Igor Budan

Igor Budan is a retired Croatian footballer. He was born on 22 April 1980 in Rijeka, Croatia.

For his professional career, Igor came through a myriad of clubs, though it hardly makes his performances productive.

He began his way ‘per aspera ad astra’ at a hometown club Rijeka in 1997 scoring 3 goals in 33 games before moving to Venezia in 1999. Budan had only one full season with the Lagunari and then was loaned to Empoli and Bellinzona. In 2002, a crafty forward was contracted by Palermo but was never to appear for the club as he was sent on loan again. The most successful period outside Palermo was his two-year stint at Atalanta from 2003 till 2005 where he struck 16 goals in 51 appearances. Due to his brilliant performances, Atalanta signed Igor in co-ownership deal in 2005.

In 2006, a young footballer was sent to Parma on loan from Palermo which had signed him shortly before. The 2006/07 season at Parma was integral to success as Budan netted 13 goals in 35 games for the club. In 2007, Parma was keen to sign Budan on a permanent basis.

However, after another 2007/08 season at Parma he decided to strike roots at Palermo in 2008. In 2013 he was sent to Atalanta on loan and finisged his career at the end of the spell.

Igor Budan made his international debut for the Croatian U-19 team in the 1998 UEFA U-18 Championship, and then featured for the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship. In the 2007/08 campaign, he earned 6 caps for the Croatia national team and made his debut in a match against Norway.