One of the most talked-about defenders in world football right now is Joško Gvardiol. The 23-year-old Croatian international has already made a name for himself as a vital member of both his country's squad and Manchester City. Gvardiol embodies the modern defender—comfortable in possession, strong in one-on-one situations, and astute in his positioning—and is renowned for his remarkable poise on the ball, tactical awareness, and adaptability across defensive positions.

Since his record-breaking transfer to Manchester City in August 2023, Gvardiol has continued to impress fans and pundits alike. His journey from the streets of Zagreb to the pinnacle of European football is a testament to his dedication, talent, and unwavering work ethic. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Joško Gvardiol in 2026, from his net worth and salary to his personal life and the most frequently asked questions about this rising star.

Salary and Net Worth in 2026

Joško Gvardiol is doing remarkably well for his age in terms of football-related financial achievement. His current net worth is estimated by Icon Polls to be between $40 million and $45 million. This remarkable figure is a result of his wealthy endorsement deals, astute financial management, and high wage at Manchester City.

Current Salary at Manchester City

Gvardiol's salary at Manchester City is an astounding £200,000 a week, or around £10.4 million a year. He is now one of the Premier League's highest-paid defenders as a result. One of Manchester City's biggest defender purchases to date, his five-year contract was signed in August 2023 and expires in June 2028.

Manchester City paid RB Leipzig an incredible £77 million (about €90 million) for his services, making him one of the most expensive defenders in football history. The trade itself was historic. This payment demonstrates the team's faith in his abilities and dedication to creating a strong defense for years to come.

Brand Promotions and Extra Revenue
In addition to his club income, Gvardiol has formed alliances with well-known apparel companies. Throughout his career, he has been seen using Adidas football footwear, including the 2022 World Cup, where he wore specially designed Adidas X Speedportal boots. His total wealth is largely derived from these endorsement agreements, appearance fees, social media collaborations, and image rights.

Bio

Early Life and Family Background

Joško Gvardiol was born in Zagreb, Croatia, on January 23, 2002, and was raised in a household that loved sports. His development was greatly aided by his parents, Sanja and Tihomir Gvardiol. Joško was introduced to the beautiful game at a very young age because his father, Tihomir, was an amateur football player.

It's interesting to note that the Gvardiol family has a strong sporting heritage. Lorena and Franka, Joško's two older sisters, are both successful athletes. Franka Gvardiol, who currently plays for a handball club in Velika Gorica, is especially well-known for her participation in beach volleyball and handball. Joško's desire to achieve at the greatest level was probably influenced by this competitive family milieu.

Youth Career and Early Struggles

When Gvardiol was seven years old, his father introduced him to NK Trešnjevka, a local Zagreb team, where he started playing football. His skill was immediately apparent, and by 2010, one of Croatia's most prominent clubs, Dinamo Zagreb, had taken notice. But his journey wasn't always easy.

Gvardiol experienced times of little playing time while attending Dinamo Zagreb's youth academy, which irritated him. He actually thought about giving up football completely to work in his family's fish store. He needed to be persuaded to keep going by a family friend who made a mental map to help him see his future. His current accomplishment is all the more impressive because of this moment of uncertainty.

Professional Career Breakthrough

After completing Josip Racic Elementary School, Gvardiol made the decision to play football professionally. He started out as a left-back or central midfielder, but Dinamo Zagreb academy coach Dalibor Poldrugač made the game-changing decision to switch him to a center-back.

His breakthrough occurred when Dinamo advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2018–19 UEFA Youth League season. Top European teams including Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan were impressed by his performances. In a 4-2 victory over Gorica on October 18, 2019, he earned his senior debut for Dinamo Zagreb at the age of just 17. A few weeks later, he became one of Dinamo's youngest goal scorers when he scored his first senior goal in a 1-0 victory over Inter Zaprešić.

RB Leipzig and Bundesliga Success

After signing Gvardiol in September 2020, RB Leipzig loaned him back to Dinamo Zagreb for the 2020–21 campaign. By making this choice, he was able to advance further and acquire crucial first-team experience. Dinamo won the Croatian league title thanks to his 40 outings that season.

When Gvardiol returned to Leipzig for the 2021–22 campaign, he immediately became a vital member of the team. He played 88 games in Leipzig's two seasons, helping the team win the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) in 2021–22 and 2022–23. He became known as one of Europe's most promising young defenders after his performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League demonstrated his capacity to play at the highest level.

Manchester City and Premier League Glory

Joško Gvardiol signed a £77 million contract with Manchester City on August 5, 2023. For the teenage defender, who had been connected to City since his youth academy days, the transfer was a dream come true. His influence was instantaneous. He claimed his first title with his new team a few days after joining, playing the entire ninety minutes in City's UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla.

Gvardiol had an absolutely amazing first season at City. He scored five Premier League goals, both offensively and defensively, including a memorable brace in a pivotal 4-0 victory at Fulham on the road that helped City pass Arsenal in the battle for the championship. He was the second Croatian to win England's top division after Dejan Lovren on May 19, 2024, when City defeated West Ham United 3-1 to win the Premier League title.

