The story of Dominik Livakovic is one of family legacy, talent, and determination. Born into a family with deep roots in Croatian society, he is the son of a prominent politician. However, his journey to becoming a great goalkeeper was inspired not by politics but by his late grandfather, a doctor and radiographer, who instilled in him the love of football. From a young age, Dominik was surrounded by the endless, selfless love of his parents and the guidance of his grandfather, who taught him valuable life lessons about humility and perseverance.
Dominik Livakovic’s Journey from Grandmother’s Apartment to Global Stage
This biography delves into the life of a goalkeeper from a prestigious football lineage, whose passion for the game was evident even in childhood, often leading to broken decorations in his grandmother’s apartment due to his enthusiastic play.
Over the years, Dominik’s dedication to football shaped him into a formidable goalkeeper known for his ability to defend against penalty shots. His skill on the field became world-renowned, especially after his stellar performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he played a huge role in dashing Brazil’s dreams of victory. Now, let’s dive into the inspiring journey of Dominik Livakovic, a footballer who has made a significant mark in the world of soccer.
Preamble:
We start Dominik Livakovic’s story by exploring significant moments from his early years. Then, we delve into how his journey as a goalkeeper began and his pursuit of sporting success. Finally, we’ll highlight the moments that catapulted the Zadar native to fame.
Our Dominik Livakovic biography covers key facts about his life, including his childhood story, parents—Manuela Skoblar (mother) and Zdravko Livaković (father), his family background, siblings, wife (Helena Livakovic), and grandparents (Vojmil Livaković and Vesna Livaković).
As you read Dominik Livakovic’s biography, we hope to engage you with his life story. To set the stage, we’ll show a gallery depicting the journey of this Croatian goalkeeper. Without a doubt, Livakovic has come a long way in his career.
How Dominik Livakovic’s Childhood Passion Led to World Cup Glory. Behold the early years and rise of Croatia’s Star Goalkeeper.
Dominik Livakovic Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he bears the nickname Livi. Dominik Livaković was born on the 9th day of January 1995 to his mother, Manuela Skoblar, and Father, Zdravko Livaković, in Zadar, Croatia.
Croatian professional footballer who appears to have no brother or sister appears to be the only child of his Mum and Dad. Now, let’s introduce you to Dominik Livakovic’s Parents. Manuela and Zdravko gave their son the riches of the world and that spirit of reverence.
Meet Dominik Livakovic’s Parents – his look-alike beautiful Mum and his wealthy Dad.
Growing-Up:
Spending his childhood years in Zadar, Dominik Livakovic received endless and unselfish love from his parents. Also, from the very beginning, his grandfather was by my side. He, who taught young Dominik a lot about life and humility, is most responsible for where he is today.
As a child, he developed humility in abundance thanks to the teachings of his granddad.
Livakovic’s Parents raised him at Belafuža. This is the part of Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, where you can always find regular fields and people playing street games and all kinds of sports.
Dominik Livakovic Early Life:
Like every child growing up in Zadar, he tried out several sports, especially basketball. It was Dominik Livakovic’s Dad who introduced him to the game of basketball.
Back then, his Father was fond of taking him to participate in the game at the new Zadar hall in Višnjik.
Did you know? It was Dominik Livakovic’s grandfather who sparked his love for football. His late grandfather, to whom he was extremely attached to, often had plenty of uninterrupted hours with him, either both playing football or having a great time together.
From the beginning, Dominik Livakovic and his grandfather were truly connected. It was Vojmil who guided his son on the right path to sporting success.
Thanks to the impact of his Dad and Granddad, Dominik became super interested in the sport.
There were very few of his friends who could match him in basketball, and he was also good at volleyball. According to a childhood friend, Domagoj Muić, Dominik was the best in three-point shooting.
The kid who grew up in a basketball town began to love the act of goalkeeping because of Iker Casillas, the Spanish and Real Madrid Legendary Stopper. As a child, Dominik also admires David De Gea, and he never forgets the day he met Gianluigi Buffon, another of his heroes.
