Mateo Kovacic In 2026: Net Worth, Salary, Bio, Health, Transfer Value & FAQs

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One of the most technically proficient midfielders in the Premier League is Mateo Kovacic. Currently playing for Manchester City, the Croatian international has amassed a great career playing for Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Dinamo Zagreb, and other elite European clubs. Kovacic embodies the modern central midfielder who blends defensive work rate with artistic flair. He is well-known for his remarkable dribbling abilities, vision, and ball retention.

Kovacic has added further trophies to his already remarkable collection after joining Manchester City in July 2023. His ability to adapt and use tactical intelligence is evident in his smooth transition into Pep Guardiola's system. This thorough biography looks at every facet of Kovacic's career, including his salary and net worth, his style of play, and commonly asked questions by fans worldwide.

Mateo Kovačić Net Worth and Salary in 2026

Estimated Net Worth

Mateo Kovacic's estimated net worth in 2026 is between $25 million and $30 million, according to Icon Polls. His total career earnings from endorsement deals, contracts with elite clubs, and other business endeavors are factored into this assessment. Having played at the top level of European football for over ten years, Kovacic has received large salaries from some of the biggest teams in the world.

His fortune has grown as a result of his steady high performance and astute financial choices. Kovacic seems to lead a reasonably modest lifestyle while preserving his family's financial future, in contrast to certain players who indulge in extravagant spending. Despite not being at the very top rung populated by international superstars, the midfielder's net worth places him among the Premier League's well-paid players.

Current Salary at Manchester City

Mateo Kovacic will make about £150,000 a week (about £7.8 million a year) at Manchester City for the 2025–2026 season. Despite being far less than the club's biggest earners, such as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, this wage places him among the better-paid players in the Premier League.

It's interesting to note that this is the same weekly salary Kovacic had at Chelsea prior to moving to Manchester. When compared to other Premier League midfielders of comparable caliber, City's acquisition of the Croatian midfield player seems to have been a steal for many. Both the player and the club will have stability thanks to his contract, which expires on June 30, 2027.

Additional Income Sources

Kovacic earns extra money from sponsorship deals in addition to his Manchester City wage. He wears Puma's King Ultimate model during games as part of a footwear contract. Additionally, the midfield player has collaborations with high-end companies like Audi cars and Hublot watches. These partnerships contribute a substantial sum to his yearly revenue, even though they are not as profitable as those of more marketable performers.

Biography and Early Life

Childhood and Youth Career

Mateo Kovacic was born to Croatian parents in Linz, Austria, on May 6, 1994. Despite being born in Austria, Kovacic developed a strong sense of Croatian identity as a child and always wanted to represent Croatia internationally. His identity and professional decisions were greatly influenced by his family's Croatian ancestry.

Before relocating to Croatia in 2007 to join Dinamo Zagreb's esteemed development system, Kovacic started his youth career at the age of six with the Austrian club LASK Linz (2000–2007). He advanced quickly at Dinamo Zagreb, displaying the technical prowess and football acumen that would characterize his professional career. The club's development program, which is renowned for turning forth gifted Croatian athletes, gave Kovacic the ideal setting in which to thrive.

Professional Career Journey

In 2010, at the age of 16, Kovacic made his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb. Major European clubs soon took notice of his accomplishments in the Croatian league and European competitions. He became one of Croatia's most promising young players while he was at Dinamo, where he won two straight Prva HNL titles.

At the age of 18, Kovacic transferred to Inter Milan in January 2013 for about €11 million. He learned a lot throughout his time in Serie A, but he had trouble getting consistent playing time. The teenage midfielder struggled to regularly establish himself in the starting lineup after moving to Inter, which was a major step up in competition.

When Kovacic was bought by Real Madrid for €38 million in August 2015, his career took a significant turn. He won an amazing nine trophies at the Bernabéu, including three straight UEFA Champions League victories in 2016 and 2017. But with established talents in Real Madrid's midfield, playing time was constrained. Kovacic honed his game with elite players and acquired priceless experience despite the absence of consistent starts.

Kovacic joined Chelsea on loan in 2018 and paid over €45 million to make the move permanent in 2019. He really developed into a full-fledged midfielder at Chelsea. In addition to winning the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, he was voted Chelsea Player of the Year for 2019–20, won the UEFA Europa League in his debut season, and added another Champions League victory in 2021. It was during his five years at Stamford Bridge that Kovacic became one of the best center midfielders in Europe.

Manchester City signed Kovacic in June 2023 for a starting fee of £25 million, which could increase to £30 million with add-ons. He was reunited with Pep Guardiola's possession-based football philosophy after the deal. Kovacic won the Premier League in his debut season at City, and he has since emerged as a key member of the team, offering strong midfield depth.

