22 Facts About Zeljko Kalac

Zeljko Kalac was born on 16 December 1972 and is an Australian former soccer player who is currently Head of Men's Football for Inter Lions in the NSW League One.

In 1995, Zeljko Kalac followed many Australian players in a move to Europe with English Division One side Leicester City.

Zeljko Kalac came on in the final minute of extra-time as Leicester manager Martin O'Neill believed that due to Kalac's size, he would be able to save penalties during the shootout.

The Italian side went on to win their cup final, Zeljko Kalac not conceding once in the competition.

On 21 November 2006, Zeljko Kalac made his second UEFA Champions League appearance for Milan as he came off the bench in the final 15 minutes of the group match against AEK Athens.

On 14 January 2007, Zeljko Kalac suffered an injury against Reggina and was replaced by a recovering Dida for the following match against Lazio.

Zeljko Kalac finished his second season at Milan having made 10 appearances in the Serie A and another three in the Champions League.

In March 2007, Zeljko Kalac signed a contract extension with Milan, keeping him at the San Siro until at least 2009.

Zeljko Kalac made a number of appearances in the Serie A, after Dida suffered a combination of injuries and poor form midway through the season.

Zeljko Kalac notably kept a clean sheet away to Fiorentina on 3 February 2008 as he snuffed out a Fiorentina attack moments before the final whistle, a save that earned praise from media and coach Ancelotti.

Zeljko Kalac was consequently demoted to third-choice behind Abbiati and Dida, and did not play for Milan again until appearing in the second half of a friendly against Hannover 96 on 29 January 2009, and one Serie A appearance against Juventus as an injury replacement on 10 May Zeljko Kalac was released by Milan on 11 August, following an agreement reached with the club.

On 1 September 2009, Zeljko Kalac signed a two-year deal with Greek Super League side Kavala joining fellow goalkeeper Charles Itandje in moving to the club and Fanis Katergiannakis who won UEFA Euro 2004.

Zeljko Kalac was an Australian international for more than fourteen years, but has spent many years as understudy to first Mark Bosnich and later Mark Schwarzer.

Zeljko Kalac was selected as a member of Australia's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, making one appearance.

Zeljko Kalac was part of the Australian squad for the 1989 FIFA U-16 World Championship as second-choice keeper behind Schwarzer.

Zeljko Kalac was again a squad member for the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship again as a second choice, but this time behind Bosnich.

On 22 May 2015, it was announced that Zeljko Kalac would join cross-town rivals Western Sydney Wanderers, reuniting with fellow coach Tony Popovic, whom he worked with at Sydney FC.

On 1 October 2017, Zeljko Kalac would leave his position as goalkeeper coach at the Wanderers to follow manager Tony Popovic and assistant coach Andres Carrasco to Karabukspor in the Turkish League.

Zeljko Kalac was replaced by fellow goalkeeping coach Davide Del Giovine, who worked with him as an understudy at Sydney FC and during his time at the Wanderers.

In July 2018, Zeljko Kalac joined Melbourne City as their goalkeeping coach.

Zeljko Kalac has so far signed Adrian Vranic, Danijel Nizic, Jacob Esposito and ex-Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets player, Devante Clut.

Zeljko Kalac has a daughter Abby, and a son Oliver who is a goalkeeper playing for Sydney United 58 in the National Premier Leagues NSW.