Matej Delač

2.1. Inter Zaprešić

Delač was a product of the Inter Zaprešić youth academy, where he began to make a name for himself very early in his development. His impressive performances, even after only a few appearances for the Croatia U-15 squad, garnered attention from larger clubs across Europe. In the summer of 2008, Delač undertook a trial with Primeira Liga club Benfica in Portugal and came very close to signing with them, but a disagreement over terms between the two clubs led him to remain at Zaprešić.

He made his professional debut for NK Inter Zaprešić during the 2008-09 season on February 22, 2009, in a match against NK Zagreb. At 16 years and 186 days old, this appearance established him as the youngest player ever to feature in the Croatian first division. In his debut, Delač notably impressed football pundits by making a crucial penalty save against Davor Vugrinec in the 85th minute, which contributed significantly to Inter's 1-0 victory and earned him the Man of the Match award. He continued his strong performances throughout the 2008-09 season, finishing with 15 appearances as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

2.2. Chelsea

On September 11, 2009, following a match involving the Croatian national team in London, Croatian news outlets reported that Delač had undergone a medical examination and was nearing a pre-contract agreement with Premier League club Chelsea F.C.. It was reported that Chelsea scouts had closely monitored Delač's performances in the Croatian first division for several months, and their Director of Football, Frank Arnesen, had previously visited Zagreb to finalize the transfer terms.

At a press conference held by Inter Zaprešić on September 17, 2009, it was officially announced that Delač had signed a five-year contract with Chelsea. This contract was slated to become effective during the January 2011 transfer window. In the interim period, Delač was to continue playing for Inter Zaprešić, with his wages being covered by Chelsea. He was also expected to participate in training sessions at Chelsea's Cobham Training Centre whenever his obligations with Inter Zaprešić allowed. However, Delač was ultimately not granted a work permit to play in England, which became the primary reason for his subsequent numerous loan spells across various European clubs.

2.3. AC Horsens

On April 3, 2018, it was announced that Matej Delač would join Danish Superliga side Horsens in the summer of 2018. This transfer was a free move, as his contract with Chelsea expired, marking the end of his extensive period of loan spells from the English club and his first permanent transfer since signing with Chelsea.

6.1. Key Achievements and Records

Delač's career is highlighted by several notable achievements and records, particularly during his early years and loan periods. He holds the record for being the **youngest player ever to debut in the Croatian first division**, making his first professional appearance at the age of 16 years and 186 days. This early promise was further evidenced by his crucial penalty save on debut, earning him Man of the Match honors.

Internationally, he also made history as the **youngest Croatian player ever called up to the senior national team**, a testament to his recognized talent. Despite the transient nature of his club career during his time at Chelsea, he contributed to significant successes for his loan clubs. He is a **Portuguese Cup winner** with Vitória S.C. in 2012-13, and with FK Sarajevo, he secured both the **Bosnian Premier League title** in 2014-15 and the **Bosnian Cup** in 2013-14. These achievements underscore his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to team success in diverse leagues.

6.2. Overall Evaluation

Matej Delač's professional football career is a compelling narrative of perseverance through an extensive and complex trajectory. His nine years at Chelsea, without a single first-team appearance for the club, meant that he spent virtually his entire peak development years navigating successive loan agreements. This unusual path, primarily driven by work permit complications, presented continuous challenges in terms of stability, integration, and building long-term relationships within a single team.

Despite these obstacles, Delač consistently found opportunities to play, often as a first-choice goalkeeper, and contributed to significant victories and titles for his loan clubs. His ability to adapt to different leagues, cultures, and team dynamics speaks to his professional dedication and resilience. The serious ACL injury he sustained during his second spell at Sarajevo also tested his resolve, highlighting the physical demands and setbacks inherent in professional sports. His eventual permanent transfer to AC Horsens marked a new, more stable chapter in his career, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the sport and his capacity to establish himself as a valuable player. Delač's journey serves as a powerful example of how a player can forge a successful and impactful career, even when faced with an unconventional and challenging path within the highly competitive world of professional football.