Benjamin Siegrist
{{Short description|Swiss footballer (born 1992)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Benjamin Siegrist
| image = Benjamin Siegrist.jpg
| upright = 0.9
| caption = Siegrist with Aston Villa in 2014
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|01|31|df=y}}
| birth_place = Therwil, Switzerland
| position = Goalkeeper
| currentclub = Genoa
(on loan from Rapid București)
| clubnumber = 31
| youthyears1 = 2000–2002
| youthclubs1 = FC Therwil
| youthyears2 = 2002–2009
| youthclubs2 = Basel
| youthyears3 = 2009–2012
| youthclubs3 = Aston Villa
| years1 = 2012–2016
| clubs1 = Aston Villa
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2013
| clubs2 = → Burton Albion (loan)
| caps2 = 0
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2014
| clubs3 = → Cambridge United (loan)
| caps3 = 3
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2015–2016
| clubs4 = → Solihull Moors (loan)
| caps4 = 14
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2016
| clubs5 = → Wycombe Wanderers (loan)
| caps5 = 1
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2016–2018
| clubs6 = Vaduz
| caps6 = 32
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2018–2022
| clubs7 = Dundee United
| caps7 = 121
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2022–2024
| clubs8 = Celtic
| caps8 = 0
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2024–
| clubs9 = Rapid București
| caps9 = 13
| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2025–
| clubs10 = → Genoa (loan)
| caps10 = 0
| goals10 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2009
| nationalteam1 = Switzerland U17
| nationalcaps1 = 11
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2009
| nationalteam2 = Switzerland U18
| nationalcaps2 = 1
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2011
| nationalteam3 = Switzerland U19
| nationalcaps3 = 7
| nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2013
| nationalteam4 = Switzerland U21
| nationalcaps4 = 1
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| club-update = 25 January 2025
| nationalteam-update =
| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{fb|SUI}}}}
{{MedalSport|Men's football}}
{{Medal|Competition|FIFA U-17 World Cup}}
{{Medal|W|2009 Nigeria|}}
{{Medal|Competition|UEFA European Under-21 Championship}}
{{Medal|RU|2011 Denmark|}}
}}
Benjamin Kevin Siegrist (born 31 January 1992) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for {{Italian football updater|Genoa}} club Genoa, on loan from Liga I club Rapid București.
He was a member of the Switzerland squad at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and went on to represent the Swiss Under-21s.{{cite web|url=http://www.london2012.com/football/event/men/|title=Men's Football|publisher=London2012.com|access-date=30 July 2012|archive-date=5 December 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205005957/http://www.london2012.com/football/event/men/|url-status=dead}} In 2009, Siegrist was part of his nation's FIFA U-17 World Cup winning side, during which he also received the competition's inaugural Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper. During seven years in the Aston Villa Academy Siegrist undertook a series of short-term loans to English Football League and Conference sides. After a spell in the Swiss Super League with Vaduz, Siegrist signed for Scottish club Dundee United in 2018.
Club career
=Aston Villa=
Siegrist was born in Therwil, Basel-Country. Having been spotted playing for local side FC Therwil, Siegrist continued his youth career at FC Basel in his native Switzerland and during his time there he won the Swiss U-16 league in 2008.{{cite web | last = FC Basel 1893 | year = 2008 | url = http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/de-de/-/20378/27/7/7 | title = Zwei weitere Nachwuchstitel für den FCB | publisher = FC Basel 1893 | access-date = 2008-06-15 | language = de | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040536/http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/de-de/-/20378/27/7/7 | archive-date = 6 January 2014 | url-status = dead}} In January 2009, just prior to his 17th birthday, he signed for Aston Villa of the Premier League. He represented the reserve and academy teams, and in July 2010 he linked up with local side Tamworth with a view to a season-long loan. The loan move never materialised, but Siegrist did play for the club in two pre-season friendlies against Rugby Town and Leamington.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tamworth/8816881.stm|title=Tamworth eye loan deal for Villa keeper Siegrist|work=BBC Sport|date=13 July 2010|access-date=31 July 2012}} As a Villa youth player, he helped the club to the reach the final of the 2009–10 FA Youth Cup (which was lost 3–2 on aggregate to Chelsea){{Cite web |last=Veevers |first=Nicholas |date=4 May 2010 |title=Captain Clifford wins Cup for Blues |url=https://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFAYouthCup/Match%20Centres%202009-10/Chelsea%20v%20Aston%20Villa/040510 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507181147/https://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFAYouthCup/Match%20Centres%202009-10/Chelsea%20v%20Aston%20Villa/040510 |archive-date=7 May 2010 |website=TheFA.com}} and the 2011–12 Premier Reserve League South title.