Health Status in 2026

Mateo Kovacic is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in November 2025 as of early 2026. He has been sidelined for several months due to the injury, which required meticulous monitoring. His homecoming was first anticipated by medical experts in early February 2026, although the precise date will depend on how well he recovers.

Despite his fair share of injury issues, Kovacic has largely remained fit throughout his career. His Achilles condition, which necessitated surgery in 2024 and prevented him from competing in the Club World Cup, was his biggest recent health concern. He had to go through a rigorous recovery process during the summer as a result of the injury.

Kovacic, who is 31 years old, takes his physical fitness seriously. He collaborates closely with Manchester City's training and medical experts to keep his physique in top shape. His playing style puts a lot of strain on his joints and muscles because it mainly depends on close control and fast direction changes. As a result, as he approaches his thirties, appropriate recuperation and injury prevention have grown in importance within his regimen.

The midfielder has had a strong season overall, but the latest ankle injury is a blow. Before reintroducing him to competitive play, Manchester City's medical team is making sure he fully recovers. There is no reason to expedite his return given the depth of City's roster.

Transfer Value in 2026

Mateo Kovacic's 2026 transfer value is estimated by top football valuation sites to be around €15 million, or roughly £13 million or $16.5 million. Because of his age and the inherent depreciation that happens as players reach their thirties, this is a substantial drop from the €29.1 million Manchester City spent for him in 2023.

Estimates from various value models vary slightly. His market value is listed as €15 million on Transfermarkt, although other sites, such as FotMob, suggest €14.1 million. These differences are influenced by a number of variables, such as market conditions, contract length, injury history, and recent performance. All valuations agree that Kovacic is still a good asset despite his advanced age.

Kovacic's current transfer value is influenced by a number of factors. Since clubs usually pay less for players in their thirties because of their lower resale value and shorter prospective contract terms, his age (31) is the main reason for the lesser valuation. His technical skill, top-tier experience, and demonstrated capacity to play for elite clubs, however, continue to add substantial value.

Another factor is his contract condition. Kovacic's assessment is supported by the fact that he still has a fair amount of time left on his current contract, which expires in June 2027. His worth would probably decrease even more if his contract were about to expire since clubs could wait to sign him on a free transfer or bargain from a stronger position.

Kovacic has occasionally been linked to moves to clubs in Saudi Arabia, Italy (Inter Milan, AC Milan), and Turkey (Fenerbahce, Galatasaray). Although Manchester City is happy to retain him as a vital squad member, his comparatively low price and demonstrated quality make him a desirable choice for teams looking to bolster their midfield with experience.

Strengths and Playing Style

Many people consider Mateo Kovacic to be among the world's best technically proficient midfielders. His style of play blends deft positioning, dependable ball retention, and outstanding dribbling ability. He is a versatile midfield player who thrives in a variety of play phases, according to coaches and analysts.

His ability to drive forward through opposition lines after receiving the ball in deep positions is his signature skill. These "slalom runs," which enable him to breach defensive formations and give his team a numerical edge, have become his defining move. He is quite challenging to dispose of because of his low center of gravity and close control.

In contemporary tactical parlance, Kovacic mostly serves as a "number 8," alternating between attack and defense. He combines a'midfield maestro' dribbling skill like his Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva with the defensive presence to play as a'shuttler,' much like Claudio Marchisio in his heyday. He is able to adjust to different tactical systems because of his versatility.

Another one of his strengths is his ability to pass. Kovacic is a master at short to medium-range passing, holding possession and setting the pace, even though he is not renowned for his amazing long balls. His dependability in possession is demonstrated by the fact that his pass completion rates routinely rank among the highest in the Premier League.

When it comes to defense, Kovacic is smart and diligent rather than combative. He rarely gets caught out of position, reads the game well, and produces interceptions. He is not a defensive midfielder by nature, but he has demonstrated the ability to drop deeper when needed to protect the defense.

Career Abroad with Croatia

Since making his senior debut in 2013, Mateo Kovacic has been a vital member of the Croatian national team. He has played for Croatia in some of the major international football competitions, earning over 97 caps and five goals.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, when Croatia advanced to the final before losing to France, was the high point of his international career. Throughout the competition, Kovacic was instrumental, demonstrating his skills on the biggest platform in football. The competition raised his status internationally and showed that he could perform well under extreme pressure.

Kovacic helped Croatia defeat Morocco in the playoffs to earn third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He is one of the most dependable players in Croatia's golden generation, which also includes Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, and others, because to his steady performances in several important tournaments.

