David Kalem Signs His First Professional Contract

Young Croatian international David Kalem, born on 7 August 2008, has signed the first professional contract of his career. At NK Osijek, signing professional contracts with Academy graduates always carries special significance. It is a reward not only for the players, who have dedicated years of hard work and commitment to their development, but also for their families and the coaches who have helped shape them throughout their journey.

Kalem has committed his future to the White-and-Blues until the summer of 2028, describing the signing as the natural and long-awaited next step following his move from his hometown of Orahovica to Osijek.

I joined the Club when I was 11 years old, back when we were still based at Gradski vrt. I think I was playing for the youngest Academy age group at the time. I started playing football when I was four at ŠN Orahovica before joining Papuk. I signed my first scholarship contract with Osijek while I was still an Under-15 player, and now I've reached another important milestone by signing my first professional contract.

I'm really happy – this is a very special day for me. I think every young player dreams of experiencing a moment like this. It was also very special to make my first-team debut at the end of last season in a league match. I'd like to thank the Club for its trust, as well as everyone who supports and advises me every day. There isn't much to say except that I want to keep working hard and move forward, said the 17-year-old.

Making his mark with Croatia's youth national team

Kalem also reflected on his first-team debut against Slaven Belupo in the final round of last season, when he spent more than an hour on the pitch and demonstrated his considerable potential. He has continued to impress while representing Croatia at Under-19 level.

I've been part of the national team setup since the Under-15s, and representing Croatia has always meant a great deal to me. Every time you wear your country's shirt, it's a source of immense pride. I'm now with the Under-19 national team, and we have the Elite Round qualifiers for next year's UEFA European Under-19 Championship ahead of us. I hope to remain in the coach's plans, but I know I have to earn that through my performances for my club.

Having spent more than six years in Osijek, Kalem feels very much at home and believes his football career is progressing exactly as he had hoped.

I've had a wonderful six years here. I also attend secondary school in Osijek, but my main focus has always been football. I feel the coaches believe in me and want to give me opportunities, and I'll do everything I can to justify that trust. So far everything has gone well, and I'm optimistic about what's ahead. I know I'm still young, but I'll do my best to earn my place. There are quite a few Academy players in the first team now, the atmosphere is excellent, and we're all determined to prove that we can play an important role for Osijek.

Proud to have such outstanding potential within the Club

For NK Osijek Sporting Director Kenneth Zandvliet, Kalem's professional contract is further proof that the Club's Academy continues to produce players capable of making the step up to the first team.

David is one of the brightest talents in our Academy. He is developing at an exceptional rate and possesses all the attributes required of a modern full-back. He is quick, reads the game extremely well, and has an outstanding ability to recover defensively after joining attacking moves. On top of that, he has the technical quality needed to compete at the highest level.

We are proud to have such exceptional potential at our Club and firmly believe that David will earn significant first-team minutes this season and quickly establish himself as one of Osijek's important players, said Kenneth Zandvliet.