Matej Deket: The 16-Year-Old FK Borac Prodigy Makes Debut Against Rudar Prijedor | OneFootball

Rain lashed down over Prijedor on the 5th of October 2025, the kind of pouring down that tests every pass, every touch, and every defender’s nerve. At 18:45, under the floodlights and on a slick, heavy pitch, FK Borac Banja Luka took on Rudar Prijedor in a match that would prove memorable for more than just the scoreline.

Borac’s 2–0 win looked straightforward on paper, but it wasn’t without its talking points. Their second goal came from a controversial penalty, one that left the home side furious and the referee surrounded by protests. Yet when the final whistle went, the biggest discussion wasn’t about the officiating at all. It was about a 16-year-old debutant named Matej Deket, a local lad living out his dream in the pouring rain.

A Night He’ll Never Forget

Matej Deket entered the field in the 73rd minute, replacing Damir Hrelja, becoming the third youngest debutant in the history of the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The young footballer is only 16 years and four days old. The only younger debutants than him were Milan Ljubibratić (Leotar, 15 years and eight months, season 2013/2014) and Teufik Hodžić (Tuzla City, 16 years and two days, season 2023/2024).

When Matej Deket entered the pitch for the final 20 minutes, the away fans erupted with a roar that cut through the rain. A teenager from Banja Luka, raised on the terraces of Borac’s Gradski Stadion, was now wearing the senior shirt of his boyhood club.

He didn’t score, nor did he assist, but his composure, confidence, and sharp touches stood out immediately. Every time he received the ball, there was a sense of anticipation. Even in the slippery conditions, he seemed unfazed, moving into space, combining neatly with teammates, and pressing with purpose.

For the Borac faithful who made the trip to Prijedor, it wasn’t just a debut — it was a glimpse of the club’s future.

Born to Represent Borac

Deket’s connection to Borac runs deep. Born in Banja Luka, he grew up surrounded by the club’s colours and its stories. His father, Zoran, a former professional, once wore the same shirt, though Matej insists the legacy doesn’t weigh on him when he spoke to Serbian Football Scout on Twitter last year.

That bond with Borac is personal. “Borac is special to me,” he continues. “My father played for the club, and I’ve been attending games since I can remember. It’s an honour to wear the crest, and my dream has always been to play for the first team in a packed stadium.”

His words might sound rehearsed for someone so young, but those who know him say they’re genuine.

A Prodigy With Purpose

Deket’s rise has been impossible to ignore. Last season alone, he produced 23 goals and 10 assists in just 13 youth matches — astonishing numbers at any level. Scouts describe him as a technically gifted forward, creative yet clinical, equally comfortable linking play or finishing moves himself.

Standing 185cm tall, left-footed but confident with both, he blends intelligence with elegance. His playing style has drawn comparisons to Charles De Ketelaere and Paulo Dybala, players who also operate between midfield and attack with a mix of flair and precision.

Football Talent Scout rates his potential at 9/10, and one of their recent reports said it best:

For Borac, that readiness was proven in Prijedor. Even in a hostile environment and driving rain, Deket looked comfortable among seasoned professionals.

A Modern Mindset With an Old-School Edge

While many young forwards rely on pace, Deket’s strength lies in how he reads the game. His first touch is assured, his awareness sharp, and his vision well beyond his years. On the wet Prijedor pitch, he repeatedly found pockets of space and demanded the ball, something few debutants dare to do.

He isn’t explosive yet, and physically he’s still growing into his frame, but his intelligence compensates. His ability to drift into channels, link play, and stay calm under pressure hints at a football brain that’s years ahead of his age.

Most coaches agree that he’s best suited to a second striker role in a 4-4-2 system, where he can operate freely between the lines.

Inspired by Nemanja Bilbija

Deket doesn’t idolise global superstars, preferring role models closer to home. “Someone I look up to is Nemanja Bilbija,” he says. “It’s realistic to aim for comparisons with him, not CR7. I admire his sense of goal, movement, and leadership. When we meet, he always has advice and encouragement, which means a lot to me.”

Bilbija’s influence is clear in Deket’s maturity and his focus on the finer details of the game. “I’m very satisfied at Borac,” Matej adds. “I have great coaches and strong support from the club. My focus is here for now. Of course, I dream of playing in Europe someday, but that’s far off. I need to keep working on my body, technique, and everything else modern football demands.”

Choosing Bosnia and Herzegovina

At just 15, Deket was already representing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s U18 side, skipping an age group thanks to his standout performances.

He acknowledges that other federations have made contact, but insists his focus remains on development. “My parents did receive offers from another federation,” he admits. “But as I said, we’re taking it slow. What matters is that I stay healthy and avoid injuries. Time will show how things unfold.”

A Rain-Soaked Debut Worth Talking About

When the match ended, Borac’s players celebrated a professional 2–0 win, though the penalty that sealed it will spark debate for days. But while the home crowd fumed at the referee’s decision, Borac’s supporters were more interested in what they had just seen from their newest player.

🔗 Facebook

Matej Deket had officially arrived. In heavy rain, on a difficult pitch, against an experienced Rudar side, he showed poise, intelligence, and maturity beyond his age. For Borac, it was another victory. For Deket, it was the first page of what could be a remarkable story.

As the team bus rolled out of Prijedor that night, you got the feeling this was only the beginning. Remember the name Matej Deket.