Churchill's lead at the top; an injury-time header against Chennai City on February 18, 2021, clinching a 2–1 win; and a first-half strike in a 2–0 defeat of Sudeva Delhi on January 25, 2021.[18][19][20] These moments underscored his role as a clutch performer, boosting the team's title aspirations before he departed for Bengaluru United at season's end.[21][22]Bengaluru United
In August 2021, following his stint with Churchill Brothers in the I-League, Slovenian forward Luka Majcen joined FC Bengaluru United on a free transfer as one of the club's three foreign signings for the 2021–22 season.[23] This move came after Majcen's impressive 11-goal haul in the previous I-League campaign, positioning him as a key attacking addition to help the second-division side pursue promotion through regional competitions.[24] Partnering with fellow striker Pedro Manzi, Majcen adapted quickly to the demands of lower-tier Indian football, bringing his experience from Slovenian leagues to a diverse, high-intensity environment in Karnataka's domestic setup.[25] Majcen's form proved pivotal in the 2021–22 Bangalore Super Division (BDFA Super Division), where he headlined Bengaluru United's attack alongside Ronaldo Oliveira, contributing significantly to their unbeaten campaign.[26] He emerged as the league's top scorer, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in a competition that tested his adaptation to varied playing styles and pitches across local teams.[27] Notable performances included a brace against MEG Railway in November 2021, helping secure a 3–0 victory that maintained their winning streak, and another brace in a 3–0 win over Bangalore United FC later that month, where he demonstrated clinical finishing with a backheel goal and a long-range run.[28][29] He also netted in a 4–0 rout of Kodagu FC, converting a rebound to extend their dominance.[30] Bengaluru United clinched the 2021–22 BDFA Super Division title in January 2022, their second consecutive championship, with Majcen's contributions earning them qualification for the I-League Qualifiers.[26] His short-term spell highlighted his versatility in regional leagues, building on prior scoring success and paving the way for a transfer to Gokulam Kerala in the I-League.[27]Gokulam Kerala
In January 2022, Luka Majcen joined Gokulam Kerala FC from Bengaluru United ahead of the I-League 2021–22 season and the club's AFC Cup campaign.[31] His arrival bolstered the team's forward line, bringing proven scoring prowess from his time in the I-League 2, where he had been a top performer.[32] Majcen quickly became a cornerstone of Gokulam Kerala's attack during the 2021–22 I-League season, featuring in 13 matches and netting 13 goals while providing seven assists.[8] A highlight was his hat-trick in a 6–2 rout of Kenkre FC on March 13, 2022, where he scored in the 45th, 71st, and 85th minutes, including a decisive header that sealed the performance.[33] These contributions propelled Gokulam Kerala to the top of the table, with Majcen's clinical finishing proving instrumental in key fixtures.[34] As the primary striker, Majcen was tactically deployed in a fluid front three alongside players like Jourdaine Fletcher, emphasizing quick transitions and exploiting defensive gaps in a tightly contested title race.[35] His goals, including braces in matches against Real Kashmir and others, helped maintain momentum, culminating in Gokulam Kerala's 2–1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting on May 14, 2022, to clinch the I-League title for the first time since 2020–21.[36] This success marked Majcen's debut major trophy in Indian football, showcasing his integration into a championship-caliber squad.Punjab
Luka Majcen joined Punjab FC, formerly known as Minerva Punjab, in September 2022 on a free transfer following a successful season with Gokulam Kerala.[37] During his tenure from 2022 to 2025, Majcen made 62 appearances across the I-League and Indian Super League (ISL), scoring 34 goals and establishing himself as the club's all-time leading scorer.[4] In the 2022–23 I-League season, he delivered a standout performance, netting 16 goals in 20 matches to claim the Golden Boot as the league's top scorer.[38] His prolific output earned him the Hero of the League award, recognizing him as the Player of the Season.[39] Majcen's goals were instrumental in Punjab FC securing the I-League title with 52 points from 26 matches, earning promotion to the ISL for the first time in the club's history.[40] Majcen made his ISL debut on September 23, 2023, against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, where he scored Punjab FC's historic first-ever ISL goal in the 53rd minute, pulling one back in a 3-1 defeat.[41] Adapting swiftly to the league's faster pace and higher physical demands compared to the I-League, he became Punjab's top scorer in the 2023–24 season with eight goals and two assists in 22 appearances, helping the team finish 12th while showcasing his clinical finishing and hold-up play.[42] In the 2024–25 campaign, Majcen elevated his impact further, scoring 10 goals in 20 matches, including a brace in a 3-2 victory over Chennaiyin FC on October 31, 2024, where his opportunistic strikes turned the game after he returned from injury.[43] He also netted a stunning long-range effort in a 3-0 home win against NorthEast United on December 8, 2024, marking his fifth goal of the season and underlining his growing influence in set-piece situations.[44] Majcen assumed the captaincy role starting in the 2023–24 season, providing leadership to a debutant ISL side and fostering team cohesion through his experience and work ethic.[42] As captain, he led Punjab FC in 42 ISL appearances overall, contributing 18 goals and five assists, and became a symbol of resilience, often emphasizing teamwork as key to navigating the league's challenges.[45]Diamond Harbour
