Matej Strika will remember the match against OFK Beograd for the rest of his life.
The 16-year-old left back from Banja Luka made his senior debut for Red Star Belgrade in the final minutes of the club’s 2025/26 season at the famous Marakana stadium in Belgrade.
Strika entered the pitch in the 91st minute and just one minute later delivered an assist to Bruno Duarte for Red Star’s only goal in the 2–1 defeat against OFK Beograd. It was also the club’s 100th goal of the season.
The young defender immediately received applause from Red Star supporters during the celebration of the club’s 37th league title.
Speaking about the moment, Strika said coach Dejan Stanković told him before entering the game to stay relaxed, play naturally and not be afraid.
“Everything came together perfectly. I’m overjoyed and I think I justified the opportunity I was given,” Strika said.
Despite the celebrations, the talented teenager quickly returned to obligations with Grafičar, where he plays on dual registration, while also preparing for future commitments with Red Star and Serbia’s U17 national team.
Strika is expected to be part of Serbia’s U17 squad at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year, where Serbia will face Japan, Colombia and Honduras in the group stage.
Source: Glas Srpske
