Who Is Niko Kovač? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Niko Kovač was born on October 15, 1971, in Germany to Croatian parents. As of 2025, he is 53 years old. With an impressive career that spans both player and management roles, Kovač has made significant contributions to the football world. After retiring from professional football, he transitioned into management and has led various teams, including the Croatian national team and influential clubs in Europe.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1971 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | West Berlin, West Germany |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Germany |
Popularity
Niko Kovač's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches), Niko Kovač maintains a well-toned physique that reflects his athletic background. While his weight hovers around 75 kg (165 lbs), his commitment to fitness and well-being is evident through his active lifestyle. Kovač's physical condition remains vital as he continues to navigate the demanding world of football management.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Niko Kovač is in a committed relationship, although details about his boyfriend are kept relatively private. Kovač prefers to keep his romantic life out of the public eye, ensuring a balance between his professional endeavors and personal life. This approach has allowed him to focus on building a successful career while managing any media scrutiny.
His parents Mato and Ivka emigrated from SFR Yugoslavia to West Germany in 1970 as part of the gastarbeiter program. He has two younger siblings, brother Robert and sister Nikolina. Kovač is also a German national and therefore he was eligible to represent Germany, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina at international level. He opted for Croatia.
Net Worth and Salary
Niko Kovač's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million in 2025. His annual salary as a football manager is reported to be in the range of $2 million to $3 million, reflecting his experience and accomplishments in the sport. Alongside his managerial salary, Kovač has also engaged in various endorsements and speaking engagements that contribute to his overall wealth.
On 13 April 2018, Bayern Munich announced that Kovač would succeed Jupp Heynckes as head coach of the club for the 2018–19 season, with a three-year contract lasting until 30 June 2021. Kovač's brother, Robert, would follow him to Munich to be his assistant coach.
Kovač had a contract with Frankfurt until 30 June 2018 and Bayern had to pay a release clause in his contract reported to be around €2.2 million. Kovač is just the fourth former player to manage Bayern Munich after Søren Lerby, Franz Beckenbauer and Jürgen Klinsmann.
Kovač was the third Croatian to manage Bayern after Zlatko Čajkovski and Branko Zebec.
Career, Business, and Investments
Niko Kovač's football journey began as a player in the 1990s, where he represented clubs like Bayern Munich and the Croatian national team. After retiring, he embraced coaching and quickly made a name for himself in the management field with successful stints at several clubs. In addition, Kovač has expressed interest in sports-related business investments, focusing on youth programs and football academies, thereby nurturing the next generation of talent.
Born and raised in West Germany, Kovač was the long-standing captain of the Croatia national team until his retirement from international football in January 2009.
A defensive midfielder who was known for his passing and tackling skills, Kovač was, at the time of his retirement, the oldest player in the Croatian squad and had captained them at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008.
He has also enjoyed a high level of top club action, having spent most of his club career in the German Bundesliga, including spells with Hertha BSC, Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV and Bayern Munich.
Social Network
Kovač maintains a presence on various social media platforms, where he connects with fans, shares insights about football, and promotes his professional milestones. His official accounts on Instagram and Twitter serve as a window into his life, offering fans a glimpse of his day-to-day activities and thoughts regarding the sport.
Education
Niko Kovač pursued a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Sports at the University of Zagreb, which laid the groundwork for his successful career in football. His education not only equipped him with the practical knowledge of the sport but also fostered his understanding of team dynamics and management principles, proving beneficial in his coaching endeavors.
Kovač married his primary school sweetheart in 1999. They have a daughter named Laura. Kovač is a Roman Catholic. He generally lives a quiet family life, and considers a family of great value and tries to convey that to his players.