In July 2025, following the expiration of his contract with Punjab FC, Luka Majcen transferred to newly promoted I-League club Diamond Harbour FC on a 10-month professional deal.[2] The signing was announced on July 25, 2025, coinciding with Majcen's 36th birthday, as the club aimed to bolster its attacking options with his extensive experience in Indian football.[46][37] Majcen's move to Diamond Harbour represents a return to the I-League after three seasons in the Indian Super League, where he served as captain and key forward for Punjab FC.[1] As a veteran centre-forward, he is anticipated to play a leadership role in the team's forward line, leveraging his goal-scoring prowess to support the club's ambitions in its debut top-flight campaign.[47] Prior to the I-League's start on October 19, 2025, Majcen participated in pre-season activities, including the Durand Cup, where he made 5 appearances and scored 4 goals across group and knockout stages.[47][48][49][50] As of November 19, 2025, Majcen has recorded 0 appearances in the 2025–26 I-League season, with his potential league debut pending amid the early fixtures.[47] This transition underscores his ongoing commitment to competitive football in India at age 36, transitioning from ISL exposure to guiding a rising I-League side.[51]International career
Youth career
Luka Majcen represented Slovenia at various youth levels, including U18 (5 caps), U19 (7 caps, 1 goal), and U20 (3 caps). He earned two caps for the Slovenia U21 national team in 2009, scoring one goal.[52] His first appearance came on 31 March 2009 in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match away to Malta U21, where he entered as a substitute for the final 3 minutes in a 2–0 victory.[53] On 11 August 2009, Majcen featured in an international friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina U21, playing 16 minutes and scoring his sole goal for the team in a 2–0 victory.[54] These limited outings, both as a substitute under coach Tomaž Kavčič, provided Majcen with valuable exposure at the youth international level while balancing duties with his club Interblock in the Slovenian PrvaLiga.[52]Senior career
Luka Majcen has not made any senior appearances for the Slovenia national team despite maintaining a professional career since 2008.[52] Following his involvement with Slovenia's youth teams, Majcen shifted his focus entirely to club football, primarily in Slovenia before moving abroad.[52][1] His career trajectory in domestic leagues, combined with the high competition among Slovenian strikers for national team spots, prevented any senior call-ups or unofficial involvements such as training camps.[1][5]Career statistics
Club
Luka Majcen's club career statistics include appearances and goals across various competitions in Slovenia and India. Per Transfermarkt, he has aggregated 452 appearances and 162 goals in all competitions as of May 2025.[12] In Slovenia, he accumulated experience with clubs like NK Triglav (131 appearances, 41 goals across all competitions) and NK Interblock (89 appearances, 13 goals).[12] Additional Slovenian stints include Rudar Velenje (34 appearances, 12 goals) and NK Krka (11 appearances, 2 goals).[55] His Indian career includes the I-League (second tier), I-League 2nd Division (third tier), and Indian Super League (top tier). The following table details his domestic league appearances and goals on a season-by-season basis for his Indian clubs, with notes on the respective leagues. Slovenian league stats are aggregated due to varying divisions across multiple seasons. All figures as of November 19, 2025.[12]| Season | Club | League/Division | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Churchill Brothers | I-League | 10 | 7 |
| 2021–22 | Bengaluru United | I-League 2nd Division | 7 | 1 |
| 2021–22 | Gokulam Kerala | I-League | 11 | 13 |
| 2022–23 | Punjab FC | I-League | 20 | 16 |
| 2023–24 | Punjab FC | Indian Super League | 22 | 8 |
| 2024–25 | Punjab FC | Indian Super League | 20 | 10 |
| 2025–26 | Diamond Harbour | I-League | 0 | 0 |
- Slovenian PrvaLiga and 2. SNL: The top and second divisions of Slovenian football, where Majcen began his professional career, emphasizing technical play and physical endurance. Aggregated Slovenian appearances in all competitions exceed 250 with over 80 goals across seasons from 2007 to 2017.[12]
- I-League: India's second-tier professional league, known for competitive balance and promotion opportunities to the ISL.
- I-League 2nd Division: The third tier, focusing on regional development and qualification for higher levels; Bengaluru United's campaign highlighted Majcen's role in promotion pushes.
- Indian Super League (ISL): India's premier franchise-based league, featuring high-profile international talent and large crowds.
- Bangalore Super Division: A regional league in which Majcen participated during his Bengaluru United stint, contributing to local titles (not tabulated above as it is sub-national).
International
Majcen earned three caps for the Slovenia U21 national team, scoring one goal, all during 2009.[56] He has no senior international appearances or goals for Slovenia.[52]Youth international statistics
| National team | Year | Appearances | Goals | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slovenia U21 | 2009 | 3 | 1 | UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, Friendlies |