Additionally, Kovacic represented Croatia in the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and the UEFA European Championships in 2016 and 2020. He remains a consistent starter for Croatia in the 2026 World Cup qualifying, assisting his country in its quest to qualify for the North American competition.

In Croatia's midfield, his combination with Real Madrid great Luka Modric has been especially unique. Modric is the godfather of Kovacic's first kid, and the two have mutual respect and understanding. Kovacic is anticipated to assume more responsibility for the national team as Modric approaches the end of his career.

Personal Life and Family

In June 2017, Mateo Kovacic wed Izabel Andrijanić, his longtime girlfriend. Mateo worked as an altar boy and Izabel sung in the choir at St. Anthony's Church in Padua during their adolescent years, which is when their romance started. Their wedding was especially significant because they were married at the same church.

The Kovacics are parents to two kids. Luka Modric served as the godfather for their first child, a son named Ivan, who was born on October 12, 2020, and christened in July 2021. The family's second child, a daughter called Luna, was born in 2025. Although Kovacic usually keeps his personal affairs private, he occasionally posts glimpses of his family life on social media.

Kovacic is renowned for leading a more modest lifestyle than many football players, despite his success and wealth. He stays away from the overindulgent celebrity culture that permeates contemporary sport and instead concentrates on his family. Both players and supporters respect him for his grounded approach.

Kovacic, like many high-paid football players, has a number of expensive cars. According to reports, he has an Audi Q7, a Mercedes GLE Coupe, and a Mercedes G63 in his collection. He isn't known for the gaudy displays that some players have, but his choice of vehicles shows that he values performance and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mateo Kovacic

1. How much does Mateo Kovacic earn per week?
At Manchester City, Mateo Kovacic makes about £150,000 a week, or about £7.8 million annually. Although it is less than what City's top earners make, this income has stayed steady during his time at Chelsea and is fair remuneration for a player of his caliber.

2. How much will Mateo Kovacic be worth in 2026?
Mateo Kovacic's 2026 net worth is projected by Icon Polls to be between $25 million and $30 million. His career earnings from elite European clubs, sponsorship deals, and astute money management over more than ten years of playing professional football have all contributed to his wealth accumulation.

3. What is Mateo Kovacic's age?
Mateo Kovacic is 31 years old as of 2026, having been born on May 6, 1994. He is now in his thirties, but his technical skill and experience are still at the highest levels, making him a valuable member of both Manchester City and the Croatian national team.

4. What is the transfer worth of Kovacic right now?
Mateo Kovacic's transfer value is projected to be around €15 million (£13 million) in 2026. Due mostly to his advanced age, this is less than the €29.1 million Manchester City paid in 2023. He is still a significant asset in the transfer market, nevertheless, due to his caliber and experience.

5. Mateo Kovacic plays what position?
The majority of the time, Kovacic plays as a central midfielder, or 'number 8' in context. Depending on what his team needs, he can also play as an aggressive or defensive midfielder. Because of his adaptability, he can fit into a variety of midfield positions and tactical schemes.

6. Has Kovacic won the Champions League?
Mateo Kovacic has indeed won the UEFA Champions League four times, which is rather outstanding. He added a fourth trophy with Chelsea in 2021 after winning three straight with Real Madrid in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Despite these wins, he had not participated in the Champions League finals with Real Madrid, so the 2021 final was his first real Champions League final participation.

7. Does Mateo Kovacic have a spouse?
Indeed, since June 2017, Mateo Kovacic and Izabel Kovacic (née Andrijanić) have been wed. Ivan, their son, was born in 2020, and Luna, their daughter, was born in 2025. The couple met when they were teenagers. Their family life is kept relatively discreet.

8. What is Mateo Kovacic's nationality?
The Croatian is Mateo Kovacic. Despite having Croatian parents and being born in Linz, Austria, he has always been a citizen of Croatia and has played for the country at every level, from junior teams to the senior national team. He has never thought of going abroad to represent Austria.

9. What is Mateo Kovacic's height?
Mateo Kovacic weighs between 78 and 80 kg and is 1.77 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall. He is of average height for a midfielder in the Premier League. His playing is less about physical domination and more about technical skill, balance, and strategic placement.

10. What is the expiration date of Kovacic's Manchester City contract?
The current Manchester City contract of Mateo Kovacic expires on June 30, 2027. When he joined from Chelsea in 2023, he signed a four-year contract, meaning that as of early 2026, he still had more than a year left on it.

11. Mateo Kovacic wears what kind of boot?
Mateo Kovacic is wearing Puma King Ultimate football footwear during the current campaign. One of the top boot manufacturers for football, Puma, has an endorsement agreement with him. Kovacic's precise playing style is a fantastic fit for the King Ultimate model, which is made for players who appreciate touch and control.