Gvardiol's stellar play carried over into the 2024–25 campaign, and in June of that year, he was crowned Manchester City Player of the Season, the highest individual accolade. This accolade validated City's significant investment and solidified his place among the best defenders in the world.

International Career with Croatia

In October 2019, Gvardiol joined Croatia's Under-21 squad to start his international career. After rising swiftly through the youth ranks, he scored in Croatia's record 10-0 victory over San Marino on October 8, 2020, which was the biggest victory in the history of the Croatian national team.

He became one of the youngest players to ever represent Croatia when he made his senior international debut on June 6, 2021, against Belgium. He became the youngest Croatian player to compete in a European Championship when he was added to the team for UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021).

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar served as Gvardiol's international debut. As Croatia advanced to the semi-finals and finished third, he started every game for them. He scored the first goal in Croatia's 2-1 victory over Morocco for third place, and his performances were exceptional. He demonstrated that he could manage the strain of football's biggest competition at the young age of twenty.

At Euro 2024, he maintained his international success by playing a crucial role in Croatia's defense once more. He is one of the most dependable defenders in international football because of his consistency for both club and country.

Personal Life

Relationship Status

Recent rumors state that Gvardiol is currently seeing Lu Mastrovic, a Zagreb veterinary student who also teaches skiing. Although they have been dating for a few months, the couple would rather not discuss their relationship. Lu's Instagram account is private, and neither of them posts images of themselves together on social media.

Gvardiol chose to concentrate on his professional growth and kept his personal life mostly hidden from the public before this partnership. Despite his youth, his mature approach to relationships and celebrity is evident.

Life Apart from Football

Outside of the field, Gvardiol stays in touch with his Croatian family. The family still supports one another's efforts, and his sisters are still pursuing their sporting professions. Gvardiol is renowned for his professional commitment to his work and modest demeanor.

Gvardiol, a Croatian residing in Manchester, has successfully assimilated into English society while preserving his cultural heritage. In order to integrate on and off the field, he has been studying English and collaborating with Manchester City's staff. His ability to speak three languages, Croatian, German from Leipzig, and English now reflects his versatility.

Transfer Value

Several football valuation tools estimate Joško Gvardiol's market value at between €70 million and €78.7 million as of January 2026. This is a minor change from his 2023 transfer fee of £77 million, which is still one of the most ever paid for a defender.

His present valuation is influenced by a number of factors. He may have 10 or more years at the top level ahead of him when he enters his prime as a defender at the age of 23. His ability to play both left and center defense adds value, as does his track record of success in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Croatian First Football League, and other elite leagues as well as on the global scene.

His status as one of the top defenders in the world has been cemented by his 2025 Manchester City Player of the Season victory and his steady play. Gvardiol may fetch an even greater price if City ever considered selling, which seems extremely unlikely considering his significance to the squad and the recent rise in transfer costs as well as the premium paid for young, talented defenders.

His contract with Manchester City is set to expire in June 2028, giving both the team and the player security. Any club interested in purchasing Gvardiol would have to pay a premium significantly higher than his present market worth because of this long-term security, which relieves City of any obligation to sell.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joško Gvardiol

1. What is Joško Gvardiol's age?
Joško Gvardiol is 23 years old. He was born on January 23, 2002.

2. How much will Joško Gvardiol be worth in 2026?
Joško Gvardiol's estimated net worth in 2026 is between $40 million and $45 million, based on estimations from Icon Polls. This covers his pay, bonuses, endorsement agreements, and other revenue streams.

3. What is Joško Gvardiol's weekly salary?
At Manchester City, Gvardiol makes £200,000 a week, or roughly £10.4 million annually.

4. Joško Gvardiol plays for which club?
Currently, Joško Gvardiol is a member of the Premier League team Manchester City. He left RB Leipzig for the team in August 2023.

5. Joško Gvardiol plays what position?
Although he excels as a left-back, Gvardiol's primary position is center-back. One of his best qualities is his adaptability, which enables managers to use him in a variety of defensive positions.

6. What is Joško Gvardiol's height?
Gvardiol is the perfect height for a modern center-back, standing 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) tall.

7. What is the nationality of Joško Gvardiol?
Gvardiol, Joško, is Croatian. He was born in Zagreb, Croatia, and competes internationally for the Croatian national team.

8. How much did Joško Gvardiol cost Manchester City?
In August 2023, Manchester City traded Gvardiol to RB Leipzig for £77 million (about €90 million), making him one of the most costly defenders in football history.

9. When does Joško Gvardiol's contract with Manchester City expire?
Gvardiol's Manchester City contract expires on June 30, 2028. When he joined the team in 2023, he signed a five-year contract.

