Biography
Mateo Kovačić is a talented Croatian professional footballer who made a notable impact as a player for Manchester City. Born on 6 May 1994 in Linz, Austria, to Croatian parents, he began his career at Dinamo Zagreb and quickly attracted attention from top European clubs.
In 2013, Kovačić moved to Inter Milan, marking his entry into Serie A, one of Europe’s top leagues. His impressive performances led to a move to Real Madrid in 2015, where he played under Zinedine Zidane. Competing against world-class midfielders, Kovačić’s technical ability, vision and work ethic have established him as a versatile and reliable player.
In 2019, he joined Chelsea FC, becoming a key figure in the team. He is known for his ability to control the tempo of the game, providing strong defensive contributions and occasionally making attacking plays. Many awards have highlighted his time at Chelsea, including the Premier League title and the FA Cup.
On the international stage, Mateo Kovačić has been a key player for the Croatia national team, playing a key role in their run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where they finished runners-up. His consistent performances have cemented his reputation as one of Croatia’s top footballing talents.
Croatian football player
Mateo Kovacic |
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 Mateo Kovačić: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Mateo Kovacic |
| Born: | May 6, 1994 (age 30) |
| Place of birth: | Linz, Austria |
| Nationality: | Croatian |
| Education: | Do not have |
| Height: | 1.77 minutes |
| Parents: | Stipo Kovačić, Ružica Kovačić |
| Siblings: | Katarina Kovačić, Jelena Kovačić |
| Couple: | Izabel Kovačić (married 2017) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Ivan Kovacic |
| Job: | Football player |
| Net worth: | $2 million – $10 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Mateo Kovačić was born on 6 May 1994 in Linz, Austria, to Bosnian-Croat parents Stipo Kovačić and Ružica Kovačić, who had moved from Zabrđe before the Yugoslav Wars. His early life was shaped by his family’s displacement due to regional conflicts. Kovačić identifies as Croatian and was raised in a Catholic family, a faith he has always held.
His footballing journey began in Austria, where he played for local clubs before moving to Croatia in 2007 to join Dinamo Zagreb’s youth academy. Like many professional athletes, Mateo Kovačić focused on football training from a young age, prioritizing athletic development over traditional academics.
By the age of 16, Kovačić had made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb, highlighting his early talent. His family, especially his father, who was a professional footballer, played a major role in shaping his career path. Mateo Kovačić has two older sisters, Katarina Kovačić and Jelena Kovačić.
Career
Mateo Kovačić’s football career reflects his remarkable talent, versatility and dedication to the game. Here is an overview of his professional journey:
Kovačić joined Dinamo Zagreb’s youth academy at the age of 13 and quickly progressed through the ranks, making his first-team debut at the age of 16. His outstanding performances in Croatia earned him the nickname “Xavi of Croatia”, has been compared to the Spanish playmaker for his passing and assist abilities.
In July 2013, Kovačić moved to Inter Milan for €11 million. Although his time at Inter was mixed, he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly under manager Roberto Mancini in the 2014–15 season.
Mateo Kovačić moved to Real Madrid in July 2015 for €29 million, joining one of the world’s top clubs. Competing with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, he has shown his ability to adapt to a variety of midfield positions. His tenure at Madrid included winning three consecutive Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018) and a La Liga title in 2017.
In August 2019, after a successful loan spell, Kovačić joined Chelsea FC on a permanent deal. He has become a key figure in Chelsea’s midfield, known for his composure, defensive contributions and attacking assists. His impact has helped Chelsea win major honours, including the 2021 UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and the Premier League title.
Mateo Kovačić made his debut for Croatia in 2013. He played a key role in the national team’s run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they finished runners-up. His performances, including a crucial goal against Denmark, cemented his status as a key player for Croatia.
Renowned for his technical skills, vision and intelligence in the game, Kovačić excels in both defence and attack, making him a complete midfielder. His ability to dictate play, disrupt opposition attacks and launch counter-attacks has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple appearances in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Year.
Social media
- Wikipedia: Mateo Kovačić
- Instagram: Mateo Kovacic (@mateokovacic8)
- Twitter: Mateo Kovacic (@mateokovacic8)
Personal life
Mateo Kovačić is married to Izabel Andrijanić, now known as Izabel Kovačić. Their relationship began in their teens. Some reports suggest that they first met in church, where Izabel sang in the choir, and Mateo was around 15 years old. The couple married in June 2017, returning to the same church in Sesvete, Croatia, where they first met, for their wedding ceremony.
They have a son named Ivan Kovačić, born on October 12, 2020, and are reportedly expecting their second child, information that has been shared in recent social media posts, adding to the happiness of their growing family.
Mateo Kovačić is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.77 metres) tall, a detail often mentioned in his player profile.
Net worth
Mateo Kovačić, a versatile midfielder for Manchester City and the Croatian national team, has an estimated net worth of between $2 million and $10 million, although more recent estimates put it closer to £60,528,000. This higher figure reflects his cumulative earnings and market value over the years.
Kovačić currently earns £165,000 per week, or £8,580,000 per year, under his contract with Manchester City, where he plays as a defensive midfielder in the Premier League. His contract runs until 30 June 2027.
Mateo Kovačić’s transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City has been completed for a fee of around £30 million, with a potential £5 million in add-ons. This high valuation highlights his skill and versatility on the pitch. His wages have risen steadily over the years, notably from last week’s £150,000 at Chelsea before joining Manchester City.
