Mateo Kovačić: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

When you think of silky-smooth midfielders who can glide past defenders, control the tempo of a match, and pick out a killer pass, Mateo Kovačić immediately comes to mind. Over the years, this Croatian dynamo has gone from a teenage prodigy to a highly respected midfielder playing for some of the biggest clubs in world football.

In this post, we’ll walk you through his life story, career highlights, salary details, net worth, and every big move he’s made in his football journey — all in a friendly, easy-to-follow style.

Early Life and Background

Mateo Kovačić was born on May 6, 1994, in Linz, Austria, to Bosnian Croat parents. His parents had fled Bosnia during the Yugoslav wars, eventually settling in Austria, where Mateo spent his childhood. Football was in his blood from an early age.

By the time he was six, he had joined the local club LASK Linz, where his talent was immediately obvious. Scouts could already see something special — his balance, control, and quick feet made him stand out even against older kids.

But Kovačić’s family knew that for him to truly reach his potential, he needed to join a bigger footballing environment. That’s when they made a life-changing decision to move to Zagreb, Croatia, so he could join the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb, a club famous for producing stars like Luka Modrić and Eduardo da Silva.

Rising Through the Ranks at Dinamo Zagreb

At Dinamo Zagreb, Mateo’s rise was rapid. Coaches were amazed at his maturity and technical ability. His vision and dribbling skills set him apart from his peers, and it wasn’t long before he made his senior debut.

In November 2010, at just 16 years and 198 days old, he stepped onto the pitch for Dinamo Zagreb’s first team — becoming one of the youngest players to ever debut in the Croatian top flight. To make it even sweeter, he scored on his debut!

Over the next two seasons, Kovačić became a key player for Dinamo Zagreb, winning the Croatian league and cup titles while also gaining invaluable experience in the UEFA Champions League. European scouts were circling, and it was clear that it was only a matter of time before a big club came calling.

Inter Milan Move – A New Challenge in Italy

In January 2013, Italian giants Inter Milan signed Mateo Kovačić for around €11 million. Moving to Serie A at just 18 years old was a big step, but Kovačić adapted quickly.

At Inter, he showcased his dribbling elegance and tactical intelligence, often playing in different midfield roles — from deep-lying playmaker to attacking midfielder. Fans nicknamed him “Il Professore” (The Professor) for his ability to read the game.

Although Inter were in a transitional phase during his time there, Kovačić’s individual talent shone through. He made over 90 appearances for the Nerazzurri before the next big chapter in his career arrived.

Real Madrid – Learning from the Best

In August 2015, Spanish giants Real Madrid swooped in, signing Kovačić for a reported €29 million. This was a dream come true for the Croatian — joining a team full of superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Sergio Ramos.

Kovačić didn’t always start matches regularly due to the fierce competition in Madrid’s midfield, but his versatility and work rate made him an important squad player. He learned a lot under the guidance of Modrić, his Croatian teammate and one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

During his time at Madrid, Kovačić won:

• Three UEFA Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018)

• La Liga (2016–17)

• FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup titles

While his role was often rotational, being part of one of the greatest teams in history boosted his experience and winning mentality.

Chelsea Move – Becoming a Premier League Star

In August 2018, Kovačić joined Chelsea on a one-year loan deal. His performances impressed then-manager Maurizio Sarri and the Chelsea fans, who loved his ball control and dribbling in tight spaces.

The move became permanent in July 2019 for a fee of around £40 million. At Chelsea, Kovačić flourished, often acting as the link between defense and attack. He played a key role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph, helping them beat Manchester City in the final.

He also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, solidifying his status as one of the most reliable midfielders in the Premier League.

Manchester City – A New Chapter

In June 2023, Kovačić joined Manchester City on a four-year contract, reportedly for a transfer fee of £25 million plus add-ons.

Under Pep Guardiola, Kovačić’s tactical intelligence and ability to keep the ball under pressure have made him an ideal fit. Playing alongside stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri has only elevated his game further.

At City, he’s already added more silverware to his collection, including domestic trophies, as he aims to help the team dominate both in England and Europe.

International Career – Flying the Croatian Flag

Kovačić has been an important member of the Croatian national team since making his debut in 2013.

He was part of the squad that reached the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where Croatia finished as runners-up to France. He also played a key role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia secure a third-place finish.

Alongside Modrić and Marcelo Brozović, Kovačić has formed one of the most respected midfield trios in international football.

Salary and Net Worth

As of 2025, Mateo Kovačić earns an estimated £150,000 per week at Manchester City, which amounts to around £7.8 million annually.

His net worth is estimated to be in the range of £25–30 million, thanks to his football contracts, endorsements, and bonuses. Kovačić has endorsement deals with several sports brands, which add to his income.

Playing Style – The Art of Control

Kovačić is known for his:

• Exceptional dribbling – able to glide past opponents with ease.

• Ball retention – rarely loses possession under pressure.

• Versatility – can play as a deep-lying playmaker, central midfielder, or attacking midfielder.

• Work rate – constantly involved in both defense and attack.

His calmness on the ball and ability to progress play make him a coach’s dream.

Transfer History Summary

Here’s a quick look at his career moves:

1. LASK Linz → Dinamo Zagreb – Youth move (2007)

2. Dinamo Zagreb → Inter Milan – January 2013, ~€11 million

3. Inter Milan → Real Madrid – August 2015, ~€29 million

4. Real Madrid → Chelsea – Loan in August 2018, Permanent in July 2019 for ~£40 million

5. Chelsea → Manchester City – June 2023, ~£25 million + add-ons

Personal Life

Kovačić is married to Izabel Andrijanić, whom he met at church in Croatia when they were teenagers. The couple tied the knot in 2017 and have a son named Ivan. Off the pitch, Kovačić is known for being humble, family-oriented, and deeply connected to his faith.

Legacy and Future Prospects

At just 31 years old in 2025, Kovačić still has plenty of football left in him. With his experience, technical ability, and winning mentality, he’s likely to remain a key figure for Manchester City and the Croatian national team for years to come.

Whether it’s threading a perfect pass, dribbling past defenders, or helping his team control the game, Kovačić continues to prove why he’s one of the most respected midfielders in modern football.

Final Thoughts
Mateo Kovačić’s career is a masterclass in consistency, adaptability, and professionalism. From a young boy in Austria to playing for Europe’s biggest clubs, he has lived the dream — and he’s not done yet.