Dominik Livakovic Family Background:
To begin with, the star goalkeeper comes from a well-known Croatian family. Dominik Livakovic’s father, Zdravko Livaković, is both a prominent politician and a construction engineer.
Dominik’s Dad (Zdravko) was Croatia’s former State Secretary in the country’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure.
Vesna Livaković, Dominik’s grandmother, who turned 85 in 2022, is a retired teacher of Latin and French. Her husband, who is Dominik Livakovic’s grandfather, is a Doctor, radiologist and football coach.
Dominik spent lots of his childhood days at his grandparents’ apartment. While Dominik was young, the summer months were mostly spent in Kaštela, where Vojmil Livaković, his granddad, was born.
Young Dominik Livakovic at his grandparents’ apartment.
The Croatian Goalkeeper’s family background depicts that he is from a well-known Zadar family. Our findings reveal that Manuela Skoblar, his Mum, is Josip Skoblar’s first cousin.
This man, Josip Skoblar, is a legendary Yugoslav national team striker. He is a man who has also achieved success as a coach of Hajduk, and he (as of today) runs a popular family tavern in Zadar, Croatia.
Dominik Livakovic Family Origin:
Both his parents – Manuela and Zdravko, are both natives of Croatia. Dominik Livakovic has only Croatian nationality, and Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city, is where his family comes from. Do you know?… Luka Modric‘s family and Josko Gvardiol‘s uncle are natives of Zadar.
This map gallery portrays Dominik Livakovic’s Family Origins.
Ethnicity:
Dominik Livakovic, like his fellow teammates Ivan Perisic and Matteo Kovacic, is a Croat and he identifies with his country’s South Slavic ethnic group. This ethnic group (composed of around 3.5 million Croatians) shares a common culture, history, language and Croatian ancestry.
Dominik Livakovic Education:
The Croatian Goalkeeper attended Šimun Kožičić Benja Elementary School. Livakovic was also a student at the primary school of Šimun Kožičić Benja.
Our findings reveal that Šime Vrsaljko, a 2018 FIFA World Cup finalist, also went to the same school.
Regarding how he was at school, results from our research say he is a good student. However, going to school was never Dominik’s priority. During his secondary school days, Livakovic enrolled for the “Vladimir Nazor” Gymnasium sports classes.
Having a Granddad who was a Doctor, a Dad who is an Engineer and a Grandmum who was a teacher, it is clear that he is from a highly educated family. Dominik Livakovic’s Parents did not force him to enrol in college in Zagreb after he completed high school.
However, our findings reveal that the Athlete did enrol to study diplomacy and international relations.
Because of the demands of his career, Dominik decided to put his study of the course asides. Hopefully, one day, he hopes to continue from where he left it. In Livakovic’s words;
My family is perhaps the least sorry that I chose the ball instead of my books. In fact, I’m sure my parents are glad that I didn’t decide to go to college – he laughed.
Career Buildup:
When he was young, Dominik Livakovic’s grandfather often spoiled him with Pizza and juice after training. Vojmil loved football very much, and when he discovered his grandson wanted to play the game for a living, he immediately burst into happiness.
Thanks to the passion Livakovic’s grandpa had for the game, it wasn’t difficult for him to drive him first to school and then to football training.
After training, both Dominik and his granddad would have a special ritual at his house. Also, pizza and orange juice would be given to him each time he came home from training.
Dominik Livakovic Biography – Football Story:
Until the age of six, the game of basketball and volleyball was played more often. Dominik decided he would become a goalkeeper after he watched a football training session which he fell in love with.
Since then, the youngster began to get fond of the habit of shooting the ball at home, which resulted in broken and scattered objects.
A very excited Dominik Livakovic practising goalkeeping in front of his family home.
The youngster started his career defending for Zadar, the club from his hometown. At that time, Dominik Livakovic was always accompanied by his beloved grandfather Vojmil, who is now unfortunately late. His Granddad often took him for training, waited for him until training was over and took him back home.
Young Dominik and his teammates trained on a big football field in Višnjik. Josip Miočić, his first coach, worked with several groups of young goalkeepers at NK Zadar.