Ahead of the 2012–13 season Siegrist was promoted to Aston Villa's first team squad, receiving the number 39 shirt in the process.{{cite web|url=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2868101,00.html|title=Clark handed No.6, Vlaar No.4 and Lowton requests No.34|publisher=AVFC.co.uk|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802234304/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2868101,00.html|archive-date=2 August 2012|url-status=dead}}
==Loans==
Siegrist joined Football League Two side Burton Albion on a one-month loan deal on 28 November 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Sport/Burton-Albion-FC/Burton-Albion-sign-Aston-Villa-keeper-Benji-Siegrist-on-loan-20131128120000.htm|title=Burton Albion sign Aston Villa keeper Benji Siegrist on loan|work=Burton Mail|access-date=28 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201015808/http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/Sport/Burton-Albion-FC/Burton-Albion-sign-Aston-Villa-keeper-Benji-Siegrist-on-loan-20131128120000.htm|archive-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead}} He was given the number one shirt and was named on the bench for Albion's match with Plymouth Argyle on 30 November 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25063532|title=Plymouth Argyle vs. Burton Albion F.C.|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=30 November 2013}} He made no appearances, largely due to the form of Dean Lyness, and returned to Aston Villa after one month.{{cite news |url=http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Dean-Lyness-looks-likely-Burton-Albion-number/story-20237177-detail/story.html |title=Dean Lyness looks likely to keep Burton Albion number one shirt for Plymouth Argyle trip |author=Sloan, Tom |newspaper=Derby Telegraph |date=29 November 2013 |access-date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224103251/http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Dean-Lyness-looks-likely-Burton-Albion-number/story-20237177-detail/story.html |archive-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}
In March 2014 Siegrist joined Cambridge United of the Conference Premier, the fifth tier of English league football, on loan until the end of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26679872|title=Cambridge United sign Aston Villa keeper Siegrist|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date= 21 March 2014}} On 26 March 2014 Siegrist made his professional debut in a 3–0 win away to Salisbury City.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26641445|title=Salisbury 0–3 Cambridge United|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=27 March 2014}} Siegrist played three matches for Cambridge conceding only one goal and helping the club to a second-place league finish, before a groin injury ended his spell at the club.
Siegrist joined Solihull Moors of the National League North on a one-month emergency loan on 8 October 2015 having recovered from a serious leg injury in May 2015.{{cite web|title=Aston Villa Goalkeeper joins Solihull on loan|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-goalkeeper-joins-solihull-10219695|website=Birmingham Mail|date=8 October 2015|access-date=8 October 2015}} He played in the FA Cup third qualifying round for Solihull against Worcester City, the Moors forced a replay with a 1–1 draw in the first match but lost 1–0 in the replay, despite a string of fine saves from Siegrist.{{cite web|title=Late goal ends Solihull Moors FA Cup dream|url=http://solihullobserver.co.uk/sport/late-goal-ends-solihull-moors-fa-cup-dream-7528/|website=Solihull Observer|access-date=20 October 2015}} Siegrist made his league debut in a 1–1 draw away to Tamworth on 17 October 2015.{{cite web|title=Hnours even as Tamworth FC take on leaders Solihull Moors|url=http://www.tamworthherald.co.uk/Honours-Tamworth-FC-leaders-Solihull-Moors/story-28003262-detail/story.html|website=Tamworth Herald|access-date=20 October 2015}}{{Dead link|date=June 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Siegrist was named man of the match in a 2–2 draw with Lowestoft Town on 7 November 2015, making a string of saves to keep Moors in the game.{{cite web|title=Trawlerboys Net Two But Moors Still Unbeaten|url=http://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/matchreport.php?fixture_id=25799&season_id=7&division_id=4&team_id=365|website=Solihull Moors FC|access-date=13 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014441/http://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/matchreport.php?fixture_id=25799&season_id=7&division_id=4&team_id=365|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=dead}} Following a loan extension until March 2016 his good form continued as Moors moved clear at the top of the league in January 2016, they went on to win the league a few weeks after Siegrist's departure.{{cite web|title=Aston Villa Loan Watch|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-loan-watch-how-10749618|website=Birmingham Mail|date=18 January 2016|access-date=18 February 2016}}
