Union Saint-Gilloise forward Mateo Biondic went from washing dishes in his parents’ restaurant last winter to playing in the UEFA Champions League and earning Pro League Player of the Month honors, DHnet reported.
From the Fourth Tier to European Nights
Biondic joined Union from German fourth-division side Eintracht Trier in January, arriving with little fanfare much like compatriot Deniz Undav did in 2020 before scoring 45 goals in 70 matches for the Brussels club, according to RTBF reporting. Biondic admitted he initially thought Union’s interest was a mistake or that they merely wanted a training-ground body, noting that his agent began shaking when the club first called. Within months, the 23-year-old German-Croatian striker found himself preparing for European competition and domestic title races.
Applying for Police Work Before the Transfer Call
The swift transition to professional football arrived just as Biondic was planning a completely different career path. Faced with financial uncertainties and intent on building a stable future with his partner, Biondic applied for a job in the police force, RTBF reported. That application was ultimately rejected because the demanding schedule could not be reconciled with playing football. Shortly after that rejection, Union’s transfer offer arrived, altering his trajectory entirely.
ðŸ‡ðŸ‡·âœ¨ Last year, Mateo Biondic (22) was playing in the 4th division of German football… he signed for Union Saint-Gilloise and SCORED on his first start for the club! What a moment for the forward. 🥹💛💙 pic.twitter.com/cflxiTZfhw
Physical Adjustments and Intensive Training
Stepping up from Germany’s regional leagues required a drastic adjustment to professional standards. Biondic noted that his first six months in Belgium exposed a significant physical gap, admitting he initially struggled to keep up with the intense tempo and could not operate at full capacity during every training session. Over the summer, he completed his first professional pre-season, describing the workload as nearly military compared to the running volumes required at his previous clubs.
Faith, Nutrition, and Grounded Ambitions
Away from the pitch, Biondic attributes his discipline and humility to his Christian faith, which he embraced at age 16 after searching for answers to existential questions. Despite his rapid ascent to the Pro League, Biondic insists he remains an ordinary person who relies on his wife and his faith to keep his feet firmly on the ground.
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