12. Did Kovacic participate in the World Cup final in 2018?
Mateo Kovacic did indeed play a key role in the Croatian team that advanced to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. Although Croatia lost 4-2 to France in the end, the competition marked the height of Croatian football success and greatly increased Kovacic's popularity abroad.

13. What quality does Kovacic possess the most?
Mateo Kovacic's greatest strength is his extraordinary dribbling ability, especially his signature "slalom runs," in which he receives the ball deep and propels himself forward past several opponents. He is very challenging to get rid of because of his tight control, equilibrium, and capacity to maintain possession under duress.

14. Has Kovacic ever been dismissed?
Indeed, throughout his career, Kovacic has received red cards on occasion. His most recent dismissal occurred during a 2024–25 game against Bournemouth. But on the whole, he keeps up strong discipline, and over his career, he has received very few red cards.

15. How many awards has Kovacic received?
Mateo Kovacic has amassed an impressive collection of trophies over his career, including UEFA Super Cups and Club World Cups, as well as four UEFA Champions League titles, two Prva HNL titles, one UEFA Europa League, one Premier League title, and numerous domestic league and cup titles in Croatia, Spain, and England. He consistently achieves success at the top level, as seen by his trophy collection.

16. What connection does Kovacic have with Luka Modric?
On and off the field, Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric are quite close. They used to play together at Real Madrid and have been colleagues for Croatia's national team for more than ten years. The two Croatian midfield greats have such a close friendship that Modric is the godfather of Kovacic's son, Ivan.

17. Is Kovacic prone to injuries?
Although he has experienced some injury problems as he has aged, Mateo Kovacic is not thought to be an especially injury-prone player. His two most notable recent injuries were an ankle injury in late 2025 and an Achilles issue that necessitated surgery in 2024. He stays in decent shape most of the time, but like many athletes in their thirties, his recuperation times have gotten longer.

18. Why was Kovacic sold by Chelsea?
In 2023, as part of a larger squad reorganization, Chelsea traded Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City. Chelsea chose to accept City's £25–30 million offer because Kovacic is approaching his thirties and the team wants to reduce their average age while addressing Financial Fair Play issues. The choice has less to do with performance and more to do with strategy and finances.

19. Which vehicles is Mateo Kovacic the owner of?
Mateo Kovacic reportedly owns a number of high-end cars, such as an Audi Q7, a Mercedes GLE Coupe, and a Mercedes G63. Although his collection is little in comparison to some Premier League players who own supercars, it demonstrates his admiration for high-end German engineering and elegance.

20. Would Kovacic rejoin Chelsea or Real Madrid?
At this point in his career, a return to Real Madrid or Chelsea seems improbable. Given that he is 31 and has a contract with Manchester City through 2027, any move would probably be to a team that would allow him to play regularly. Instead of going back to his old teams, transfer rumors have connected him more to moves to Italy, Turkey, or possibly Saudi Arabia.

21. In his career, how many goals has Kovacic scored?
With very low goal totals across his career, Mateo Kovacic is not well-known for his ability to score goals. He has 97 caps and 5 goals for Croatia. His goal totals at the club level are still minimal because his main responsibilities are defensive effort, ball movement, and possession retention rather than goal attack. With six goals, the 2024–25 season was his most successful campaign.

22. What is Kovacic's jersey number?

At Manchester City, Mateo Kovacic dons the number eight jersey. Kovacic's job is ideal for this number, which is typically linked with central midfielders. Despite wearing a variety of numbers throughout his career, he has always been assigned squad numbers that accurately represent his significance in midfield.

In 2026, Mateo Kovacic is still among the Premier League's best technically proficient midfielders. He has achieved considerable financial success while keeping a relatively low profile in the public eye. His estimated net worth is between $25 and $30 million, and he earns a good wage of £150,000 a week at Manchester City.

Although Kovacic's current transfer value of about €15 million represents the inevitable depreciation that comes with age, he is still making the best contributions for both Croatia and Manchester City at the age of 31. From Dinamo Zagreb to Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and now Manchester City, his professional path exhibits constant quality and flexibility.

Kovacic's skill and experience guarantee that he will continue to play a significant role in Pep Guardiola's squad rotation as he recovers from his current ankle injury and looks ahead to the rest of the 2025–26 campaign. His reputation as one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation is already assured, regardless of whether he stays at City for the remainder of his contract or finally moves on.

Kovacic has had a career that most players can only imagine, with four Champions League wins, multiple domestic medals, and steady performances for Croatia, including an appearance in the World Cup final. He is one of the most exceptional players of his generation due to his technical prowess, professionalism, and versatility in playing for several top clubs under various tactical schemes.