Croatian Players' Partners: Gvardiol's Girlfriend is a Future Vet, Goalkeeper Married a Figure Skater

The ongoing World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico could mark the final major chapter for several national team leaders. Croatia has already played its first two Group L matches. After an initial 2-4 loss to England, a rematch of the legendary semi-final from Russia, they bounced back with a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama.

The final group stage match against Ghana will definitively decide their progression. While pressure mounts on the pitch ahead of this pivotal game, the players can rely on their steadfast support system. The backing from the stands will once again be incredibly important, and as always, their partners will provide the strongest encouragement. These are the women who share their greatest triumphs, help them overcome crises, and often capture attention themselves with their charm and stories.

The youngest and one of the most closely watched partners in the Croatian camp is 20-year-old Lu Mastrović, who is in a relationship with 23-year-old Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol.

Their relationship became public during the Christmas holidays, and they made their official debut in the spotlight at the tenth-anniversary celebration of the Lunilou fashion brand. This further confirms the close ties within the Croatian squad, as this brand belongs to Izabel Kovačić, the wife of Gvardiol's national and club teammate Mateo Kovačić.

Like the star center-back, Lu also hails from Zagreb. However, she's not just about looks; she's in her second year of studying demanding veterinary medicine in the capital city, and her love for animals is further evidenced by her being the proud owner of a black Bichon Frise named Chico.

Furthermore, Lu has a strong connection to elite sports. As a child, she practiced taekwondo, but her greatest passion became skiing. She even trained with a Croatian champion, and when her university schedule allows, she works as an instructor herself.

Mateo Kovačić's wife is Izabel Kovačić, whom he has known since their teenage years. Their story began in 2010 and culminated in marriage seven years later. Alongside supporting her husband's career, she has built her own, holding a degree in economics and standing behind successful projects in eco-friendly children's products and sustainable fashion.

National team captain Luka Modrić has had Vanja Bosnić by his side for nearly two decades. They met when she worked at a sports agency and married in 2010. Thanks to her economic background, she played a significant role in his transfer to Real Madrid. Today, she remains out of the limelight but continues to be one of the most important advisors in his professional life.

Josipa Perišić has been with winger Ivan Perišić since their school days in Split. Together, they have traversed the football map of Europe, from Germany through Italy and England to the Netherlands. In addition to caring for their family, she recently ventured into business, launching a brand focused on women's health.

Defender Duje Ćaleta-Car's partner is Adriana Ćaleta-Car, originally a trained lawyer. Although they've had both a civil ceremony and a grand wedding, today she is primarily known as a prominent figure in the Croatian fashion and lifestyle scene, where she is among the most influential personalities.

Marija Grbeš, wife of midfielder Mario Pašalić, has chosen a life away from the spotlight. She has been with her husband since 2014, and after their wedding, they moved to Italy, where they built a peaceful family home in Bergamo. Today, she is fully dedicated to raising their son.

The Croatian national team's number one goalkeeper, Dominik Livaković, has Helena Matić by his side, a former elite figure skater. After two decades on the ice, she pursued an academic path and now works as a creative designer. Their wedding in 2022 was one of the social events of the year.