10. Has Joško Gvardiol received any significant awards?
Indeed, Gvardiol has a long list of accolades. He won the Croatian Cup and two Croatian league titles with Dinamo Zagreb. He won the DFB-Pokal twice while at RB Leipzig (2021–2022 and 2022–2023). He has won the Premier League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup with Manchester City. In 2024–2025, he and City also won the English Super Cup.

11. Did Joško Gvardiol participate in the World Cup in 2022?
Indeed, Gvardiol played a significant role for Croatia during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. As Croatia finished third, he started every game and scored in the team's 2-1 triumph over Morocco.

12. Which foot is Joško Gvardiol's favorite?
Gvardiol is especially useful in contemporary football systems that prioritize ball movement from defense because he is left-footed, which is somewhat uncommon for center-backs.

13. Is Joško Gvardiol married or has a girlfriend?
Currently, Gvardiol is seeing Lu Mastrovic, a Zagreb-based ski instructor and veterinarian student. The pair rarely posts pictures of themselves together on social media and maintains their romance discreet. He does not have a spouse.

14. In his career, how many goals has Joško Gvardiol scored?
Gvardiol had about 26 career goals in all competitions as of January 2026. This covers goals for the Croatian national team, Dinamo Zagreb, RB Leipzig, and Manchester City. This is an outstanding goal-scoring record for a defender.

15. What is the jersey number of Joško Gvardiol?
Gvardiol represents Manchester City in the number 24 jersey. When he originally joined the club, he wore number 32.

16. What are the primary playing strengths of Joško Gvardiol?
Gvardiol's outstanding poise on the ball, astute positioning, physical presence, center-back speed, ability to play out from the back, strong tackling, and aerial domination are among of his strongest attributes. Additionally, he is adaptable enough to play a variety of defensive positions with success.

17. Does Joško Gvardiol have any individual honors?
Yes, Gvardiol won Manchester City Player of the Season in June 2025, which is one of the club's highest individual awards. on October 2019, The Guardian named him one of the most promising young football players on their Next Generation list.

18. What is the current transfer value of Joško Gvardiol?
Major football valuation sites anticipate that Gvardiol's transfer value in 2026 will be between €70 million and €78.7 million. Any club trying to sign him would probably have to pay a lot more because of his age, the length of his contract, and his significance to Manchester City.

19. Which footwear are worn by Joško Gvardiol?
Adidas football boots are worn by Gvardiol. He is well-known for using personalized laceless Adidas X Speedportal footwear during the 2022 World Cup.

20. Where did Joško Gvardiol begin his career as a professional?
In Croatia, Gvardiol began his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb. Before making his senior debut in October 2019 at the age of just 17, he advanced via their junior academy.

21. Is Joško Gvardiol related to anyone?
Indeed, Lorena and Franka Gvardiol are Gvardiol's two elder sisters. They are both skilled athletes. Franka, who presently plays for a handball club in Velika Gorica, is especially well-known for her participation in beach volleyball and handball.

22. Does Joško Gvardiol have any medical history?
Gvardiol has struggled with injuries throughout his career, just like the majority of professional football players. He most recently needed surgery for a tibia injury, and his return is anticipated in June 2026. He has, meanwhile, generally kept up a healthy level of fitness throughout his career.

23. Which languages are spoken by Joško Gvardiol?
In addition to his native Croatian, Gvardiol also speaks German, which he learned while playing for RB Leipzig, and English, which he has been acquiring since joining Manchester City. His ability to speak multiple languages has made it easier for him to rapidly adjust to various leagues and cultures.

24. Is Joško Gvardiol seen as a contemporary defender who can play the ball?
Of course. Gvardiol is the perfect example of a contemporary ball-playing defender. He can move the ball forward with dribbling or accurate distribution, has a great passing range, and is at ease receiving the ball under pressure. He is therefore ideal for Manchester City's possession-based strategy under Pep Guardiola.

25. How does Joško Gvardiol play?
Gvardiol blends contemporary technical abilities with historic defensive traits. He has the poise and skill to play as a deep-lying playmaker in addition to being physically powerful and skilled in aerial duels. His pace helps him to recover when necessary, and his ability to analyze the game allows him to position himself wisely to intercept passes. He is equally skilled at quiet build-up play and aggressive defense.

Joško Gvardiol's transformation from a little child in Zagreb who nearly gave up football to one of the best defenders in the world is incredibly motivating. Even at the young age of 23, he has already accomplished what many players can only hope for: taking home national and international trophies, playing for his nation in important competitions, and becoming known as one of football's best players.

Gvardiol's future is extremely bright, with a net worth of between $40 million and $45 million according to Icon Polls, a lucrative contract at Manchester City that runs until 2028, and a trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down. He is a great asset to Manchester City and Croatia because of his adaptability, technical skill, and mental toughness.

Gvardiol has every reason to be considered one of the best defenders of his generation as he develops further under Pep Guardiola's tutelage and contends for the biggest titles in club and international football. It will be an honor to witness his career develop for both football fans and analysts.

Joško Gvardiol is a name you will hear for years to come, regardless of whether you are a fan of Manchester City, Croatia, or just great defensive skill.