{"id":244069,"first_name":"Mateo","last_name":"Kovačić","short_name":"M. Kovačić","common_name":"Mateo Kovačić","place_of_birth":"Linz","gender":"male","height":181,"weight":75,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:11:31.186Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:05:12.637Z","locale":"en","age":30,"stb_id":"mateo-kovacic","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Mateo Kovačić","top_position":null,"introduction":"Mateo Kovačić is a prominent Croatian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a central midfielder. As of now, he is part of the Premier League's Manchester City and represents the Croatian national team. His career is marked by an impressive collection of achievements, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles and a notable presence in international tournaments.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nMateo Kovačić was born on May 6, 1994, in Linz, Austria, to Bosnian Croat parents Stipo and Ružica, who had emigrated from Zabrđe due to the Yugoslav Wars. Demonstrating an early passion for football, Kovačić's childhood was rooted in a supportive family environment that greatly valued his budding interest in the sport. His foundational development was influenced by the rich cultural heritage of his family and his experiences growing up in Linz.\n\n## Youth Career\nKovačić began his youth career at the local LASK academy in Austria, where his talent became evident from a young age. At just 13, he caught the attention of scouts from top European clubs. Despite offers from major teams like Ajax, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, his family decided to move to Zagreb, where he joined the Dinamo Zagreb academy. Overcoming a significant leg injury in 2009, he made a triumphant return to football and quickly progressed through the ranks, establishing himself as a key player in Dinamo Zagreb's youth setup before advancing to the senior team.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Dinamo Zagreb\nKovačić's professional career launched at Dinamo Zagreb, where he debuted on November 20, 2010, at just 16. He quickly became the youngest goalscorer in Prva HNL history, showcasing his potential early on. Playing primarily as a left midfielder, he made significant contributions to the team's domestic dominance, securing two consecutive league titles and making notable appearances in the UEFA Champions League.\n\n### Inter Milan\nIn January 2013, Kovačić transferred to Inter Milan for €15 million. Despite initial challenges, he became a key player, earning praise for his playmaking prowess. His time at Inter saw him transition into various midfield roles, further honing his skills and tactical understanding.\n\n### Real Madrid\nJoining Real Madrid in August 2015 for €29 million, Kovačić became a part of one of football's most illustrious teams. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's dominance, contributing to three consecutive UEFA Champions League victories, among other titles, despite being a part-time starter.\n\n### Chelsea\nInitially arriving on loan in 2018, Kovačić soon became a permanent fixture at Chelsea, anchoring the midfield under various managers. He was integral to Chelsea's 2020–21 UEFA Champions League win and was honored as Chelsea's Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season.\n\n### Manchester City\nKovačić joined Manchester City in June 2023, furthering his career in the Premier League. He immediately contributed to City's triumphs, including the Premier League title in his debut season and the UEFA Super Cup victory.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nKovačić represented Croatia at various youth levels, making his debut in 2008. He was a constant presence in the under-19 and under-21 squads, laying the foundation for his senior career.\n\n### Senior National Team\nKovačić debuted for Croatia's senior team in March 2013 during World Cup qualifiers. He has since been a part of Croatia's squads in major tournaments, including three FIFA World Cups and several UEFA European Championships. Notably, he was part of the team that reached the World Cup final in 2018 and the UEFA Nations League final in 2023.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nKovačić is renowned for his versatility as a midfielder, possessing excellent dribbling skills and ball retention. Initially an attacking midfielder, he adapted to various positions, excelling as both a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder. His ability to drive the ball up the pitch and press resistance make him a valuable asset in any midfield setup. Kovačić's tactical intelligence and technical abilities have drawn comparisons with legendary players, showcasing his unique playing style.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his club career, Kovačić has accumulated numerous appearances across top European leagues, contributing with goals and assists that underline his impact on the field. His international career statistics include over 100 caps for Croatia, highlighting his consistent presence at the highest level.\n\n## Records\nKovačić holds the record as the youngest goalscorer in Prva HNL history, achieved during his early days at Dinamo Zagreb. His name also appears among those rare players with multiple UEFA Champions League titles from different clubs.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- **Dinamo Zagreb**: Prva HNL titles (2010–11, 2011–12), Croatian Cup (2010–11, 2011–12)\n- **Real Madrid**: La Liga (2016–17), UEFA Champions League (2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18)\n- **Chelsea**: UEFA Champions League (2020–21), UEFA Europa League (2018–19)\n- **Manchester City**: Premier League (2023–24), UEFA Super Cup (2023)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Croatian Football Hope of the Year (2011)\n- Chelsea Player of the Season (2019–20)\n- Premier League Goal of the Month (January 2022)\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nKovačić has been recognized for his contributions both on and off the field, earning a place in football history as a reliable and high-performing midfielder.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nKovačić's career is a testament to his remarkable talent and adaptability. His journey from a promising youth player to a seasoned professional in Europe's top leagues highlights his significant impact on the sport. His achievements with major clubs and the Croatian national team reflect his dedication and skill.\n\n## Off the Field\nOff the pitch, Kovačić maintains a positive public image, engaging in various activities that reflect his character. He is involved in charitable endeavors and is widely respected for his professionalism.\n\n## Personal Life\nKovačić is married to Izabel Andrijanić, with whom he has a son. A family-oriented individual, he values his Catholic faith and speaks several languages, reflecting his cultured upbringing and life experiences.","stb_internal_id":"019300be-4989-79ba-a50f-56e34237768d","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"central-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Mateo Kovačić is a prominent Croatian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a central midfielder. As of now, he is part of the Premier League's Manchester City and represents the Croatian national team. His career is marked by an impressive collection of achievements, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles and a notable presence in international tournaments.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Mateo Kovačić was born on May 6, 1994, in Linz, Austria, to Bosnian Croat parents Stipo and Ružica, who had emigrated from Zabrđe due to the Yugoslav Wars. Demonstrating an early passion for football, Kovačić's childhood was rooted in a supportive family environment that greatly valued his budding interest in the sport. His foundational development was influenced by the rich cultural heritage of his family and his experiences growing up in Linz.

