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
Over the years, Mateo Kovačić has become one of the standout figures in Croatian football. Known for his dynamic playing style, he blends classic midfield artistry with a mix of technical finesse and tenacity.
With a career that spans prestigious clubs like Dinamo Zagreb, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and currently Manchester City, Kovačić has established himself as a key player in European football.
He possesses many great attributes, including exceptional strength, tactical intelligence, vision, and precise passing. The debate about his best position continues, as he has excelled in various roles—whether as a creative number 10, a deep-lying playmaker, or a versatile central midfielder.
Beyond his on-field prowess, fans may not be aware of numerous intriguing aspects of Kovačić's life and career. In this article, we explore 11 fascinating facts about the man behind the jersey that you might find surprising.
11 Interesting Mateo Kovacic Facts From Childhood You May Not Know
1. Kovačić Began his Football Odyssey at the Local LASK Academy
Mateo Kovačić's football journey began in the LASK academy, where he honed his skills from a young age. As a promising young talent in Linz, Austria, Kovačić quickly attracted attention with his impressive performances. The academy provided him with the foundational skills and discipline required for a successful career, setting the stage for his future transfers to more prominent clubs.
2. His Family Moved to Zagreb, where He Joined Dinamo Zagreb's Academy
In 2007, at the age of 13, Kovačić's family relocated to Zagreb, Croatia, seeking better opportunities for his burgeoning football career. Settling in Croatia’s capital, he joined Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, a move that proved pivotal for his development. At Dinamo, Kovačić continued to evolve as a player, benefitting from the club’s renowned youth system and preparing for a future in professional football.
3. He Made his Professional Debut on 20 November 2010, Scoring A Goal
On November 20, 2010, Kovačić made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb in a match against Hrvatski Dragovoljac. At just 16 years old, Kovačić made an immediate impact by scoring a goal in a 6–0 victory. This debut performance showcased his talent and potential, marking the beginning of his ascent in professional football.
4. He Became the Youngest Goalscorer in Prva HNL History
By scoring in the match against Hrvatski Dragovoljac on November 20, 2010, Kovačić set a record as the youngest goalscorer in the Prva HNL, Croatia’s top football league. At the age of 16 years and 198 days, he surpassed the previous record held by Dino Špehar, further cementing his reputation as a prodigious talent.
5. He Became the Youngest Player to Captain Dinamo Zagreb
In the 2011–12 season, Mateo Kovačić achieved another significant milestone by becoming the youngest player to captain Dinamo Zagreb. During a league match against NK Lučko, he took on the captain’s armband from Leandro Cufré. This achievement highlighted his leadership qualities and the high regard his teammates and coaches held him.
6. He was Named Croatian Football Hope of the Year in December 2011
In December 2011, Kovačić was honoured with the Croatian Football Hope of the Year award. This accolade recognised his exceptional performance and potential at such a young age. His contributions to Dinamo Zagreb’s successful season, including his performances in domestic and European competitions, made him a standout candidate for this prestigious award.
7. He is A Catholic and Speaks Five Languages: Croatian, German, English, Italian, and Spanish
Mateo Kovačić’s personal background includes his strong Catholic faith, which he practices diligently. Additionally, his multilingual abilities are remarkable; he speaks Croatian, German, English, Italian, and Spanish fluently. This linguistic versatility has facilitated his integration into various teams and cultures throughout his career.
8. He was Named "Gentleman Revelation of the Year" in May 2013
In May 2013, Kovačić received the "Gentleman Revelation of the Year" award from Inter Milan fans. This recognition came in the wake of his impressive performances during the second half of the 2012–13 season. The award acknowledged his professionalism, skill, and the positive impression he made on the club's supporters.
9. He was Chelsea Player of the Year in 2020
In August 2020, Mateo Kovačić was named Chelsea Player of the Year. Despite a challenging season, his consistent performances and crucial contributions across various competitions earned him this accolade. His role in Chelsea's midfield was pivotal, helping the team clinch the Champions League a few months later under Thomas Tuchel's reign.
10. He is the Fifth Croatian Player to Join Real Madrid
On August 16, 2015, Kovačić signed with Real Madrid, becoming the fifth Croatian player in the club’s history. This move from Serie A giants Inter Milan was a significant step in his career, placing him among a distinguished group of Croatian footballers, who had previously donned the Real Madrid jersey, including legends like Luka Modrić.
11. Luka Modrić is the Godfather to his First Child Ivan
Mateo Kovačić’s first child, a son named Ivan, was born on October 12, 2020. Luka Modrić, Kovačić’s esteemed teammate and fellow Croatian football star, was honoured to be named the godfather of Ivan. This gesture reflects the close personal and professional relationship between Kovačić and Modrić on and off the pitch.
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