Mateo Kovačić is a Croatian professional footballer born on May 6, 1994. He plays as a central midfielder for Manchester City and the Croatia national team, showcasing his talent across multiple top European clubs.
Known For
Early Life
Mateo Kovačić began his football journey at the age of six, joining the LASK Linz academy in Austria. In 2007, at the age of 13, he attracted attention from several European clubs, including Ajax and Inter Milan. However, Kovačić's family decided to move to Zagreb, where he joined Dinamo Zagreb's academy. In 2009, at 15, he suffered a serious leg injury that sidelined him for four months. He made a successful return to the pitch on May 31, 2010, during a friendly match against RNK Split under-17s, marking the beginning of his recovery and ascent in youth football.
Career
Kovačić made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb on November 20, 2010, against Hrvatski Dragovoljac, scoring a goal and becoming the youngest goalscorer in Prva HNL history at 16 years and 198 days. His performance in the 2011–12 season solidified his position as a first-team regular, leading to a transfer to Inter Milan in 2013. At Inter, he made 89 appearances before moving to Real Madrid in 2015. During his time at Madrid, Kovačić won nine trophies, including three UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. In 2018, he joined Chelsea, winning the UEFA Europa League and being named Chelsea Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season. Kovačić transferred to Manchester City in 2023 and won the Premier League in his first season with the club. He has also represented Croatia at multiple international tournaments, including the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Kovačić has amassed numerous accolades. He won the Prva HNL title twice with Dinamo Zagreb and secured three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid in 2016, 2017, and 2018. At Chelsea, he contributed to their UEFA Europa League victory in 2019 and helped the team win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021. Individually, Kovačić was named Chelsea Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season. His contributions to the Croatia national team include reaching the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and competing in the UEFA European Championships in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Legacy
Kovačić is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, vision, and tactical intelligence on the field. His playing style combines technical skill with a strong work ethic, allowing him to control the midfield effectively. He holds the record for being the youngest goalscorer in Prva HNL history, showcasing his early talent. Kovačić's influence extends beyond club football; his performances in international tournaments have made him a key figure for the Croatian national team. His successful career across top European clubs has established him as one of the prominent midfielders in contemporary football.
Notable Quotes
“I always want to learn and improve, and I believe that’s the key to success.”
“Playing for my country is the biggest honor, and I will always give my best.”
Did You Know?
- Kovačić was born in Austria but chose to represent Croatia internationally.
- He was part of the Croatian squad that finished as runners-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Kovačić's first professional goal came just days after he turned 16.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mateo Kovačić?
Mateo Kovačić is a Croatian Professional Footballer. Mateo Kovačić is a Croatian professional footballer born on May 6, 1994. He plays as a central midfielder for Manchester City and the Croatia national team, showcasing his talent across multiple top European clubs.
When was Mateo Kovačić born?
Mateo Kovačić was born on May 6, 1994.
What is Mateo Kovačić known for?
Mateo Kovačić is known for: Winning three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Contributing to Chelsea's UEFA Europa League victory, Being named Chelsea Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season, Representing Croatia in three FIFA World Cups, Winning the Premier League with Manchester City in 2023.
What nationality is Mateo Kovačić?
Mateo Kovačić is Croatian.