September 20, 2018. RSC Anderlecht are up against Spartak Trnava. The Slovakian champions are not the favorites — in fact, they are the first team to represent Slovakia in Europe since Slovan Bratislava four years earlier. Anderlecht, meanwhile, had a rich history in Europe and many of the world’s brightest young prospects. However, it was not one of Anderlecht’s young stars who would steal the headlines — it was Spartak Trnava’s 20-year-old Matej Oravec.
Oravec’s headed goal in the 79th minute was enough to give his side a 1-0 victory, and further cement his reputation as one of the biggest talents in Slovakia. He had already won the league the previous season, and was listed as a Golden Boy nominee in 2018 — the award given to the best u21 player in all of Europe.
He would also make numerous appearances for Slovakia’s youth teams, where he would face future Manchester City star Erling Haaland, who Oravec would name as the best player he’s ever faced. Inevitably, Haaland — at the time on RB Salzburg — scored the opener in a 2-0 Norway win.
Oravec would not stay at Spartak Trnava for long. In January 2019, he left for FK Železiarne Podbrezová. Just months later, he would again switch clubs, heading to FC DAC 1904. He would be on the move again soon, joining MLS side Philadelphia Union in January 2020 — his third transfer in twelve months. Unfortunately, his move to Philadelphia would be derailed by COVID-19 suspending the season, and Oravec would not play a single minute for the club.
However, he’s now back at FK Železiarne Podbrezová — as captain — and set to play a crucial role for his side this season. I caught up with Oravec to discuss his time in Philadelphia and his new role in Slovakia.
Philadelphia signed Oravec for a reported €1 million, making him one of the biggest transfers in the club’s history. Philadelphia has a reputation for making smart purchases, finding talent in lesser-known places, and turning them into key players. Oravec was seen as the perfect addition — the defensive presence in midfield that the club so desperately needed.
He started the preseason off on the right foot, scoring a late winner with a powerful strike against David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Granted, this wasn’t quite the Inter Miami of today, the one with Lionel Messi, but it was still an impressive strike and a good result against an extremely expensive Miami side. Oravec showed promise in preseason and was expected to play a decent role in his debut season for the club.
He was left out of the squad for the first two matches of the season, and then the MLS season was pushed back because of the pandemic. With limited chances to impress in training and the emergence of José Martínez in midfield, it became harder and harder to see Oravec in the team. By July 2021, he still had not played an official game for the first team or reserves and headed back to FK Železiarne Podbrezová on a one-year loan.
“After that year and a half when I practically did not play, I wanted to go anywhere, just to finally be on the pitch,” says Oravec. “The biggest reason why I joined Podbrezová was definitely the coach [Roman Skuhravý] and his offensive style, which I like.”
Železiarne Podbrezová — described by Oravec as a “family club with great facilities and excellent coach staff and management” — had been relegated to the 2. Liga in his previous season with the club. In their first two attempts at promotion, they fell short, finishing fourth twice. Now back on the field as one of the club’s starting center-backs, Oravec was in fine form, starting 27 out of 30 games as his side won the league easily, returning to the top flight.
Despite his successful loan, or perhaps because of it, Philadelphia and Oravec agreed to part ways the following season. Oravec rejoined Železiarne Podbrezová ahead of their first season back in the top flight on a free transfer.
“I am grateful that the Union was interested in me. It was an incredible life experience. I liked both the league and the city, but unfortunately, when I didn’t get a chance on the field, I had to leave. It was a short stay but I enjoyed it and I am still a big fan of the Union,” says Oravec.
He wasn’t the only signing that Železiarne Podbrezová made, as some astute business helped them finish fourth in the league — their best-ever finish.
Last season, the club finished sixth, and they could have finished higher if not for a run of poor form in the second half of the season. However, Oravec continued his strong performances, and, following the season’s conclusion, he signed a contract extension to stay at the club for another year. He was also named the club’s captain this season, which Oravec described as a “huge honor”.
“I appreciate it even more that I was chosen by the players,” says Oravec, “and not by the coaching staff. So far, I have only been captain in the youth categories, so it will be something new, but I am looking forward to it. I believe that it will not be about me, but that we will stay together on and off the pitch and be a good team.”
In some ways, Oravec is the perfect captain for Železiarne Podbrezová — as one improves, so does the other. While in Philadelphia, Oravec struggled for minutes, and, during that same time, Železiarne Podbrezová was struggling to return to the top flight. Once he returned, and started seeing the field again, he was able to help the club earn promotion and then record two consecutive top-half finishes — and they’ll hope to make it three soon.
The season started against MŠK Žilina last week — a 0-0 draw, with Oravec playing all ninety minutes. If the Slovakian defender can continue to play the way he has been recently, it will be the first of many clean sheets this season.
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All images via FK Železiarne Podbrezová. This article has been edited for brevity & clarity so it’s easier to read.
Great piece on Matej Oravec’s journey! It’s inspiring to see how he’s overcome challenges and is now leading his team with such dedication and skill!