On 19 March 2016, Siegrist joined Wycombe Wanderers on loan until the end of the season as cover, ultimately only playing a single match.{{cite web|title=Villa keeper joins on loan|url=http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/villa-keeper-joins-on-loan-3014908.aspx|website=Official Wycombe Wanderers|access-date=19 March 2016}}
=Vaduz=
Siegrist signed for Vaduz in the Swiss Super League in the Summer 2016 transfer window for a fee of £210,000.{{cite web|title=Roberto Di Matteo starts rebuilding at Aston Villa with emphasis on mental side|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/aug/06/roberto-di-matteo-rebuilding-aston-villa-championship-ross-mccormack|website=The Guardian|date=6 August 2016|access-date=7 March 2017}}
=Dundee United=
Siegrist signed a two-year contract with Scottish Championship club Dundee United in June 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44527198 |title=Dundee United sign goalkeepers Matej Rakovan and Benjamin Siegrist |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 June 2018 |access-date=18 June 2018}} Manager Csaba László initially used Siegrist as understudy to Matej Rakovan, but he had become first choice by the time Robbie Neilson became manager later that year. Siegrist was part of the Dundee United team that were declared Championship winners in 2019–20, and were subsequently promoted to the Scottish Premiership. He made his 100th appearance for the club against Kilmarnock in February 2021.{{cite news |last1=Woodger |first1=Calum |title=Exclusive: Benjamin Siegrist jokes 'cream always rises to the top' as he joins Dundee United 100 club - and expresses happiness at Tannadice |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/2031940/benjamin-siegrist-cream-dundee-united-100-club-happiness/ |access-date=27 June 2021 |work=The Courier |date=11 March 2021 |location=Dundee}} He made 131 saves in Premiership matches during the 2020–21 season, the most of any goalkeeper in the league, and won the club's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards,{{cite news |last1=Temple |first1=Alan |title=Dundee United: Benjamin Siegrist and Lawrence Shankland the big winners in Tannadice awards |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/2243839/dundee-united-benjamin-siegrist-and-lawrence-shankland-the-big-winners-in-tannadice-awards/ |access-date=27 June 2021 |work=The Courier |date=21 May 2021 |location=Dundee}} despite missing the end of the season with a broken wrist.{{cite news |last1=Woodger |first1=Calum |title=Dundee United latest: Benjamin Siegrist ruled out for the season after scans reveal broken wrist for Swiss stopper |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/2174629/dundee-united-benjamin-siegrist-wrist-injury/ |access-date=27 June 2021 |work=The Courier |date=28 April 2021 |location=Dundee}} In June 2021, United rejected an official bid to buy Siegrist from English League One club Ipswich Town.{{cite news |last1=Nicolson |first1=Eric |title=Dundee United knock-back Ipswich Town offer for Benjamin Siegrist |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/2322937/dundee-united-knock-back-ipswich-town-offer-benjamin-siegrist/ |access-date=27 June 2021 |work=The Courier |date=21 June 2021 |location=Dundee}} In the following summer, Siegrist left Dundee United as a free agent.{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Scott |date=2022-05-17 |title=Benjy Siegrist is heading for the United exit |url=https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/sport/football/benjamin-siegrist-leave-dundee-united-26991334 |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=scottishdailyexpress |language=en}}
=Celtic=
On 21 June 2022, Siegrist signed for Celtic as a free agent on a 4-year deal.{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Joe |title=Ben Siegrist signs for Celtic in 4 year deal |url= https://www.celticfc.com/news/2022/june/21/ben-siegrist-signs-for-celtic-in-four-year-deal/ |access-date=21 June 2022 |work=celticfc.com |date=21 June 2022|location=Glasgow}} On 31 August 2022, he made his official debut for the club in a 4-1 away win against Ross County in the Scottish League Cup second round.{{Cite web |title=Ross County 1-4 Celtic: Ange Postecoglou's side book cup quarter-final spot with sixth straight victory |url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/20865115.ross-county-1-4-celtic-ange-postecoglous-side-book-cup-quarter-final-spot-sixth-straight-victory/ |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=Glasgow Times |date=31 August 2022 |language=en}}
= FC Rapid București =
On 24 July 2024, having made two Scottish League Cup appearances for Celtic but never having played a league game, Siegrist joined Liga I club FC Rapid București. He links up with former Celtic manager Neil Lennon, signing a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year.