Youth Career

Kovačić began his youth career at the local LASK academy in Austria, where his talent became evident from a young age. At just 13, he caught the attention of scouts from top European clubs. Despite offers from major teams like Ajax, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, his family decided to move to Zagreb, where he joined the Dinamo Zagreb academy. Overcoming a significant leg injury in 2009, he made a triumphant return to football and quickly progressed through the ranks, establishing himself as a key player in Dinamo Zagreb's youth setup before advancing to the senior team.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Dinamo Zagreb

Kovačić's professional career launched at Dinamo Zagreb, where he debuted on November 20, 2010, at just 16. He quickly became the youngest goalscorer in Prva HNL history, showcasing his potential early on. Playing primarily as a left midfielder, he made significant contributions to the team's domestic dominance, securing two consecutive league titles and making notable appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

Inter Milan

In January 2013, Kovačić transferred to Inter Milan for €15 million. Despite initial challenges, he became a key player, earning praise for his playmaking prowess. His time at Inter saw him transition into various midfield roles, further honing his skills and tactical understanding.

Real Madrid

Joining Real Madrid in August 2015 for €29 million, Kovačić became a part of one of football's most illustrious teams. He played a crucial role in Real Madrid's dominance, contributing to three consecutive UEFA Champions League victories, among other titles, despite being a part-time starter.

Chelsea

Initially arriving on loan in 2018, Kovačić soon became a permanent fixture at Chelsea, anchoring the midfield under various managers. He was integral to Chelsea's 2020–21 UEFA Champions League win and was honored as Chelsea's Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season.

Manchester City

Kovačić joined Manchester City in June 2023, furthering his career in the Premier League. He immediately contributed to City's triumphs, including the Premier League title in his debut season and the UEFA Super Cup victory.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Kovačić represented Croatia at various youth levels, making his debut in 2008. He was a constant presence in the under-19 and under-21 squads, laying the foundation for his senior career.

Senior National Team

Kovačić debuted for Croatia's senior team in March 2013 during World Cup qualifiers. He has since been a part of Croatia's squads in major tournaments, including three FIFA World Cups and several UEFA European Championships. Notably, he was part of the team that reached the World Cup final in 2018 and the UEFA Nations League final in 2023.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Kovačić is renowned for his versatility as a midfielder, possessing excellent dribbling skills and ball retention. Initially an attacking midfielder, he adapted to various positions, excelling as both a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder. His ability to drive the ball up the pitch and press resistance make him a valuable asset in any midfield setup. Kovačić's tactical intelligence and technical abilities have drawn comparisons with legendary players, showcasing his unique playing style.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his club career, Kovačić has accumulated numerous appearances across top European leagues, contributing with goals and assists that underline his impact on the field. His international career statistics include over 100 caps for Croatia, highlighting his consistent presence at the highest level.

Records

Kovačić holds the record as the youngest goalscorer in Prva HNL history, achieved during his early days at Dinamo Zagreb. His name also appears among those rare players with multiple UEFA Champions League titles from different clubs.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Dinamo Zagreb: Prva HNL titles (2010–11, 2011–12), Croatian Cup (2010–11, 2011–12)
Real Madrid: La Liga (2016–17), UEFA Champions League (2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18)
Chelsea: UEFA Champions League (2020–21), UEFA Europa League (2018–19)
Manchester City: Premier League (2023–24), UEFA Super Cup (2023)

Individual Achievements

Croatian Football Hope of the Year (2011)
Chelsea Player of the Season (2019–20)
Premier League Goal of the Month (January 2022)

Awards and Recognition

Kovačić has been recognized for his contributions both on and off the field, earning a place in football history as a reliable and high-performing midfielder.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Kovačić's career is a testament to his remarkable talent and adaptability. His journey from a promising youth player to a seasoned professional in Europe's top leagues highlights his significant impact on the sport. His achievements with major clubs and the Croatian national team reflect his dedication and skill.

Off the Field

Off the pitch, Kovačić maintains a positive public image, engaging in various activities that reflect his character. He is involved in charitable endeavors and is widely respected for his professionalism.

Personal Life

Kovačić is married to Izabel Andrijanić, with whom he has a son. A family-oriented individual, he values his Catholic faith and speaks several languages, reflecting his cultured upbringing and life experiences.

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Mateo Kovačić: Profile