Josip Illicic’ story is one of the most heartbreaking stories in the world of football. The Slovenian signed for Italian side, Atalanta in 2017, and soon became their main man and cynosure of all eyes across Europe due to his impressive performances whenever he played a match for the Bergamo outfit.

He helped Atalanta climbed to their highest position in the Seria A table and also helped them reach the UEFA champions league quarter finals in 2020. 

However, his problem started when he went home and allegedly caught his wife cheating on him with another man.

From Maestro to Mourning: The Rise and Struggles of Josip Iličić

Football fans loved to call him “The Professor.” A magician with the ball at his feet, Josip Iličić lit up the Serie A stage with moments of pure invention. 

But behind the goals and the flair lay a deeply human story—one of sudden hardship, emotional turmoil, and the challenging road back.

The Atalanta Spark: Iličić at His Best

When Iličić joined Atalanta in 2017, few could have predicted he’d become the beating heart of one of Europe’s most exciting sides. 

His performances were sublime—he held defenses apart, scored unforgettable goals (remember the four he netted against Valencia in the Champions League?), and authored Bergamo’s rise from Serie A hopeful to continental giant. His precision, creativity, and unpredictability made him one of the league’s most beloved figures.

A Hidden Storm Begins: Mental Health and Shadows

But in 2020, everything changed. Amid the height of COVID-19 and a series of emotional blows, including the devastating loss of his friend Davide Astori, Iličić began to withdraw.

 Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini spoke of psychological struggles:

“Our awareness is like a jungle… We’ll be there for him. We hope one day he rediscovers the joy of playing.”

During lockdown, Iličić grappled with depression, frightened by the pandemic and haunted by grief. His performance and presence on the pitch faded.

Rumors and Heartbreak: The Wife Scandal (Real or Rumored?)

Amid the mystery surrounding his disappearance, a rumor began to circulate online: that Iličić had caught his wife cheating during a surprise trip home. 

According to some accounts, this personal betrayal triggered his emotional spiral and led him to consider quitting football altogether.

However, this story remains unverified. Iličić himself never confirmed it, and many fans, journalists, and commentators have dismissed it as speculation or sensationalism. One fan on Reddit captured the divide perfectly:

“Wife cheating as the reason for his issues is a made-up story … most of the stories point to COVID and pandemic trauma.”

The Farewell and a Long Goodbye

In August 2022, Atalanta and Iličić mutually agreed to part ways. It wasn’t a typical transfer—it was a somber, emotional end to a beautiful friendship. The club acknowledged both his genius and his fragility:

So—truth, rumor, or outright fabrication? The record remains unclear, and Iličić has chosen personal dignity over public drama.

“He moved us with his sensitivity… his four goals at Valencia will forever be a portrait of the champion—Iličić. The memories and emotions will remain forever.”

At the farewell, the fans offered a heartfelt ovation. It wasn’t just the end of a chapter—it felt like the closing of an era.

A Fragile Return: Maribor and Healing

After months away, Iličić resurfaced at Maribor, the Slovenian club where he once began his career. His return was emotional: stepping onto familiar turf, with a heavier heart, but a flicker of hope.

In his comeback match, he scored a penalty and celebrated with raw genuine joy—evidence that, despite everything, the magic still lived in his feet and heart.

A Fan’s Take: Recalling the Glory

Even today, fans still reminisce about Iličić’s peak. A user on r/pesmobile reflected:

“Before the cheating stuff he was very good at Atalanta with Papu Gómez … I love this guy.”

Those memories—of late-night magic, sudden strikes, and effortless technique—are what endure.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Beyond Goals

Josip Iličić’s story isn’t just about a player at his best. It’s about a man navigating trauma in the public eye, rising and falling under the weight of silence and expectation.

 Whether rumors of betrayal are based in truth or myth, his mental battle was painfully real—and deeply human.

At his best, he dribbled like he heard music in the grass beneath his feet. At his lowest, he disappeared from sight, struggling with an invisible battle many recognized but few understood.

Yet now, with Poker as of the time of writing this piece, he’s trying again—one step, one goal, one breath at a time.

His legacy? Not just genius on the pitch, but an honest story about vulnerability, courage, and unexpected comebacks.