When Livakovic turned nine, he joined the goalkeepers under the command of legendary Jakov Pinčić.
Jakov had his own methods of training goalkeepers. The field Dominik played for, back then, had a sand pit at the Bagat playground. For hours, his teammates would shoot at him, and young Dominik Livakovic learned how to suffer on the pitch.
Road to Fame Story:
In 2010, the Fast Rising Goalkeeper was promoted to the U17 youth side of his hometown club, NK Zadar. It only took Dominik Livakovic two seasons to become one of the most attractive young goalkeepers in Croatia.
On the 1st of July 2012, the youngster moved a step closer to joining the biggest club in the country (Dinamo Zagreb).
Dominik Livakovic joined NK Zagreb, a club that gave him the opportunity to showcase his talents to the biggest scouts in Croatia’s northwestern capital.
Dominik’s ever-rising talent earned him a loan move to Dinamo Zagreb on the 31st of August 2015.
Shortly after the departure of the club’s first-choice Goalkeeper, Eduardo, Zlatko Kranjcar, the short-lived Manager, activated the signing of Livakovic on the 30th of June 2016.
The Croatian Goalkeeper’s dream initially was to play in a club in Zagreb, which has much better infrastructure than Zadar. Now, he found himself in the biggest club in the country, where there is constant pressure to produce results.
Dominik Livakovic Biography – Football Story:
After so many seasons of defending hard shots, the Goalkeeper (in 2018) rose to become the club’s favourite at the goalpost. Dominik Livakovic forced his way to the 2018 FIFA World Cup selection for three reasons.
First, he (under the command of Ivaylo Petev) helped his team win the SuperSport HNL. This is the Croatian professional football league competition. Secondly, Dominik won the Croatian Cup trophy. Thirdly, he was among the UEFA Europa League Breakthrough XI.
Zlatko Dalić invited Dominik Livakovic as the third-choice goalkeeper in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He, who was largely regarded as the future of his country, played behind 32-year-old Lovre Kalinić and 38-year-old Danijel Subašić.
Post-2018 Rise:
After the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Dominik Livakovic began to work his way up to become Croatia’s number-one Goalkeeper. In that journey, he experienced the most ungrateful and significant moments like helping his club to win four consecutive league titles, two Croatian cups and one Super Cup.
A few of the trophies won with Dinamo Zagreb before the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Not many football lovers know that Dominik Livakovic was that goalkeeper who prevented Chelsea’s goals that led to the asking of Thomas Tuchel in 2022.
In that Champions League match, he kept a clean sheet that prevented Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz from finding the net.
Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Dominik consistently won the best Croatian goalkeeper for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
He also won the UEFA Europa League Squad of the 2020 /2021 Season and a host of other individual and club honours. Here is Dominik Livakovic’s performance before he got called to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Livakovic joined the heroes of 2018 (Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović, Dejan Lovren, Andrej Kramarić and Luka Modrić, etc.) who got a 2022 FIFA World Cup call.
In the round of 16 match against Karou Mitoma‘s Japan (via BBC Sports), Livaković achieved meteoric fame. He saved three penalties in the shoot-out, which helped his Croatian side read the quarter-finals.
Livaković’s heroics continued against Neymar‘s Brazil as his penalty saves eliminated the country from the World Cup and advanced Croatia to the semi-finals.
Behold the highlights of Dominik Livaković’s penalty saves, which made him 2022’s hottest goalkeeper in world football. Indeed, Serbia is blessed to have him alongside other notable goalkeepers like Djordje Petrovic. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Helena Matić – Dominik Livakovic Wife:
Behind the success of the Goalkeeper exists a lady of enamoured beauty. Helena Matić is Dominik Livakovic’s Wife, and she bears the nickname – Croatian Meghan Markle.
Now, let’s introduce you to Helena, the woman who brings the best out of Dominik.
Before getting married to Dominik, she was previously known as Helena Matić.
