11 Mateo Kovacic Facts You May Not Know
Updated: Oct 2
Full Name: Mateo Kovačić
Date of Birth: 6 May 1994
Place of Birth: Linz, Austria
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s): Central Midfielder
Current Club: Man City
Jersey Number: 8
Mateo Kovačić has built a career across some of Europe's biggest football clubs, while becoming an important figure for Croatia along the way.
Born in Linz, Austria, to Croatian parents, Kovačić moved to Zagreb as a child and developed through the Dinamo Zagreb academy before making his senior debut as a teenager.
His career has since taken him to Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, giving him experience in several of Europe's major leagues. Kovačić is known for carrying the ball through midfield, retaining possession under pressure, and moving his team up the pitch.
His versatility has also let him play different midfield roles. There is plenty to his story off the pitch too. Here are 11 Mateo Kovačić facts you may not know.
11 Interesting Mateo Kovačić Facts You May Not Know
1. Kovačić Began his Football Career at the Local LASK Academy
Mateo Kovačić began playing football in his birthplace of Linz, Austria, and spent part of his childhood in the LASK academy.
His early development in Austria was followed by a major change when his family moved to Croatia. That move eventually took him into the Dinamo Zagreb academy, where his ability began attracting much wider attention.
The foundations of Kovačić's professional career were therefore laid in two countries: Austria, where he was born, and Croatia, where he developed into a professional footballer.
2. His Family Relocated to Zagreb, Where He Enrolled in the Dinamo Zagreb Academy
Kovačić's family moved from Austria to Zagreb when he was 13. The move proved hugely important for his football development. He joined Dinamo Zagreb's academy and progressed rapidly through the club's youth system.
Dinamo had already established a reputation for producing technically gifted young players, and Kovačić soon became one of the most promising prospects in the academy. His progress was so rapid that he reached the senior team while still a teenager.
3. He Made His Professional Debut on 20 November 2010, Scoring A Goal
Kovačić made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb on 20 November 2010 against Hrvatski Dragovoljac. He was only 16 years old. To make the occasion even more memorable, he scored in a 6-0 victory.
It was an extraordinary introduction to senior football and immediately demonstrated why Dinamo regarded him as one of the most exciting young players in its system.
Chelsea later noted that Kovačić's goal made him the youngest goalscorer in Croatian league history at the time.
4. He Became the Youngest Goalscorer in Prva HNL History
Kovačić's goal against Hrvatski Dragovoljac was not simply his first professional goal. At 16 years and 198 days old, he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of Croatia's top division, then known as the Prva HNL.
The record underlined how unusual his development was. Most teenagers are still working their way through academy football at that age.
Kovačić was already scoring in senior competition. His early breakthrough also helped put him on the radar of clubs outside Croatia.
5. He Became the Youngest Player to Captain Dinamo Zagreb
Kovačić added another remarkable achievement soon after his professional debut by becoming the youngest player to captain Dinamo Zagreb.
He wore the captain's armband at just 17 years and 82 days old when he led the side against NK Lučko.
UEFA recorded the achievement at the time, highlighting how quickly Kovačić had progressed from academy prospect to important senior player.
Being trusted with the captaincy at such a young age was another indication of the responsibility already being placed on his shoulders.
6. He was Named Croatian Football Hope of the Year in December 2011
Kovačić's rapid rise was recognised when he was named Croatian Football Hope of the Year in 2011. The award reflected his performances for Dinamo Zagreb and the growing reputation he had built as one of Croatia's most promising young footballers.
By this stage, his development was no longer a secret within Croatian football. He had already made his senior debut, scored in the Champions League and captained Dinamo despite still being a teenager.
7. He is A Catholic and Speaks Five Languages: Croatian, German, English, Italian, and Spanish
Kovačić is a practising Catholic and speaks five languages: Croatian, German, English, Italian and Spanish.
His ability to communicate in several languages has been useful throughout a career that has taken him across different football cultures.
He played professionally in Croatia, Italy, Spain and England, so adapting to new countries has been a recurring part of his career. Man City also highlighted his Catholic faith and his multilingual ability.
8. He was Named "Gentleman Revelation of the Year" in May 2013
Kovačić received the "Gentleman Revelation of the Year" award from Inter Milan supporters in 2013. He had joined Inter from Dinamo Zagreb as an 18-year-old and was still adapting to Italian football when the award recognised the impression he had made during his first season.
The move to Serie A was a significant step in his development. At Inter, Kovačić gained experience of playing against some of the strongest and most tactically demanding teams in European football.
9. He was Chelsea Player of the Year in 2020
Kovačić was named Chelsea's Player of the Year for the 2019/20 season after a campaign in which he became an important member of the club's midfield.
He made 47 appearances across the season and scored his first two goals for Chelsea. Supporters ultimately selected him as the winner of the club's men's Player of the Season award.
The award was particularly significant because Kovačić had only recently made his move to Stamford Bridge permanent after initially joining Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid.
His Chelsea career would go on to include a Champions League triumph, Europa League success, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
10. He is the Fifth Croatian Player to Play For Real Madrid
Kovačić joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan in 2015, becoming the fifth Croatian player to represent the Spanish giants.
He followed in the footsteps of Robert Prosinečki, Davor Šuker, Robert Jarni and Luka Modrić. UEFA confirmed at the time that his move made him the fifth Croatian to wear the famous Real Madrid shirt.
Kovačić spent three seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu and became part of one of the most successful periods in the club's history.
He won three consecutive European Cups during his time at Real Madrid, along with La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups. Real Madrid's official history records 109 appearances for the club.
11. Luka Modrić is the Godfather to his First Child, Ivan
Kovačić's relationship with Luka Modrić extends beyond football. The two Croatian midfielders were teammates at Real Madrid and have also represented Croatia together for many years.
Kovačić married Izabel Andrijanić in 2017, and the couple later had their first child, a son named Ivan. Luka Modrić was chosen as Ivan's godfather, highlighting the close relationship between the two Croatian footballers away from the pitch.
Manchester City has also noted that Kovačić and his wife met at church and that faith remains an important part of his life.
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