==Loan to Genoa==
On 28 January 2025, Siegrist joined Genoa in Italy on loan.{{cite web|publisher=Genoa CFC|url=https://genoacfc.it/2025/01/28/benjamin-siegrist-e-un-nuovo-portiere-del-genoa/|title=Siegrist è un nuovo portiere del Genoa|trans-title=Siegrist is a new goalkeeper for Genoa|date=28 January 2025|access-date=28 January 2025|language=it}}
International career
Siegrist has been part of Switzerland squads at U17, U18, U19, and U21 level. Siegrist won the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria with his nation: the goalkeeper was an integral part of the side that beat the hosts in the final and won the tournament's first Golden Glove award as a result. He was chosen as a backup goalkeeper for Switzerland's U21 squad at the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, but remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament as Switzerland lost 2–0 in the final to Spain. In 2012, Siegrist was chosen as a backup goalkeeper to Diego Benaglio for Pierluigi Tami's 18-man squad to represent Switzerland at the 2012 London Olympic Games.{{cite web|url=http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/internationals/a/Switzerland-2012-Olympic-Squad.htm|title=Switzerland 2012 Olympic Squad|publisher=About.com|access-date=31 July 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102206/http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/internationals/a/Switzerland-2012-Olympic-Squad.htm|url-status=dead}}
Career statistics
{{updated|as of match played 23 November 2024}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
Solihull Moors
- National League North: 2015–16{{Cite web |date=18 May 2016 |title=Double celebration for Michael Nottingham at Solihull Moors' annual awards ceremony |url=https://solihullobserver.co.uk/sport/double-celebration-michael-nottingham-solihull-moors-annual-awards-ceremony/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Solihull Observer |language=en}}
Vaduz
Dundee United
Celtic
- Scottish Cup: 2022–23{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65730831 |title=Celtic 3–1 Inverness CT: Ange Postecoglou's side win Scottish Cup to claim treble |first=Thomas |last=Duncan |work=BBC Sport |date=3 June 2023 |access-date=3 June 2023}}
Switzerland U17
Switzerland U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship runners-up: 2011
Individual
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Genoa CFC squad}}
{{FIFA U-17 World Cup awards}}
{{Switzerland Men Football Squad 2012 Summer Olympics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Siegrist, Benjamin}}
Category:Footballers from Basel-Landschaft
Category:Swiss men's footballers
Category:Switzerland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Switzerland men's youth international footballers
Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Olympic footballers for Switzerland
Category:Footballers at the 2012 Summer Olympics
Category:Men's association football goalkeepers
Category:Aston Villa F.C. players
Category:Burton Albion F.C. players
Category:Cambridge United F.C. players
Category:Solihull Moors F.C. players
Category:Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players
Category:Dundee United F.C. players
Category:FC Rapid București players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Swiss Super League players
Category:Swiss Challenge League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Swiss expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland
Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in Scotland
Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in Liechtenstein
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Liechtenstein
Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in Romania
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Romania
Category:Swiss expatriate sportspeople in Italy