As her Instagram bio reveals, Helena is an industrial designer. In June 2022, just a few months before the World Cup, Dominik Livaković married Helena Matić, his girlfriend of five years. The couple got married at the famous St. Stošija Cathedral in Zadar.
The wedding ceremony of Dominik Livaković and Helena Matić.
Personal Life:
Aside from his goalkeeping heroics and saving penalty shootouts at the FIFA World Cup, a lot of people have asked;
Who is Dominik Livakovic?
First things first, the Croatian Shot Stopper has a strange Superstition which involves his own way of Sunbathing. Dominik Livakovic does this act to regulate his circadian rhythm and, of course, get Vitamin D to his body (naturally).
While some call it Sunbathing, we call it a pre-match ritual.
As stated earlier in Dominik Livakovic’s Biography, he played basketball and volleyball during childhood. We notice that playing golf appears to be another sport he is quite good at. By doing this during adulthood, it is clear that golfing is Dominik Livakovic’s hobby.
One of Liva’s hobbies is Golfing.
Lifestyle:
Helena and her husband love to create time for holidays, whether it is on water or in the desert. Dominik Livakovic sure knows the ideal holiday destinations in the world. Here, the Croat and his wife, Helena spent quality time at the Abu Dhabi Desert Safari, in the UAE.
Livi and Helena are huge fans of Dubai’s desert landscape.
Again, Dominik and his wife never forget the need to have watercraft adventures. What they term a memorable seaside holiday comes with having fun at places of scenic water beauty.
He sure knows that taking time away from his Goalkeeping job can have physical and mental health benefits.
Dominik Livakovic Car:
Before he participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Livi was known to be a fan of Audi, the German automotive manufacturer. Driving with your dog in the car is something Dominik (a huge dog fan) loves to do.
A 2018 photo of the Dinamo Zagreb Goalkeeper driving with his Dog.
Dominik Livakovic Family:
The Goalkeeper comes from a close-knit home that is rich with persons of intellectual as well as sports. Here, we’ll unveil more information about the most notable persons who positively influenced Liva’s life. Let’s begin with the head of the family.
Dominik Livakovic Father:
Zdravko, the famous Croatian politician, became the state secretary in the Ministry of Transport shortly after Božidar Kalmeta was made a minister in the Government of the Republic of Croatia. These days, he is known as the Dad to the Croatian Goalkeeping hero who made their country proud at the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup.
Dominik Livakovic’s Dad was Božidar Kalmeta’s closest political ally from the beginning of his tenure as the executive Zadar city government. Zdravko has the longest tenure as the head of construction and numerous investments. Dominik’s Dad was behind the construction of highways and the port of Gaženica, which was worth around €220 million.
Zdravko is a man who always puts his family first, even before his call to run a political office. More than a decade ago, the former state secretary for infrastructure submitted his resignation, citing family reasons. Zdravko was eager to return to Zadar, where a 15-year-old Dominik (whom this Bio is about) lives and to stay close to his sick parents.
Meet Zdravko Livakovic and his Mum, who he has always cared for.
Dominik Livakovic Mother:
Although not as famous as her husband, Manuela Skoblar is well-known for her football surname. Dominik Livakovic’s Mum is related to the legendary Yugoslav national team striker Josip Skoblar. Skoblar, born in 1941, was a former Yugoslavia Striker who scored 254 goals in his career.
From the moment a cheerful crowd welcomed the newlyweds (Livakovic and Helena) during their wedding, everyone noticed Manuela Skoblar stood out in the crowd. Dominik Livakovic’s Mum wore this white dress, which revealed her beauty and slim legs.
Manuela Skoblar chose to have this dress code and make this hairstyle for her son’s wedding, which overshadowed that of the other guests.
Dominik Livakovic’s Grandfather:
Before his eventual death, Vojmil underwent surgery for a brain haemorrhage. Dominik Livakovic’s granddad was a football mental coach, doctor, and radiologists. Vojmil also served as a former member of the board of KKK Zadar.
According to Dominik Livakovic, his great-grandfather and Joško Skoblar’s father were both brothers. For teaching him a lot about life and humility, the Goalkeeper has accepted to dedicate all his career victories and successes to Vojmil, his grandfather.
Dominik Livakovic’s Grandmother:
Her late husband, Vojimil, drove her grandson to training sessions with happiness. It was simply because Vojmil himself was so into football. Truly, words could not describe the pride Vesna Livakovic felt following her grandson’s 2022 FIFA World Cup heroics.
Throughout the knockout stage match against Japan, Dominik’s grandmum was very nervous. She walked around her apartment with her blood pressure pill. Vesna Livakovic is someone who enjoys reading every day and listening to music, which makes her relax.
Meet Vesna Livaković, Dominik’s Grandmum.
Untold Facts:
In the final phase of Dominik Livakovic’s Biography, we’ll unveil more truths about him. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Dominik Livakovic Salary:
The Croatian Goalkeeper’s contract with Dinamo Zagreb once earned him a whooping sum of £781,200 annually. When converted to Croatian currency, we have 6,868,048kn.
Comparing Liva’s salary to the average Croat:
Where Dominik Livakovic’s family comes from, the average citizen earns 121,308 kuna per month or $1,410 (Wage Centre reports). Do you know?… Such a citizen would need 56 years to make Liva’s annual earnings with Dinamo Zagreb.
Dominik Livakovic FIFA:
Like many top Shot Stoppers in the world – the likes of Mike Maignan and Nick Pope, Livi excels best in his GK Reflexes. Considering his consistent performance for both club and country (especially at the Qatar 2022), Livi, like the underrated Roman Burki, deserves an upgrade on FIFA.
As noticed here, GK Reflexes and Diving are his greatest assets.
Dominik Livakovic Religion:
The Croatian Goalkeeper joins around 86.3 per cent of his country’s population who identify with the Catholic faith of Christianity. It is a confirmed fact that Dominik Livakovic’s family attends the Zadar Cathedral, which was where he weeded Helena, his wife.
EndNote:
Nicknamed Livi, Dominik Livakovic was born in 1995 to rich parents. His mother’s name is Manuela Skoblar, and his Dad is Zdravko Livaković. Dominik Livakovic’s Dad is a famous Croatian Politician and engineer. And his Mum hails from a great football family – related to Josip Skoblar.
Livakovic was raised in Belafuža, a neighbourhood in the quiet part of Zadar, Croatia. He spent his childhood years mostly around his late Granddad, Vojmil Livaković, a man who taught him humility. Dominik’s Granddad was a doctor, radiology, and soccer coach.
Dominik Livakovic’s participation in football began at the age of six. As a kid, he was fond of playing basketball and volleyball. Livakovic’s grandfather shaped his childhood by accompanying him to training, coaching him and making him stay humble through his early career years.
Regarding the school, Dominik Livakovic attended our finding point at Šimun Kožičić Benja Elementary School. Also, regarding his education, he attended the primary school of Šimun Kožičić Benja. During his schooling years, Livi played for NK Zadar Jgd, a local club in his neighbourhood.
The Goalkeeper rose through the youth ranks of NK Zadar before earning a transfer to NK Zagreb and then to Dinamo Zagreb in 2015. As of 2022, he has 15 individual honours to his name, one Order of Duke Branimir (2018) and nine club trophies in his cabinet.
Aside from Goalkeeping and becoming his country’s hero at the FIFA World Cup, Livi also excels on a personal note. After a relationship of five years, Dominik, in June 2022, married Helena Matić in Zadar Cathedral. Helena Livaković is an Indistrial Designer.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for reading our version of Dominik Livakovic’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver the Life Stories of Croatian Football players. Likakovic’s Bio is part of our wider collection of European Football Stories.
Please reach us by placing your comment if you find anything that wasn’t written right in this memoir about Livi. Also, kindly tell us what you think about the Croatian Goalkeeper whose heroic penalty performance knocked out Brazil from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Aside from Dominik Livakovic’s Bio, we’ve got other great soccer stories that will excite you. Have you read the Life History of Nikola Vlasic and Aaron Ramsdale?
